Stories for February 14th 2011

Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:53 UTC
China’s trade surplus drops considerably in January ahead of G-20 meeting

China's trade surplus fell to its lowest in nine months in January after imports surged, supporting the government's case ahead of a G20 meeting that it is doing enough to spur domestic demand without speeding up currency appreciation.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:46 UTC
Germany opposed to ECB buying sovereign bonds from indebted members

Germany's hopes for the next European Central Bank (ECB) chief to be a German have been hit after another possible candidate ruled himself out of the job. Ex-finance minister Peer Steinbrueck said he was not interested in the role as he shared the same views as outgoing Bundesbank President Axel Weber.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:42 UTC
Russia’s massive privatization drive takes off with sale of stake in main bank

Russia has raised 96 billion roubles (3.3 billion USD) from the sale of a 10% stake in the country's second biggest bank, VTB. The sale marks the start of the government's huge privatisation drive aimed at raising 1 trillion roubles over three years.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:39 UTC
Strong demand for Chilean lamb; exports reach 32 million USD in 2010

Chilean lamb and mutton 2010 exports mostly from Magallanes Region in the extreme south of the country increased 17% over the previous year according to the country’s Agriculture Studies and Policies Office, Odepa.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 15:11 UTC
People in the mood of throwing away despots: who’s next?

By Tanveer Jafri - February 11, 2011 has gone down the pages of history as a day when 82 years old Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, as a result of the people’s anger, had to escape his Presidential palace after 30 years of autocratic rule.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 14:54 UTC
Obama proposes drastic budget cuts; goal: 3.2% of GDP deficit by 2015

President Barack Obama proposed a budget that would cut the US deficit by 1.1 trillion US dollars over 10 years, setting the stage for a bitter fight with the opposition Republicans who vow even tougher spending controls.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 14:48 UTC
Rail alternative to the Panama Canal proposed by China to Colombia

A rail alternative to the Panama Canal built by China is being considered by Colombia in a move that would boost trade between Asia and South America. The 220 kilometers 'dry canal' would link Colombia’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts by rail, according to Juan Manuel Santos, the president of Colombia.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 09:10 UTC
China, second largest copper producer in 2010, ahead of the US and Peru

Chile’s Copper Commission (Cochilco) has predicted that China became the world’s second largest copper producer in 2010, overtaking the United States and Peru.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 06:19 UTC
Brazil consolidates defence and military links with Argentina and Uruguay

Brazilian Defence minister Nelson Jobim begins this week a tour of neighbouring Mercosur partners where he is scheduled to sign a statement underlining the strategic relation with Argentina, and further on Uruguay’s interest in military cooperation and equipment.
Monday, February 14th 2011 - 06:11 UTC
Colombian president supports legalizing drugs if it reduces violence and crime

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said in an interview published Sunday that he could consider legalizing drugs as a way to reduce violence and crime in his country. He joins a list of prominent Latinamerican leaders who are promoting the initiative.