Stories for January 2012
Brazil/Arab world trade soared more than 28% in 2011, reaching 25.13bn dollars
Brazil's trade with the Arab world soared more than 28% in 2011 to reach 25.13 billion dollars and is expected to grow a further 15%t this year, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce said on Tuesday.
China bars Brazil’s bulk carriers from its ports; clash over iron ore shipping rates
China banned a giant new class of ship from its ports on Tuesday, a move that checks efforts by mining giant Vale SA to cut the cost of shipping iron ore to its largest market and risks raising trade tensions with Brazil.
Chile almost close to “full employment”; shortage of manpower in some sectors
Chile’s unemployment rate unexpectedly declined in the three months through December to 6.6% from 7.1% as the retail, mining and construction industries expanded, the National Statistics Institute said on Tuesday. The situation according to economists is close to “full employment”.
Euro zone unemployment climbs to highest level since 1998
Euro zone unemployment has risen to its highest level since before the Euro was introduced, according to data showed on Tuesday, a day after EU leaders promised to focus on creating millions of new jobs to try to kick start Europe's floundering economy.
London rejects bill initiative to ensure Falklands’ remain British
The government has ruled out bringing in a UK law to ensure the Falkland Islands' right to remain British. Tory MP Guy Opperman said legislation would show support for the “unambiguous right to self-determination”.
HMS Dauntless on South Atlantic patrol in coincidence with Falklands’ anniversary
The UK press reports that the Royal Navy is to send one of its most powerful warships to the Falkland Islands as tensions rise with Argentina over the disputed territory.
Falklands’ government advances in options for a proposed new port facility
A paper relating to further work on options for the proposed new port facility for the Falkland Islands was presented to the latest Executive Council Meeting by the Falkland Islands Government Projects Director.
Dilma Rousseff arrives in Havana to advance trade and investment relations
Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff arrived Monday to Cuba for a two-day visit to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and human rights. From Cuba Rousseff will travel on to Haiti as she aims to continue the regional diplomatic outreach of her popular predecessor, Lula da Silva.
Malvinas dispute a ‘bilateral issue’ which is not included in the EU agenda
European Union ambassador in Buenos Aires Alfonso Diez Torres said that the Falklands/Malvinas issue does not figure in the foreign affairs agenda of the EU, it’s a bilateral issue and he does not see any reason to amend the Lisbon treaty to exclude the disputed South Atlantic Islands as demanded by Argentina.
Uruguay industry accuses Argentina of systematically blocking exports
The Uruguayan industrial sector warned that certain members of the Mercosur “are failing to fulfil their obligations” and targeted Argentina directly by pointing out that the new trade regulations set by the local Government “are hurting production” in the neighbouring country.
