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Trump arrived in Japan on Saturday for a largely ceremonial state visit meant to showcase strong ties even though trade relations are problematical. In the evening, the Tokyo Sky Tree tower was lit up red, white and blue in Trump’s honor. Shortly after arriving at the airport to a red-carpet welcome, Trump attended a reception at the residence of U.S. Ambassador William Hagerty that the White House said included Japanese business executives from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, SoftBank and Rakuten. Trump told the company officials there had never been a better time to invest in the United States and repeated a complaint that the Federal Reserve’s policies had kept U.S. economic growth from reaching its full potential. With trade talks ongoing, Trump also got in a dig at Japan and said he wanted a deal to address the trade imbalance between the two countries. "Japan has had a substantial edge for many, many years, but that’s OK, maybe that’s why you like us so much," he … [Read more...] about Trump urges greater Japanese investment in US, criticizes trade advantage

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring. (AFP/JOSE JORDAN) Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ventured up for a final corner at Mestalla and it was his header that caused panic in the Valencia box, before the ball fell perfectly for Benzema to strike in the 95th minute. Valencia looked set for an impressive victory after Carlos Soler had put them ahead in the second half but both sides had to settle for a point at the end of a compelling contest between two of the league's form teams. It means Barcelona remain top of the table but in front of Madrid only on goal difference, after they were also held to a 2-2 draw away at Real Sociedad on Saturday. Madrid were celebrating at the final whistle but the result completes a strong week for Valencia, who won away at Ajax on Tuesday to go through as group winners to the Champions League last 16. They stay eighth, now three points adrift of the top four. Real Madrid have been on a good run too, now 10 matches unbeaten to crank … [Read more...] about Benzema salvages Madrid draw with Clasico looming

Fuel price stabilisation fund helps the central government manage domestic fuel price in a foreseeable future. The new Government Decree 83, which oversees regulations on fuel trading in the country, will continue to sanction the controversial fund. Fuel traders and transport companies have argued that the fund, which is funded by fuel consumers for the most part and therefore effectively adds to fuel price, delivers little to no benefits for traders and consumers alike. In addition, it also creates a gap between the domestic price for fuel and that of the international market which may encourage certain fraudulent activities and cross-border smuggling. The Government, however, has always maintained that the fund serves as a tool to manage domestic fuel price and is a necessity to make sure the interests of consumers and businesses are protected. The fund is part of an effort to keep fuel price in line with market mechanisms under the State management and help control inflation and … [Read more...] about VN to continue support for fuel price fund