Stories for 2009

Saturday, March 7th 2009 - 07:12 UTC
Buenos Aires construction industry optimistic about mid term recovery

Following five years of strong growth the construction industry in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires has begun a new cycle. In 2008 the total number of construction permits authorized by local authorities reached 2.5 million square metres which represents a contraction of 20.3% compared to 2007, and anticipates a decline in activity for this year, according to a report from the local consultants Real Estate Report.
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 21:46 UTC
Demining challenges ‘not new’ in Falklands

CHALLENGES that will face de-mining in the Falklands compared to other parts of the world are on the whole, “not new” said a UK official during her visit this week.
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 16:48 UTC
Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Headlines: East and West Falkland host Sports Weeks; Endurance high and dry; Global ill wind brings some benefit for Standard Chartered Bank; Extreme bikers tour the West in less than a day... off road; Extended visit for James Clark Ross.
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 10:35 UTC
Lula da Silva offers to talk about Venezuela with Obama

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he has authorized Brazil's leader to raise the subject of Venezuela in talks with President Barack Obama this month. Despite the change of government, Washington/Caracas relations remain strained.
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 10:34 UTC
World Bank 1.3 bn. loan to Brazil for green management

The World Bank approved a 1.3 billion US dollars loan to Brazil for the First Programmatic Development Policy Loan for Sustainable Environmental Management, supporting Brazil’s ongoing efforts to improve its environmental management system.
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 10:31 UTC
Obama’s EU visit includes London, Strasbourg and Prague

United States President Obama will travel to Europe on March 31st for a six-day trip that will take him to Britain, France, Germany and the Czech Republic, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced Thursday.
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 10:30 UTC
Gibraltar: Spain praises Princess Anne “low profile” visit

A leading Spanish Senator welcomed Gibraltar’s Chief Minister’s decision not to greet the Princess Royal at the runway when she arrived on an official visit to the Rock
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 09:05 UTC
Venezuela will seek amicable accord with nationalized Cargill

Venezuela does not plan to take over additional assets of US food giant Cargill after announcing the seizure of its rice unit said the Agriculture minister Elias Jaua on Thursday.
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 09:03 UTC
China’s “most difficult year” sends shivers to Mercosur

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said the current year will be the most difficult the country has faced this century because of the global economic crisis. Addressing parliament this week, Mr Wen reiterated that there would be a 585 billion US dollars investment program to stimulate the Chinese economy.
Friday, March 6th 2009 - 09:01 UTC
UK cuts rates to 0.5% and unveils plan “to ease” £ 150 billion

The Bank of England slashed Thursday rates to 0.5% and unveiled plans to pump up to £150 billion into the economy in its boldest bid yet to tackle the recession. Official borrowing costs have now fallen for six months in a row but the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee believes rate cuts alone will not be enough.