Stories for 2008

Monday, October 13th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
China record trade surplus but exports growth rate slower

China's trade surplus widened to a record 29.3 billion US dollars in September as exports withstood the global economic slowdown and falling commodity prices reduced the import bill.
Monday, October 13th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguayans admits graft is rampant in government offices

A majority of Uruguayans admitted that graft is extended in government offices particularly to make sure proceedings get that “needed push”, according to a public opinion poll released over the weekend.
Monday, October 13th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Decisive week for Aerolineas Argentinas control dispute

Argentina's Transport Secretary scoffed at the assets valuation by a Swiss bank of the Argentine flag carrier Aerolineas Argentinas which was recently re-nationalized and is embroiled in a dispute with the Spanish group that until a few months ago controlled the airline.
Monday, October 13th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
More chemicals added to UN Persistent Organic Pollutants list

Scientists started on Monday reviewing some everyday and industrial chemicals used in such products as carpets and medical equipment to determine whether they should be added to a United Nations-backed major treaty banning hazardous chemicals.
Monday, October 13th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
IMF: now to work on limiting damage to real economy

Coordinated global action is starting to reverse the tide of the financial crisis, but governments also need to “deploy all instruments” to limit damage to the real economy, IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn told world financial leaders meeting in Washington.
Monday, October 13th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Argentina blames IMF for poor supervision in rich countries

Argentina's Economy Minister Carlos Fernández, not known for his loquacity, spoke at large about the international financial market meltdown during the IMF and World Bank annual assemblies in Washington.
Monday, October 13th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Lula da Silva hails Brazil's solid financial position

The days when emerging economies were depended on the International Monetary Fund, IMF “are over” and so are over the days when Latinamerica had no voice in international affairs, said Brazilian president Lula da Silva in Spain.
Sunday, October 12th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Talks to consolidate US automakers GM and Chrysler

The Unites States automobile giants General Motors and Chrysler are in talks about a possible merger, according to reports in the US media. Apparently talks have been going on for a month but details of the deal are not clear and neither party has made any direct official comments.
Sunday, October 12th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Ship breaks in two on Gibraltar rocks; crew rescued safely

The 35.000 tonnes Liberian cargo ship, built in 1977 Fedra lies in two pieces adjacent to the Lighthouse at Europa Point, Gibraltar.
Sunday, October 12th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Economic reforms for rural China include land transfer and rent

China's Communist Party leaders agreed on a package of rural reforms that could shape the country's economic policy over the coming years. A four-day enclave including President Hu Jintao had approved “major issues” on reform, Xinhua news agency said.

No details were given but it is thought farmers will now have more power to transfer or rent out their land.