Stories for February 2011

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.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 13:50 UTC
Up to 10% of rice sold in Chinese markets tainted with heavy metals

Recent research has concluded that 10% of the rice sold in China’s markets is likely to be tainted with heavy metals, but agricultural experts said the pollution is confined to particular regions and there is no call for panic.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 13:31 UTC
Brazil cuts defence budget but purchase of 36 new jets remains on the agenda

Brazil's government will cut 4,2 billion Brazilian Real (approximately 2.4 billion USD) from its 15.17 billion defense budget this year under proposed fiscal tightening, Defense Minister Nelson Jobim announced this week.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 13:23 UTC
Japan cuts short whaling season; Greenpeace says whale-meat market overstocked

The Japanese whaling fleet has called an early end to its whaling season in Antarctica a move which conservationists tentatively say could spell an end to whaling in the Southern Ocean. But Greenpeace Japan said there were other reasons to halt “scientific whaling”.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 06:18 UTC
Argentine Justice takes on the incident of the US Air Force plane cargo

Argentine Judge Ezequiel Berón de Astrada requested on Tuesday Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman; Security Minister Nilda Garré; and the US Embassy “all the information they have” on the incident regarding the US Air Force plane seized in Ezeiza international airport.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 06:14 UTC
US President Obama visits Brazil March 19 and 20

The Brazilian government confirmed on Tuesday that US President Barak Obama will make an official visit to Brazil on March 19 and 20.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 06:08 UTC
Bolivia will appeal to Central bank reserves to stockpile food staples

Bolivia prepared to tap its record 10 billion US dollars in central bank reserves to help boost agricultural production and stockpile food staples as a hedge against a looming global “food crisis” Finance Minister Luis Arce said.