pharmaceutical industry

China plans to open new manufacturing facilities in Kazakhstan, including plants producing robots, cars and pharmaceuticals. The projects deepen economic and industrial cooperation between the two neighbours and fit Kazakhstan's push to attract foreign investment and diversify its economy beyond raw materials. The announcement is drawing attention across regional media as a sign of expanding Chinese industrial presence in Central Asia.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the Japanese maker at the center of a supplement contamination scandal linked to suspected deaths, is reportedly considering a buyout offer worth more than ¥500 billion. The move would mark a major development for a company whose reputation and finances were badly damaged by the scandal, and market watchers are closely following what a takeover could mean for its future.