POLITICAL FACTOR: Now that the legislative elections are over, the housing market seems to be rebounding, and a leading firm is predicting a full recovery for the industry
By Lisa Wang
Sales in the housing market roared to a record high last month due to seasonal factors and regained momentum with the easing in political unrest, real estate agents said.

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BUSINESS AS USUAL: The good news for operators is that holidaymakers are still picking Asian destinations, though tsunami victims are crying out for more custom
Thailand and Sri Lanka have been scarred, but tourism in Asia remains largely unhurt by the tsunami disaster despite the massive devastation of coastal areas, industry experts and operators said.

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The Executive Yuan is eyeing the tiny islet of Wuchiu -- located between Matsu and Kinmen -- as a possible new tourist attraction, as well as a religious site for followers of the goddess Matsu.

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The Cabinet is planning to sell NT$32.1 billion (US$1 billion) in shares this year to help cut a record budget deficit, said an official from the Development Fund (開發基金), which manages the shares.

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The Bank of Beijing (北京銀行) said it is in talks with overseas financial institutions that may result in at last two foreign banks taking a combined 24.98 percent stake in the 16th biggest of China's city commercial lenders.

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EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION: If your account is full after your return to work after a holiday, follow Mary Branscombe's tips on how to stay on top of e-mail overload
How many e-mails did you have to plough through when you got back to work this year?

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