Prague  - The Czech Republic's economy slowed down in the first quarter of 2008 to a growth of 5.3 per cent year-on-year, down from 6.3 per cent in the previous quarter, according to revised govern

Hong Kong  - Hundreds of lorry drivers marched on Hong Kong's government offices Tuesday demanding a cut in fuel duty to offset soaring diesel prices.

Tokyo  - Japan's core machinery orders rose 5.5 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms in April to 1.01 trillion yen (9.58 billion dollars), compared to the month before, the government said Tuesday

Bangkok - Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture is seeking a 100 million baht (3.1 million dollars) budget to promote Thai fruits at the Beijing Olympic Games, state media reported on Sunday.

Beijing  - China's rising grain demand is poised to exacerbate the global food crisis over the next years.

Madrid - Protests against high fuel prices spread Friday in Spain, where independent fr