Topic “In the News News” — Exporter Magazine

Beijing had approximately 90,000 people waiting for a place in a nursing home, at the end of 2009, but there were only 30,000 beds available, according to official statistics. Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman said China is headed for a “trade conflict” with the US and other western countries as tensions rise about how to rebalance the global economy, according to a Bloomberg report. THE US Export-Import Bank has authorised a record US$24.5 (NZD$ 32.65 billion) in export financing in fiscal year 2010, supporting $34.4 billion worth of exports, according to the Shipping Gazette, citing a report by American Shipper. The European Commission has proposed a temporary ban on animal cloning for food production in the European Union, at a meeting of the European Commission, Council and Parliament held in Strasbourg this week, according to FoodProductionDaily.com. Low levels of R&D, high input costs and uneven relations with retailers are amongst the reasons emerging economies are outpacing growth of the EU food and drink sector, according to AP-FoodTechnology.com. According to Bakeryandsnacks.com, the crispy snack technology by Crisp Sensation Holdings not only produces crispy snacks but has a significantly reduced fat content, about 70% less fat. Telecommunications analysis company IDC forecasts Apple iPhones and Google Android-based phones will each account for 17% of total smartphone shipments into New Zealand by the end of the year, with Blackberry’s share seen sitting at 12%, according to Stuff.co.nz. The head of Beef + Lamb New Zealand Mike Petersen says his annual visit to Europe to shore up the country’s main export meat market is even more important this year, with an expected shortfall in lamb available for export.