China Newswire

Qatar Airways To Fund Rebuilding Efforts In Earthquake - Hit Sichuan Province

englisheditor — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:56:55 +0000

Airline To Build New Schools For 1,500 Children To Support China Youth Development Foundation's Project Hope

Beijing, China (June 20, 2008) /China Newswire/ — Qatar Airways will fund two schools to educate children affected by the recent earthquake in Sichuan province, which caused massive devastation and loss of life. At a signing ceremony held at the offices of China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) in the Chinese capital of Beijing today, Qatar Airways formally committed funds towards the project.

The undisclosed donation to CYDF's Project Hope will facilitate the building of new education facilities that will accommodate up to 500 children, whose schools were destroyed in last month's earthquake. The donation will also support the erection of prefabricated buildings to be used as temporary classrooms (will accommodate up to 1000 children) while the permanent school is constructed, said by Ms. Gu Xiaojin, the Executive Chairman of CYDF.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, deeply touched by the level of destruction caused by the quake, approached CYDF with an offer to provide financial support for the affected children.

"The devastation in Sichuan province has occurred on a massive scale," he said. "It was a terrible tragedy and many thousands of people lost their lives. But the survivors are also affected, as whole towns and villages were completely destroyed and people now have to re-build their lives from nothing.

"Over 7,000 classrooms were destroyed as a result of the earthquake, leaving those children who survived with nowhere to learn. We decided the best way the airline could help with the rebuilding efforts was to fund the construction of a school for children who have been left stranded," added Al Baker.

"We can offer hope to those children who are in desperate need. Education is their key to the future and it is our responsibility as compassionate humanitarians to do what we can to help."

Qatar Airways Senior Manager Commercial Operations East Asia & South West Pacific Marwan Koleilat and Qatar Airways Regional Manager Greater China Paul Johannes attended the ceremony held to recognise the airline's efforts. Koleilat spoke of Qatar Airways' pledge to help the needy as part the airline's social responsibility role.

"We are committed to the rebuilding process taking place in Sichuan Province. I hope that this gesture will change the lives for the better, as many children have been affected by the devastation, "said Koleilat.

The State of Qatar and People's Republic of China are celebrating 20 years of diplomatic relations in 2008. Warm bilateral ties between the two nations have seen increases in trade and industry in recent years.

Qatar Airways currently operates 21 scheduled flights a week from its hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, to China. The capital Beijing is served four times a week; Shanghai five weekly; Hong Kong daily; and Guangzhou with five flights a week.

In March the airline launched services to the southern industrial port city of Guangzhou. CEO Akbar Al Baker led a delegation on a tour of China, where he officially opened Qatar Airways' new sales and reservations offices in Beijing, Shanghai as well as Guangzhou, rounding off launch activities in Guangzhou, where he briefed a packed press conference on the airline's development in China.

Qatar Airways is one of an elite group of carriers with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry research company. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways' cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fifth year running in 2007 following a survey of more than 15 million passengers. During the 2007/08 financial year, Qatar Airways expects to have carried around 10 million passengers worldwide. For more information, log onto www.qatarairways.com

Qatar Airways will operate a fleet of 110 aircraft by 2013 – almost double the existing size. During 2007, Qatar Airways ordered 80 Airbus A350s, together with 60 Boeing 787s and 32 Boeing 777s. The airline has ordered five of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos' for delivery from 2010. Qatar Airways moves to the New Doha International Airport in 2010, when the first phase of the new facility opens. For more information, visit www.ndiaproject.com

The China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF), a non-governmental and non-profit organisation, was founded in Beijing in March 1989. The CYDF has devoted itself to the well-being and development of Chinese youth, primarily with regards to education, science and technology, culture, physical education, health, and environmental protection.

The CDYF's main programme, Project Hope, seeks to help China's poverty-stricken rural children continue their schooling. Project Hope has been involved in the building of over 3,000 schools since it was established.

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Qatar Airways | Fund Rebuilding Efforts In Earthquake

United Airlines Flies Inaugural Group of Chinese Leisure Travelers to the United States

englisheditor — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:29:54 +0000

Travelers part of newly established Approved Destination Status program

Beijing, China (June 19, 2008) /China Newswire/ — United Airlines, the world's largest trans-Pacific carrier, helped make history today when the airline flew the inaugural groups participating in the Approved Destination Status (ADS) program from China to the United States. United facilitated flight arrangements for groups departing from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to the U.S. after the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to open up the group leisure travel market last year.

