Business news for Mon, 17 Dec 2007 & with word launches. 5 news.

SHANGHAIMART and Dubai-based leading regional online marketplace Tejari announced yesterday they will launch a portal in February next year to facilitate trade between China and the Middle East. Tian Hao, general manager of ShanghaiMart exhibition center, expects the new platform would help its members easily find buyers in the Middle East. China has become a major exporter to Dubai, the gateway to the region, of products including textiles, furniture and toys. "The portfolio of ShanghaiMart matches pretty well with the import portfolio of the Mideast," said Omar Hijazi, Tejari's chief executive.

The Conference Board today announced the launch of its new Employer-Practices Locator, a web-based database that enables employers, reporters, and researchers to locate examples of specific actions companies have taken to address the challenges presented by the mature workforce. The Locator is part of a multifaceted program by The Conference Board on issues surrounding the aging workforce.

Mobile video provider mywaves today launches a new version of its free service with a heavy emphasis on social networking features. The new options will let users set up profile pages, share video recommendations with friends, and post lists of favorites, among other capabilities.

Two years ago, Patrick Cuartero and pal Weber Hsu left good jobs at Merrill Lynch to create YoYo Nation, a Web-based retail business that specializes in the classic spinning toys.