Stories for April 11th 2008
Record copper prices and record budget surpluses in Chile
The Chilean government said Thursday that the record high copper price reached on the London Metal Exchange, over 4 US dollars a pound, is “good news” but also demands prudence.
Global financial crisis brings together IMF and Stiglitz
Economy Nobel Prize Joseph Stiglitz, a fierce critic of the International Monetary Fund said that “this time” the fund's experts “have it right” in their assessment of the current global financial and credit crisis, which many economists however consider as to harsh and pessimistic.
Chile intervenes foreign exchange mart to weaken Peso
Chile's central bank, under pressure from Congress and exporters to weaken the peso, announced Thursday it will buy 8 billion US dollars in currency markets this year to increase reserves and in response to the sharp appreciation against the dollar.
Rio do Janeiro admits dengue epidemic and tourism losses
For the first time Brazilian authorities admitted that the dengue epidemic in Brazil is having a serious impact on the tourist industry, particularly in Rio do Janeiro where bookings have been plummeting.
Tight security for Olympic torch relay in Buenos Aires
The Olympic torch arrived Thursday afternoon to Argentina and on Friday will be relayed thirteen kilometers through downtown Buenos Aires with a massive display of security forces to ensure there's no repeat of the anti China incidents that have occurred in Europe and United States.
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update
Headlines: 'He's behind you!'; Blind Dave's on target for London; Local companies object to loligo fee rise; Steady cruise ship rise continues; FPV Protegat on the way.
Tourists “discover” piece of Lowestoft's maritime history
When a Suffolk couple embarked on a South America and Falkland Islands holiday the last thing they expected was to discover a piece of Lowestoft's maritime history, according to a piece published in The Lowestoft Journal, from Lowestoft, England.
Brazil is promoting South American Defence Council
Brazil's Minister of Defence Nelson Jobim announced visits to neighboring countries to promote the Brazilian initiative for a South American Defence Council. Addressing the Defence and Foreign Affairs committees of the Brazilian Congress Mr. Jobim said next Monday he would be traveling to Venezuela, Surinam and Guyana the first leg of the regional tour.
Poor countries grain bill forecasted to soar 50% in 2008
With food riots reported across the globe from the Philippines to Haiti, the United Nations agricultural agency warned Friday that the cereal import bill of the world's poorest countries is forecast to rise by over 50% in the current fiscal year.
“Rice prices crisis” has become a global challenge, says IRRI
Rice prices are set to keep rising as demand is outstripping production according to the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). In its Rice Today publication IRRI calls for more research on how to increase rice productivity and face the “rice prices crisis”.
