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NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City tourism officials have reached a deal with the Chinese government to join a select group of American destinations with permission to promote themselves in the Communist nation. Under the agreement, the city will not be able to advertise directly to Chinese citizens, but will hire industry representatives to work with local travel agencies and other providers, George Fertitta, CEO of the city's tourism office, said in advance of a formal announcement scheduled f...

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Payless ShoeSource Inc. will become the exclusive U.S. seller of Dexter brand shoes, adding a big piece to Payless' strategy of distancing itself from its bargain-bin shoe past, the companies said Tuesday. Formerly found at retailers such as Kohl's Corp. and J.C. Penney Co., the 50-year-old brand will begin appearing in Payless' 4,600 stores in a limited men's line this Christmas. A full line of men's and women's casual and dress shoes will go on sale next year, Payl...

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- All five members of the Securities and Exchange Commission are being asked by Congress to defend the watchdog agency against accusations that it may be tilting toward business interests and away from investors. A hearing Tuesday by the House Financial Services Committee, under Democratic Chairman Barney Frank of Massachusetts, marks the first time in more than a decade that all SEC commissioners have been called to testify together. Business interests have been pressing fo...

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SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea lifted a suspension on imports of American beef from two U.S. meat companies Tuesday after the U.S. confirmed that three shipments meant for domestic consumption were exported by mistake, officials said.

South Korea shut its doors to American beef in December 2003 after an outbreak of mad cow disease in the U.S. It partially reopened its market last year, but agreed to accept only boneless meat from cattle under 30 months old, which are thought to be less at risk of carrying the illness.

Seoul in late May and early June suspended imports from six facilities of two U.S. meat companies: Minneapolis, Minn.-based Cargill Inc. and Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. for exporting beef that was intended for U.S. domestic consumption.

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