Stories for April 8th 2008
Brazil supports soy expansion in spite of budding controversy
Brazil has become the world's second exporter of soy beans totaling 25.6 million tons in 2006/07 and one of the country's main sources of international income. But as in Argentina and other countries soy expansion is becoming controversial in spite of the fact the government expects the volume of production to keep expanding.
Ban Ki-moon: climate change, major threat to human health
Top United Nations officials have warned that global warming and its effects, including a rise in air and sea temperatures and extreme weather patterns endanger not only the planet but also pose a major threat to human health.
Bachelet talks about double standards for females leaders
After meeting with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Palace late last week, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet spoke firmly about the double standards today's female leaders have to deal with.
EU divided over maritime safety laws and civil liability
European Union ministers rejected Monday two Brussels maritime safety laws by a large majority. The proposed directives on flag state control and civil liability for ship owners received the support of fewer than seven of the 27 EU member states at a council of ministers meeting in Luxembourg, according to Lloyd's List portal.
Chilean Patagonia dams controversy reaches NY Times
Another controversy has erupted in The New York Times involving Chile and a project to build hydroelectric dams in Patagonia, an initiative which is being questioned by international environmentalists groups.
Chinese banks may now invest in US stocks and funds
Chinese banks may now invest their clients' money in United States stocks and mutual funds, China's banking regulator has said allowing them to diversify their portfolios at a time of increasing market volatility. The decision announced this week is also expected to help ease inflationary pressures in the world's fastest growing economy.
Brazil becomes EU top market in Latinamerica
Brazil has replaced Mexico as the European Union's top market in Latinamerica, according to a Latin Business Chronicle analysis of 2007 trade data from Eurostat. Meanwhile Latinamerica trade with the European Union continues to grow at faster levels than with the United States, the analysis shows.
Chile has most “rich-poor” segregated education system
The segregation of rich and poor students in Chile may be the worst in the world, according to a recent Universidad de Chile study confirming what many education leaders already suspected.
Paraguay: former bishop leads in run up to presidential election
Paraguayan former Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo supported by opposition and citizens groups disenchanted with the current political system leads with 36.8% in the race to April 20 presidential elections, according to the latest public opinion poll published by La Nación. This represents a two point win over the March poll.
Brazil admits it must recover EU confidence regarding beef
Agriculture minister Reinhold Stephanes admitted that Brazil must “recover the European Union confidence” regarding beef following the recent temporary suspension of shipments imposed by the 27 country block.
