Examines the political crisis and bloody insurgency by Maoist rebels in Nepal. More than 4,000 people have died in the conflicts since 1996. It is reported that many atrocities are committed both by the Nepal's defence forces and the rebels. This has aggravated Nepal's economic troubles, damaging its tourist trade and scaring away investors. Explores the opportunities for China's local software companies and the problems they have to tackle. Of the top ten software companies in China, eight are foreign companies and only two are Mainland companies. However, Zhu Bangfu (Chief Executive Officer, Redflag Chinese 2000 Software Company Ltd. ) is optimistic about future business opportunities for locally produced software.