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Booming service industries can be a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation for developing Asia, but the sector’s true potential remains blocked by restrictions and red tape, a new ADB report shows. “A slew of regulations restrict competition and hamper development of the services sector, affecting everything from the corner shop to mobile telephones,” said Changyong Rhee, ADB’s Chief Economist. “These barriers need to be dismantled so that everyone, particularly the region’s poor, can seize the opportunities of growth.” Services now account for almost half of developing Asia’s output, ADB says in the theme chapter of Asian Development Outlook 2012 Update. The sector contributed about two-thirds of the growth recorded in India between 2000 and 2010, and more than 40% in the People’s Republic of China. Services have also been a massive source of jobs, employing 34% of the region’s workers, and thus furthering inclusive growth.   Notwithstanding their large and growing q...

How many species live on Earth? The answer to this question probably resides in the study of biodiversity hotspots. Six years after the Santo expedition in Vanuatu, and 2 years after the Mozambique-Madagascar expedition, scientists are once again embarking on a voyage of discovery to learn about our planet's biodiversity. Led by France's National Museum of Natural History, Pro-Natura International and the French Institut de recherche pour le developpement (IRD), the expedition team will spend 3 months exploring Papua New Guinea , beginning in October 2012. From the Bismarck Sea to the slopes of Mount Wilhelm, the Papua New Guinea expedition will see off nearly 200 researchers, students and volunteers. Land expedition: the objective is to gather new data on plant and animal species distribution in the Mount Wilhelm's forests, from sea level to the tree line (altitude of about 4,000 metres). Marine expedition: the objective is to document the specific composition o...

USAgreencardlottery.org ( http://www.usagreencardlottery.org ) announces the start of the U.S. 2014 DV Lottery (also known as the Green Card Lottery) program. Applicants must hurry over to the website to not miss out on the opportunity for their chance to win a Green Card!  The multi-language website simplifies the process and makes sure applicants meet the requirements and submit entries without mistakes. Be aware that the entries submitted with mistakes will automatically be disqualified. The U.S. Government will only accept applications for a limited time, a 30-day period so do not delay. Every year, the United States Government allocates 55,000 Green Cards for people all over the world. The family-based visa can only be attained through sponsorship from a U.S. citizen family member, while the employment-based visa, only through a U.S. citizen employer. The problem with those two options is that the process can be lengthy and complicated. The Green Card Lottery is a per...