Stories for July 15th 2008
Kirchners Senate block show cracks ahead of crucial vote
With less than two days for the crucial Congressional vote on the sliding tax regime on grain and oil seed exports which is at the heart of a dispute between the Argentine administration of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and the farmers, the final tally remains uncertain.
Argentina re-implants export benefits to help fishing industry
Argentina re-established benefits to fisheries exports to the tune of 20 million US dollars annually according to reports in the Buenos Aires press. Benefits range from 1% to 10% depending on the added value to the exported product.
SS doctor Aribert Heim 'still alive in Chile'
Former SS doctor Aribert Heim is still likely to be alive in Chile, said a director of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre at the end of a five-day mission.
Petrobras record production; strike coming to an end
Brazil's oil and gas government managed corporation Petrobras announced on Tuesday that total production (domestic and abroad) in June reached a record of 2.412.155 barrels of oil equivalent per day, boed, which is 3.3% higher than a year ago and 2.3% over May 2008.
Increased chances for global trade accord, says WTO Lamy
World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy said the chances of success for reaching a world-trade agreement have increased as a result of talks before trade ministers meet next week in Geneva.
UK June inflation soars to an 11 year high of 3.8%
Rising food and fuel costs pushed UK inflation up to an 11-year high of 3.8% in June from 3.3% in May, figures show. The rise means inflation is now well above the government's 2% target, and may reduce the chance of a UK rate cut.
Mercosur unsatisfied with WTO agenda for next meeting
Brazil's Foreign Affairs Minister Celso Amorim said that developed nations' agricultural subsidies and tariff barriers for farm goods remain the biggest obstacle to an agreement on the long-stalled Doha round of World Trade Organization talks.
US dollar plunge triggers concern among trade partners
The Euro soared to a new high against the US dollar on Tuesday, reaching US$1.6038 in European trading as markets worried about the ongoing US lending crisis and the country's economy.
