Stories for February 16th 2011

Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 22:53 UTC
Mantega reiterates opposition to French plan for commodity prices regulation

Brazil reiterated opposition to a French plan to impose regulation on commodity prices, saying it could have “negative effects” on major suppliers such as itself. “Brazil is totally opposed to a mechanism of control or regulation of commodity prices,” Finance Minister Guido Mantega told reporters, reiterating a position he gave last week.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 22:39 UTC
Uruguay’s debt rated “positive” and edging on investment grade, says DBRS

Canadian credit rating agency DBRS maintained Uruguay’s debt at BB (two steps below investment grade) but elevated prospect from stable to positive. The latest release from DBRS means Uruguay in the next 6 to 12 months could advance to one step below investment grade if “current fiscal discipline is sustained and levels of debt continue the descending trend”.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 22:34 UTC
Trichet blames Euro-zone inflation spike on emerging economies rapid recovery

The European Central Bank is not surrendering its price stability objective for crisis management policy, the bank's President Jean-Claude Trichet said. He also argued that the recent spike in Euro zone inflation is due to the current rapid economic recovery in emerging markets and not due to the currency bloc's sovereign debt crisis.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 22:30 UTC
World’s largest mining company fearful of espionage from China and competitors

Anglo Australian mining giant BHP Billiton chief executive Marius Kloppers confirmed reports that he is fearful of espionage from China, competitors like Rio Tinto and the Australian government, saying it is one reason why he lobbied furiously for short-term pricing of key commodities.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 19:25 UTC
US Justice Department looking into Google’ plan to become hub of online travel

Google wants to become the hub of online travel, promising better bargains and more convenience by melding the internet search leader's capability with the web's top airline-fare tracker, ITA Software.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 19:12 UTC
The mobile phone is the new PC anticipates Google CEO Schmidt

The mobile phone is the new PC, Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said this week at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 17:17 UTC
Uruguayan goods exports mainly commodities; only 2% with high tech input

An overwhelming volume of Uruguayan exports of goods in 2010, --84%-- were commodities and natural resources with some degree of manufacturing but low technological input according to the latest report from the Chamber of Industries.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 14:57 UTC
New attempt in the US Congress for an Air Passenger Bill of Rights

Airlines in the United States will carry a billion passengers a year by 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration predicted Tuesday raising the prospect of even more flight delays and complaints from the flying public.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 14:51 UTC
Argentina’s first gay-lesbian cruise leaves Buenos Aires December 2011

Argentina’s first official gay ‘Ego’ cruise will leave the port of Buenos Aires December 2011 and will be calling at Uruguay’s capital Montevideo and the international resort of Punta del Este, it was announced by organizers in the Argentine capital.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 14:17 UTC
Leading oil companies turn up at Uruguay Round II pre-bidding process

Some of the world’s leading oil companies turned up at the Uruguay Round II informative session for operators interested in participating in the biding process for offshore exploration in Uruguay’s South Atlantic.