United Nations

Calif. Levee Failure Highlights Problems

The levee that broke in the heart of the state's complex irrigation system put 1 million acres of irrigated Central Valley farmland on alert for possible water cutbacks, just as peak irrigation season begins. San Joaquin County estimates the damage, and the cost of rebuilding the levee which failed last week, at more than $82 million.

World Leaders Unite On Trade, Fall Out On Iraq, Economy

The world's most powerful leaders vowed Wednesday to resolve bitter differences blocking a free-trade deal by the end of July but were divided over Iraqi debt and traded charges over economic performance.

Global FDI Remains Flat In 2003, But To Rebound In 2004: UNCTAD

Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows remained flat in 2003, at 653 billion US dollars, but are projected to rebound this year, said a report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on the eve of its 11th quadrennial session.

Indian Ministers Meet To Discuss Strategy On WTO Trade Issues

The Group of Ministers on WTO, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, met Wednesday to "fine-tune" India's strategy on contentious trade issues including agriculture, ahead of the the UNCTAD meeting in Brazil beginning on Sunday.

Mad Cow: Worse Than You Think

In December a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian discovered that a cow imported from Canada into Washington state tested positive for the invariably fatal Mad Cow disease. Two months later, the USDA quietly concluded that it had failed to find as many as 80 animals from the same herd that may also have been infected.

Backgrounder: UN Conference on Trade and Development

The 11th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is scheduled to be held here on June 13-18. The following is a brief introduction to the Geneva-based UN institution:

China Tries Hard To Fix Air, Water Problems

China has made enormous strides in upgrading its environmental and social standards despite a lingering reputation as the low-priced, low-quality sweatshop of the world strengthening its rising dominance in Asia's economy.

Canada Wins Wood Duel: U.S. Ordered To Recalculate Softwood Lumber Subsidies

For the second time in less than a week, Canada has apparently won another round in the longstanding softwood lumber trade dispute with the United States.