Ritika SHARMA / EMIRATES BUSINESS Today, people rely more and more on the Internet than they would have ever imagined. One is constantly reaching out to search engines and apps for day-to-day activities. In such a ubiquitous environment, one always wondered whether mundane services like plumbing, facilities management, landscaping can also be available online in a secure and convenient manner. …

Beijing / AP China’s top planner tried to reassure foreign companies they are welcome in its slowing, state-dominated economy in a speech on Sunday aimed at dispelling growing anxiety Beijing is squeezing them out of promising industries. Speaking to an audience that included executives of top global companies at a government-organized conference, Xu Shaoshi pledged to “promote two-way opening up …

Astana / Bloomberg Kazakhs are going to the polls in early parliamentary elections called after President Nursultan Nazarbayev warned of a “real crisis” facing the Central Asian nation because of the slump in oil prices. Six parties are competing for 98 elected seats in the 107-member parliament, which also has nine appointed delegates. Voting on Sunday begins at 7 a.m. …