Stories for January 31st 2012

Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 23:57 UTC
Brazil/Arab world trade soared more than 28% in 2011, reaching 25.13bn dollars

Brazil's trade with the Arab world soared more than 28% in 2011 to reach 25.13 billion dollars and is expected to grow a further 15%t this year, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce said on Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 23:51 UTC
China bars Brazil’s bulk carriers from its ports; clash over iron ore shipping rates

China banned a giant new class of ship from its ports on Tuesday, a move that checks efforts by mining giant Vale SA to cut the cost of shipping iron ore to its largest market and risks raising trade tensions with Brazil.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 17:39 UTC
Chile almost close to “full employment”; shortage of manpower in some sectors

Chile’s unemployment rate unexpectedly declined in the three months through December to 6.6% from 7.1% as the retail, mining and construction industries expanded, the National Statistics Institute said on Tuesday. The situation according to economists is close to “full employment”.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 17:35 UTC
Euro zone unemployment climbs to highest level since 1998

Euro zone unemployment has risen to its highest level since before the Euro was introduced, according to data showed on Tuesday, a day after EU leaders promised to focus on creating millions of new jobs to try to kick start Europe's floundering economy.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 14:05 UTC
London rejects bill initiative to ensure Falklands’ remain British

The government has ruled out bringing in a UK law to ensure the Falkland Islands' right to remain British. Tory MP Guy Opperman said legislation would show support for the “unambiguous right to self-determination”.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 13:58 UTC
HMS Dauntless on South Atlantic patrol in coincidence with Falklands’ anniversary

The UK press reports that the Royal Navy is to send one of its most powerful warships to the Falkland Islands as tensions rise with Argentina over the disputed territory.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 13:55 UTC
Falklands’ government advances in options for a proposed new port facility

A paper relating to further work on options for the proposed new port facility for the Falkland Islands was presented to the latest Executive Council Meeting by the Falkland Islands Government Projects Director.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 05:39 UTC
Dilma Rousseff arrives in Havana to advance trade and investment relations

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff arrived Monday to Cuba for a two-day visit to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and human rights. From Cuba Rousseff will travel on to Haiti as she aims to continue the regional diplomatic outreach of her popular predecessor, Lula da Silva.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 05:35 UTC
Malvinas dispute a ‘bilateral issue’ which is not included in the EU agenda

European Union ambassador in Buenos Aires Alfonso Diez Torres said that the Falklands/Malvinas issue does not figure in the foreign affairs agenda of the EU, it’s a bilateral issue and he does not see any reason to amend the Lisbon treaty to exclude the disputed South Atlantic Islands as demanded by Argentina.
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 - 05:32 UTC
Uruguay industry accuses Argentina of systematically blocking exports

The Uruguayan industrial sector warned that certain members of the Mercosur “are failing to fulfil their obligations” and targeted Argentina directly by pointing out that the new trade regulations set by the local Government “are hurting production” in the neighbouring country.