June 2011

Seasons changing in Bangladesh

The Daily Star, 28 June, 2011
Lengths of winter, summer and rainy seasons in Bangladesh have increased, while spring has decreased, changes that are likely to have an adverse impact on agriculture, said a study based on farmers’ perceptions.
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India to establish foreign trade institute in Uganda

Business Standard, 21June, 2011
As part of the $5-billion package Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced for Africa last month, India will support Uganda in building a foreign trade institute at Kampala, the country’s capital.
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April FDI inflows jump as service

Money Control, 21 June, 2011
Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into India bounced back in April, on an investment surge in services, construction and auto sectors, reversing a steep drop recorded in the previous fiscal year, the government said on Monday.
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DGFT tightens policy for cotton exporters

fibretofashion, 21 June, 2011
Applications for the export of one million bales (1 bale = 170 kg) of cotton have been invited by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.
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Economic diplomacy

Pakistan Observer, 20 June, 2011
The European Union was established with the aim to strengthen economic ties between the member sates and nations and preventing future conflicts in the Europe.
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FTP review to focus on labour-intensive sectors

Business Standard, 20 June, 2011
Maintaining the annual tradition, the ministry of commerce and industry is planning yet another review of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) for 2009-2014.
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Govt discussing FDI liberalization, says FM

The Times of India, 18 June, 2011
The Centre is in the process of deepening policy reforms in the financial sector and discussions are underway to further liberalise the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy.
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New report examines how to better manage food price volatility

WTO News, 10 June, 2011
An interagency report published today develops “options for G20 consideration on how to better mitigate and manage the risks associated with the price volatility of food and other agriculture commodities, without distorting market behaviour, ultimately to protect the most vulnerable”. The report was requested by G20 leaders at their summit meeting in November 2010 and submitted to the French Presidency of the G20 on 2 June 2011. The report, which was undertaken by FAO, IFAD, IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, WFP, the World Bank, the WTO, IFPRI and the UN HLTF, states that “trade is an essential component of any food security strategy”.
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Ease labour laws, factor in FTA impact: new policy

Express India, 10 June, 2011
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today accorded in-principle approval to a new manufacturing policy that has proposed introducing labour market flexibility.
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Compliance with international standards critical for increasing trade: Zardari

Associated Press of Pakistan, 09 June, 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari said the key to Pakistan’s economic development lies in trade and not aid and compliance with international standards through accreditation is critical for gaining market access and enhancing trade.
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Proposed Agreement Can Boost Trade, Investment in Africa

Bernama, 09 June, 2011
A grand free trade agreement among 26 African states which will come under discussion this coming weekend can boost intra-continental trade and investment.
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India, Africa hold summit to boost trade

Dawn, 09 June, 2011
India will seek to expand its economic footprint in Africa, where rival China has made major inroads, at a second summit between the Southeast Asian powerhouse and African nations this week.
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India lost a lot, gained little at Cancun climate summit

The Times of India, 08 June, 2011
India lost much more than it gained at the Cancun climate change meeting in December 2010, an internal assessment of the government, accessed by TOI, reveals.
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Crumbling infrastructure, climate change add to Karnataka’s woes

The Economic Times, 06 June, 2011
Be it environmental, political or infrastructural, Karnataka is facing mounting challenges.Besides weathering political instability, two reports – one by a group of experts on climate change and the other by an industry chamber on Bangalore’s woes – show that the state has a tough task on hand.
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UN report calls for regulation to curb speculators pushing up food prices

Guardian.co.uk, 05 June, 2011
Government intervention may be needed to burst the huge bubble that has developed in the price of commodities such as food staples and oil.
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UAE eyes more business with Bangladesh

BD News, 05 June, 2011
The United Arab Emirates has asked Bangladeshi businesses to explore opportunities in manufacturing, energy, healthcare and education in the Persian Gulf nation and says it firms are keen on doing business in agriculture, food processing, hospitality and tourism.
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National manufacturing policy shortly, says Anand Sharma

The Hindu, 04 June, 2011
The first national manufacturing policy will be unveiled shortly,” said Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, on Saturday.
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Trade and Development Commission

UNCTAD, 01 June, 2011
International trade in goods, services and commodities as an engine of growth and inclusive development.
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