This translates into an 87 percent cure rate, which,for the first time, exceeds the 85 percent global target set in 1991.

VOA: standard.2009.12.09

At this rate, car sales in China are expected to overtake the United States for the first time this year.

VOA: standard.2009.09.28

But the unemployment rate has also topped double digits for the first time in 26 years.

VOA: standard.2009.12.15

And this year, for the first time since 1991, that rate is on the rise.

VOA: standard.2010.05.12

However,he acknowledged that the unemployment rate is the highest it has been in 25 years, and he said it will take time for the economy to turn around.

VOA: standard.2009.05.09