Stories for February 12th 2008
Bush optimistic about the US economy; 2.7% growth in 2008
President George Bush said the fundamentals of the U.S. economy are strong, but admitted the country is going through a period of economic uncertainty. However Bush underlined that the 152 billion US dollars stimulus package he will sign into law Wednesday will provide a much needed boost.
Argentina's agro-business contributes with 44% tax revenue
Of every ten pesos of tax revenue collected by the Argentine Treasury, 4.4 pesos originate in the country's agro-business. Fiscal pressure on Argentina's primary production, (cereals, oil seed, meats) plus the industrialization process is in the range of 32%, ten points higher than for the rest of the economy, reports Buenos Aires daily La Nacion.
Global stock market losses in Jan reach 5.2 trillion US dollars
Fears of a global slowdown triggered by US housing market problems wiped 5.2 trillion US dollars off global stock markets in January, analysts estimate. According to ratings firm Standard and Poor's, 50 out of 52 share indexes around the world ended the month lower. (5.2 trillion is equivalent to two GDP of France).
Argentina announces building of second high speed train
A second high speed train for Argentina was announced last week by President Cristiana Fernandez de Kirchner. Three consortia submitted bids to build the Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata high-speed link.
Spain summons UK ambassador over Gibraltar oil spill
Spain summoned British ambassador to Madrid Denise Holt to protest an oil spill off Gibraltar that has polluted Spanish beaches, Environment Minister Cristina Narbona said Monday in the southern city of Seville.
Controversial ruling of QM2 walkway accident that killed 16
Civil claimants in the Queen Mary 2 walkway trial reacted furiously on Monday after a Saint Nazaire French court acquitted eight individual defendants accused of a share of responsibility for the accident, which claimed 16 lives and left 29 people injured in November 2003, reports Lloyd's List.
Dakar Rally 2009 will be held in Argentina and Chile
Argentina and Chile will host the 2009 Dakar Rally after this year's race was cancelled because of safety concerns. The 2008 rally was called off in January after four French tourists were murdered in Mauritania on 24 December. An optional version will take place in Central Europe in April.
Falklands' projects in aquaculture confirm industry feasibility
An ambitious multi-field aquaculture project in the Falkland Islands has successfully concluded its first stage and is ready to continue advancing. However Dr. Brendan Gara, Aquaculture Development Manager at the Development Corporation is leaving after having spent two years in the Islands.
Corporate financing looking to expand in Falklands' fishing
TEN years on from opening their office in Stanley, Falkland Islands, Chartered Accountants Wilkins Kennedy are looking to expand their services.
Guessing game: how much presidents really make?
United States president George W. Bush ranks as the highest paid leader in the Americas and Fidel Castro the most modest, according to officially disclosed figures, which are not always entirely reliable, following on a report from the Spanish media.
