Biz Briefs

Japan's trade deficit narrowed in August as a fall in imports lowered the country's energy bill for the month. The shortfall between imports and exports shrank to 948.5 billion yen ($8.7 billion; £5.4 billion) 2.4% lower than in July.

The country's imports fell by 1.5% in August from the year before, as the country bought less crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Japan's energy bill has been the main reason for its ballooning trade deficit since 2011.

In March of that year, the twin disasters of an earthquake and a tsunami led to meltdowns at a nuclear plant in Fukushima. - BBC

Workshop on FIDIC contracts

The Association of Consulting Engineers, Sri Lanka (ACESL) will conduct a two-day FIDIC contracts workshops, the first on practical use of FIDIC conditions of contracts providing contractual know-how for working on today’s international projects and the second on management of claims, dispute resolution, dispute boards and adjudication under FIDIC contracts for the construction industry from tomorrow to Friday at the Waters Edge, Battaramulla.

Seminar on cyber crime

A seminar on how to protect your information system from cyber attacks on the theme 'Cyber crimes - a new threat to your corporate environment' will be held on Thursday from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm at the National Chamber Auditorium, D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10.

The event will be hosted by National Chamber of Commerce with Sri Lanka (CERT-CC) Computer Emergency Readiness Team and Coordination Centre (the Competent Authority to monitor cyber security in Sri Lanka).

CERT-CC, CEO Lal Dias and Senior Information Security Eng. Roshan Chandraguptha will be the resource persons.

Rouble hits new low

Russian authorities urged people not to panic on Tuesday as the rouble fell to a new all-time low against the US dollar amid concerns about the effect of sanctions on the country's economy.

The rouble fell about 1% to 38.71 per dollar, the weakest it has been since the currency was restructured in 1998. Last week, the US and Europe introduced further sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine. "Don't panic," said Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseyev. Ordinary Russians are concerned the fall in the rouble could drive up the already high rate of inflation.

Abans introduces eco-friendly LG solar panels

People who have installed LG Mono X Neon Solar Systems have recorded exceptional performance with energy savings.

LG Mono X Neon Solar Systems are one of the most efficient, technologically advanced solar panels in the world recording high output by minimising power generation losses, a company spokesman said.

The energy crisis and high cost of electricity provides a good reason for switching to solar energy conversion to electricity, with eco-friendly solar energy systems and in the process help to preserve our fossil fuel resources.

CIOB signs MoU with BCA Singapore

The Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB), the premier body of the building profession in Sri Lanka, recently signed an MoU with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore, a statutory body under the Building and Construction Authority Act of Singapore, to promote and develop the green built environment in Sri Lanka.

Balea cosmetics launched

The German brand of cosmetics Balea is now available in Sri Lanka. The exchange of an MoU between Rovelta Agencies the distributor for Balea in Sri Lanka and the importer Manuka Cosmetics took place at the product launch in Colombo recently. The Chief Operating Officer of Rovelta Agencies, Mrs. Shorna Fernando (on left) and Director, Manuka Cosmetics, Mrs. Reeni Perera exchange the MoU.