Socceroos help spread Aussie influence in Asia
CANBERRA: Buoyed by its World Cup qualification, Australia is looking at using soccer to push its foreign policy and win acceptance in Asia.
A study this week suggested the game - rocketing in popularity in Asia and Australia - could open important new doors, develop links in trade and politics, turn public opinion Australia’s way and even assist in the fight against HIV/Aids.
The Lowy Institute think-tank based its report on a seminar last month drawing together specialists on soccer, foreign policy commentators and regional affairs.
More: nzherald.co.nz
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The finals of the tournament take place in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in July next year and the Socceroos should be warm favourites to make it that far.
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UTI Bank unrolls Asia spread
UTI Bank is rushing to spread wings in Asia.
P J Nayak, chairman and managing director of the bank, said a branch has already been opened in Singapore. We have also received a licence for representative office in Shanghai, he said.
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Nayak said the bank is also going to Hong Kong and has made an application for a branch in Sri Lanka.
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