'I don't care if the new Thai NPL (non-performing loan) standards are the same as that followed in Hong Kong . . . if delinquent but still hard-pressed borrowers get short lucky breaks - probably some small bailout money from mums to repay loans - should they all be taken off the NPL lists?' Thailand's central bank policy department director Kiatchai Sophastienphong.
'It is the litmus test. Either Vietnam confirms its potential as a serious player in the regional oil, gas and power industry or it spirals into irrelevance.' A diplomat on a deal involving BP, Statoil of Norway and the Natural Gas Corp of India to explore a field of the Vietnam coast.
'We are going to get married [to Korea First Bank] and it will be a perfect and respectable marriage.' US investment firm Newbridge Capital managing director Weijian Shan.
'I do buy things that I need, although I spend more time choosing what I buy. I have worries about what's going on in the economy, but I cannot repress my appetite for shopping forever.' Japanese sales clerk Masako Oshima.
'More than 40 million people in the region have been pushed back in to absolute poverty, reversing much of the gains in poverty alleviation.' Philippines President Joseph Estrada.
'The results show Boeing is emerging from the turbulence. We have both hands firmly on the controls.' Boeing chief financial offer Debby Hopkins on her company's unexpectedly good first-quarter results.
