Stories for February 5th 2009
Petrobras announces 92 billion USD investment plan
Brazil's government-managed oil and gas corporation Petrobras announced Wednesday its domestic Exploration and Production plan for 2009/2013 which involves 92 billion US dollars.
Mexico floods market with dollars to stop run on the Peso
Mexico's central bank and finance ministry confirmed that the bank had intervened on Wednesday to prop up the ailing peso currency by selling dollars directly to market players.
Brazilian opposition delays Venezuela's Mercosur bid
Members of the Brazilian Congress opposition again delayed on Wednesday the consideration of Venezuela's Mercosur incorporation protocol, in spite of strong appeals from the ruling coalition of President Lula da Silva.
Fossil remains of snake “as long as a bus” in Colombia
The discovery of fossilised remains belonging to the world's largest snake has been reported in Nature journal. Titanoboa was 13 meters long - about the length of a bus - and lived in the rainforest of north-east Colombia 58-60 million years ago.
Spain unemployment rate 14.4% or 3.3 million jobless
Unemployment in Spain, which has the highest jobless rate in the European Union, rose by the most in at least 13 years in January in the 10th monthly increase totalling 3.3 million out of jobs, reported this week the Labour ministry.
UN office proposes “South-South” trade to cope with crisis
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Trade, investment and other cooperation between developing countries – so called ”South-South exchange – could soften the blow of the economic crisis on vulnerable economies, the head of the United Nations agency that promotes commerce to fight poverty said on Wednesday.
Bolivia admits dengue epidemic is “out of control”
Bolivia's Public Health Minister Ramiro Tapia admitted Wednesday that the mosquito transmitted dengue epidemics which has extended to the whole territory is “out of control” and said a total 8.152 cases had been reported of which 7 deaths.
Falklands optimistic about cruise passenger season
This season has brought a “significant increase” in cruise passengers according to the Falkland Islands Tourist Board.
UK trade unions win first labour “protectionism” case
UK oil refinery workers who walked out in a dispute over foreign labour have agreed to return to work. Hundreds of workers at the Lindsey Oil Refinery, in North Lincolnshire, voted to end their unofficial industrial action after accepting a deal drawn up by union officials and companies at the heart of the row.
US Senate softens controversial “Buy American” clause
The US Senate has voted to soften a controversial “Buy American” clause in an economic recovery package, after warnings it might spark a trade war. The clause had sought to ensure only US iron, steel and manufactured goods were used in projects funded by the bill.
