Ex-President George W. Bush jokes about dog walking, discusses financial crisisBOAO, China — Former President George W. Bush cracked jokes about how he scoops up after his dog on neighborhood walks and then turned to more serious subjects like terrorism and the financial crisis Saturday during his first overseas trip since leaving office. Negotiator: Taiwan to discuss partial free trade agreement with ChinaTAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan will discuss a partial free trade agreement with China and sign pacts to enhance economic cooperation during high-level talks in late April, negotiators said Saturday. US envoy: Pakistan aid surpassed expectations but more needed to fight terrorismUS envoy: Pakistan aid beats hopes but more needed TOKYO — A day after international donors pledged more than $5 billion to Pakistan, U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke said Saturday that the aid exceeded expectations but far more is needed to strengthen the country’s economy and fight terrorism. Malaysian leader slams opposition for triggering another by-election amid economic slumpMalaysian leader says by-elections drain resources KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia’s prime minister slammed the opposition Saturday after one of its lawmakers resigned, triggering another by-election that Najib Razak said was costly as the country grapples with the global economic slump. China’s premier says stimulus working, Chinese economy is better than expectedChina’s premier says economy better than expected BOAO, China — China’s Premier Wen Jiabao said Saturday that the country’s stimulus package is working and the economy is “better than expected.” China’s premier says economy is better than expectedChina’s premier sees positive changes in economy BOAO, China — China’s Premier Wen Jiabao says the country’s stimulus package is starting to pay off and positive changes have taken place in the economy. Vietnam announces stimulus plan to help farmers affected by global economic downturnVietnam announces stimulus plan to help farmers HANOI, Vietnam — Vietnam has announced an economic stimulus plan to help farmers who are among those worst affected by the global recession, the government said Saturday. |