Merkel visits China to talk trade

German Chancellor Angela Merkel heads to China today with a United States-prompted headache threatening to hurt German interests. China's pledge to buy more American goods as part of a deal to avert a trade war with the US puts Germany on the spot. As China's biggest European trading partner, with a total volume of some US$179 billion (S$240 billion) last year, Germany is first in line to suffer the impact of any reduction in business.

Singapore Book Fair starts tomorrow

The 33rd edition of the Singapore Book Fair opens tomorrow in the heart of the Civic District at Capitol Singapore and Chijmes. The annual fair, which runs until May 31 with the theme "Reading City", will feature more than 30 publishers and include book sharing sessions and performances.

ACCA holds annual conference

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) annual conference will be held today at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, with the focus on Asean.

Guest of honour Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, will be speaking on opportunities and initiatives that Asean has for the business community.