Stories for February 14th 2011
Former UK farmers’ leader calls for stricter foot and mouth disease controls
A leading farmer form South West England has called for new measures to stop another outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the UK. Anthony Gibson, former regional director of the National Farmers Union, wants disinfectant footbaths for travellers arriving from problem areas.
Roubini warns of “hard landing” if developing countries don’t control inflation
Nouriel Roubini the New York University professor, who predicted the credit crisis, said China and other emerging markets risk a “hard landing” as they start raising interest rates to fight inflation.
Uruguay manufacturing recovered mildly in 2010: “industry is stagnant”
Uruguay’s manufacturing industry expanded 4.5% in 2010, but if the pulp industry hub is excluded the percentage drops to 3.5%, according to the latest release from the National Statistics Institute, INE.
South Korea leaves basic rate unchanged at 2.75%; inflation running at 4%
South Korea's central bank has left its main interest rate unchanged at 2.75%, bucking a trend that has seen borrowing costs rise across Asia as policymakers try to slow inflation.
Political agreement in Paraguay to impose export levies on soybeans and beef
The Paraguayan government is working with Congress to agree on budget cuts and possible tax increases, (levies on beef and soybean exports) that should help balance 2011 expenditure and revenue.
Indian company to begin Bolivian iron-ore exports; a million tons the first year
India’s Jindal Steel & Power plans this year to export 1 million tons of iron ore concentrate from Bolivia’s El Mutun mine, the firm said. Following on some problems that have been overcome, exports will begin in March reported Jindal Bolivia’s communications manager, Eduardo Prudencio.
Argentina hopes to reach an agreement with the Paris Club this month
Argentina’s Economy Minister Amado Boudou heads to France this week to participate in the G20 ministers meeting and will take advantage of the trip to further advance tentative negotiations to resolve the defaulted debt Argentina has with the Paris Club.
Argentine jiggers pleased with current squid season catch levels
Argentina’s catches of squid (Illex argentinus) are averaging 20 tons per day and there’s no activity outside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), according to the first landing reports.
China “not too worried” about India/Brazil’s criticism of Yuan policy
In spite of United States inciting Brazil and India to criticise China's currency policy, Beijing need “not worry too much” because it can defuse the tension through talks, according to Chinese officials.
Egyptian military promise constitutional referendum in 2 months
Egyptian pro-democracy activist Wael Ghonim said Monday the country's new military rulers have promised him that a referendum will be held on a revised constitution in two months.