Each group comprised of around 80 people, with China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Chairman, Shao Qiwei, leading the inaugural PRC tour group on United's Capital-to-Capital service from Beijing to Washington, D.C. today.

"United Airlines is proud to be part of this historic occasion and views today as yet another step in our on-going effort to connect the cultures and commerce of China and the U.S," said Sidney Kwok, director, People's Republic of China, United Airlines. "2008 has been an eventful year for United in China, and we look forward to one of most exciting and eagerly anticipated summers ever with the Summer Olympic Games in August."

On December 11, 2007, during the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Beijing, CNTA and the U.S. Department of Commerce signed The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United States of America to Facilitate Outbound Tourist Group Travel from China to the United States. Under the MOU, PRC travel agents will be able to work with U.S. companies to organize and market packaged group holidays to the U.S. In addition, U.S. travel and tourism authorities will be able to market their states and individual destinations in China.

"United is proud to be able to provide more service between China and the U.S. than any other U.S. carrier with a total of five daily nonstop flights departing Beijing and Shanghai each day," Kwok continued. "We will continue to invest in this market by providing the best available products and enhancing our services."

2008 has been a very busy year for United. In March, United moved into Beijing Terminal 3 to remain close to its Star Alliance codeshare partner, Air China. Similarly, in April, the airline moved into Shanghai Pudong Airport'sTerminal Two along with Star Alliance partner, Shanghai Airlines.

Following the tragic earthquake in Sichuan, the airline called upon its customers and employees for donations and has successfully raised more than US$1.3 million in cash donations for earthquake relief. United gave 500 bonus miles to Mileage Plus customer that donated US$50 or more to the American Red Cross through united.com up to 5 million frequent flyer miles. United's charity Foundation also matched employee contributions.

Later this year, United will provide travel to the US Olympic team for U.S. athletes to compete at the summer Olympic Games. United has provided air travel for America's Olympic-hopeful athletes to training events, international and national competitions, as well as to the world's biggest sporting events, since 1980.

About United
United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates more than 3,200* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 965 destinations in 162 countries worldwide. United's 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.

*Based on United's flight schedule between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2008.

About United in China
United Airlines, the world's largest transpacific airline, celebrates more than 20 years of flying to the Asia Pacific region. Commencing service to China in 1986, United was the first U.S. carrier to launch nonstop services between China and the U.S. United currently offers five daily transpacific flights between mainland China and the U.S. with easy connections to more than 160 cities in the U.S.

United's China services include daily nonstop flights from Beijing to Washington D.C., Chicago and San Francisco, from Shanghai to Chicago and San Francisco. In 2007, United carried almost a million passengers between China and the U.S.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Ogilvy Public Relations Beijing
Contact: Shawn Huang
Tel: 86-10-85206539
Email: shawn.huang@ogilvy.com

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United Airlines | Approved Destination Status program

Interstore Shanghai - Official Opening

englisheditor — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 06:45:04 +0000

Shanghai, China (November 26, 2007) /China Newswire/ — FC Internazionale's flagship store in China will be officially inaugurated during a press conference to take place at the 21st Century Sports City shopping center in Shanghai on Friday 30 November 2007.

The Italian Serie A champions will be represented at the inauguration ceremony by the club's vice president Angelomario Moratti, CEO and managing director Ernesto Paolillo, commercial director Katia Bassi and a member of Roberto Mancini's first team.

Interstore Shanghai
One hundred square metres of black and blue at the heart of Shanghai in China, a nation where Inter are consistently voted the most loved European football team.

Fans and football enthusiasts can now purchase official club merchandise and share their passion for Inter at the brand new Interstore in China's economic hub.

The eye-catching store, with its two huge display windows facing directly onto the street and Inter's centenary 'Biscione' logo on a large poster, is located within the 21st Century Sports City in Shanghai's busy Sichuan Road North shopping area.

Open seven days a week from ten in the morning until ten in the evening, Interstore Shanghai offers a full range of official Inter products, from replica shirts and leisurewear to balls, bags and gadgets.

Interstore Shanghai, where shopping becomes an interactive experience, is more than just a merchandising outlet. With changing rooms and benches similar to those at the world-famous San Siro Stadium, a free internet cafè, and a permanent exhibition of photos depicting Inter's long history, the aim has been to recreate an authentic atmosphere and a meeting place for Inter fans in what is fast becoming one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities.
Inter in China

Inter became the first western football club to promote the development of Chinese football back in 1978 the club replied to an invitation from the National Sports Bureau, sending a delegation of coaches to provide technical support to Su Yongshen's national team.

