Chinese Premier says country cannot grow in isolation

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said the country cannot grow in an isolated way, and it will look to develop global and domestic growth.

He added that more open economic and trade policies would help it and the wider world.

Premier Wen said that he was confident the US and Europe would fully recover from their current economic problems.

Australian PM Julia Gillard presents carbon tax bill

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has presented her bill for a controversial carbon tax to parliament.

The legislation would force about 500 of the biggest polluters to pay for each tonne of carbon dioxide they emit.

The tax is central to the government's strategy to combat climate change, but the opposition say it will cause job losses and raise the cost of living.

Rugby World Cup 'to boost New Zealand by $1.2bn'

The Rugby World Cup will boost New Zealand's economy by as much as $1.2bn (£756m) in the long run, according to a report by MasterCard.

It said it expected rugby-related spending by overseas visitors to total $654m during the event.

New Zealand's economy will also benefit from increased business activity and tourism, the report said.

London to 'develop as Chinese yuan trading hub'

China and the UK are to develop an offshore trading hub for the yuan based in London.

UK Chancellor George Osborne confirmed the agreement after meeting with Chinese vice-premier Wang Qishan in the UK.

"We agreed to collaborate on the development of renminbi-denominated financial products and services in London," he said.

China rich list topped by construction magnate

A former weapons plant manager has topped an annual list of China's richest people.

Liang Wengen, 55, chairman of construction firm Sany was at the summit of the Hurun Rich List, with a doubling of the company's share price sending his fortune to $11bn (£7bn).

The number of US-dollar billionaires increased to 271 this year, up from 189 in 2010.

Indian PM Manmohan Singh in 'historic' Bangladesh trip

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has begun a visit to Bangladesh during which he is expected to sign major border security and trade deals.

It is the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 12 years and is being seen as a landmark in relations.

Correspondents say the two-day trip is partly aimed at countering growing Chinese influence in the region.

China manufacturing sees first expansion in four months

Manufacturing activity in China expanded for the first time in four months despite concerns of a slowdown in its key markets.

China's Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 50.9 in August from 50.7 the previous month, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) said.