The club has maintained strong links with China ever since, particularly in recent years with initiatives such as the founding of an Inter Campus in Qingdao, summer friendlies against China Super League sides and the national Olympics team, Serie A fixtures played with the Pirelli logo on Inter's shirts in Chinese characters, and the launch of an official Mandarin Chinese channel of the official website www.inter.it.

Interstore Shanghai is the latest of a series of initiatives planned for the future as part of Inter's global brand development project.

Plans include the introduction of a range of products tailored for the local market, the opening of more merchandising outlets around China, mailing order and e-commerce initiatives, and the development of Chinese football at grassroots level through the opening of Inter-branded soccer schools.

INTERNET LINKS

http://www.inter.it

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Interstore Shanghai | FC Internazionale's Flagship Store | Official Opening

Chicago Improv All-Stars To Rock Shanghai In December

englisheditor — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:35:15 +0000

Shanghai, China (November 16, 2007) /China Newswire/ — Music and comedy improvisation troupe from Chicago to leave audiences in stitches in Shanghai

Chicago based improvisational comedy troupe the Chicago Improv All-Stars, presented by premiere musical improvisation theatre company Baby Wants Candy and ChopSchticks, will bring bust-your-guts hilarity to Henry’s Brewery & Grill on Sichuan Lu in Shanghai on Thursday Dec 6th and Friday Dec 7th.

Founded in Chicago in 1997, the Improv All-Stars have performed over 1,400 completely improvised shows, mostly centered around a musical element, to sold-out crowds from Singapore to Edinburgh.

The troupe has gotten FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and has become a talent pool of some of the nation's strongest musical and comedic talent and has featured performers like Stephanie Weir and Nicole Parker (MadTV), Rachel Dratch and Jack McBrayer (30 Rock), Al Samuels and Kevin Fleming (Sports Action Team) and Peter Gwinn (Colbert Report).

The Improv All-Stars' on-the-spot improvised comedic and musical sketches have won it critical praise from around the globe:

TimeOut New York has awarded the show the Best Visiting Comedy Show.

The Scotsman crooned: "They are an entertainment phenomenon and I am in awe of their talent."

The Chicago Sun times calls them "consistently funny and crowd pleasing"

Buzzfocus.com wrote: "This gathering of comedic geniuses is the one improv show you want to see before you die."

Improvisers Joshua Funk, Nyima Funk, Al Samuels and Niki Lindgren will perform in Beijing.

CAST BIOS

Joshua Funk is currently an actor on MTV's Wild n' Out with Nick Cannon and a member of improvisational super-group Baby Wants Candy, with whom he's toured all over the world – from Singapore to Edinburgh. He received his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan and shortly after became one of the founding members of The Second City Detroit touring company. He won The Joseph Jefferson Awards for "Best Director" for Holy War Batman, and "Best Production" for Pants On Fire.

Nyima Funk is a performer on NBC's Thank God You're Here and MTV's Wild 'N Out with Nick Cannon. She regularly performs in Los Angeles with Baby Wants Candy's Los Angeles branch, and is an Alumnus of The Second City Chicago Mainstage.

Niki Lindgren is of Chinese descent and is a member of Baby Wants Candy and the e.t.c. Stage at The Second City. Niki has appeared on ER and co-stars on the NBC Comedy Sports Action Team with Albert Samuels.

Albert Samuels is returning to Asia for his fifth comedy tour. He is a founding member of Baby Wants Candy, and currently stars on the NBC comedy Sports Action Team, which he co-created. After business school, Samuels founded Spark Creative to bring creative skills and entertainment to corporations around the world. He performed with the Second City Touring Company and Second City Mainstage, where he co-wrote and performed in the revues Thank Heaven it Wasn't 7/11 and No, Seriously, We're All Gonna Die. He also appeared in the Will Ferrell film Stranger than Fiction.

When: Two great shows–each show is unique!
Thu, Dec 6th at 8:00pm
Fri, Dec 7th at 8:00pm

Where: Henry's Brewery & Grill
No.33 Middle SiChuan Rd. 1/F

How: Tickets 220RMB in advance (up to Tue, Dec 4th), 280RMB at the door

INTERNET LINKS

http://www.henrysbrew.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

Richard Robinson
+86 1391 021 9777
richard@thecomedytour.com

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Henry's Brewery & Grill | Music and Comedy | Chicago Improv All-Stars |