EU faces new standoff with China over shoes
The News Review:
- EU faces new standoff with China over shoes
- E! News – BAFTAs Go West – Heath Ledger | Jake Gyllenhaal | George…
- UK Sport in danger of losing sight of the target altogether
- Homes hit the market in record numbers: Existing-home sales in the…
- Green guys sowing some seeds of hope for Eritrea.
- Expats can own property in Oman
EU faces new standoff with China over shoes
International Herald Tribune – Feb 21, 2006
The move to impose tariffs on surging imports of footwear could inflame trade tensions between the EU and China. But Peter Mandelson, the EU trade commissioner, faces a delicate task: reconciling calls from protectionist- minded countries like Italy to coddle home-grown industries, while preventing a rerun of the embarrassing pile-up of women's undergarments at European ports the last time the EU got tough on cheap clothes. "Mandelson hates this situation," said Emma Ormand, an international trade consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in London. "He got caned in the bra wars and he absolutely does not want a 'Bra Wars 2,'" she said. Mandelson, she noted, is trying to seek a compromise that balances free trade with European political realities. The anti-dumping duties could be phased in from April 7, two days before a general election in Italy, where competition between domestic clothing makers and their Asian rivals is a political issue… Power said the Asian manufacturers were able to produce cheap shoes in such large numbers because of state support including "cheap finance, nonmarket land rent, tax breaks and improper asset valuation. " EU officials had concluded that there was "evidence of dumping and injury," Power added. But even as he prepares measures against the Asian imports, Mandelson also is taking steps to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2005, and to mollify China at a time when governments in Europe and the United States are seeking to persuade China to do more to stop piracy of music, movies and luxury goods. Under the EU suggestions, if a majority of member state governments agree, tariffs could start as low as about 4 percent by early April. That temporary level could rise to just below 20 percent by early October. But Mandelson also would aim to ratchet any duties lower if China and Vietnam later show signs of making changes. Rather than impose quotas, which the EU used last year in a protracted battle with China over imports of undergarments, officials seem likely to avoid measures that would limit the freedom of retailers to meet their import needs.
E! News – BAFTAs Go West – Heath Ledger | Jake Gyllenhaal | George…
E! Online – Feb 21, 2006
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COMMENTS (0). Brokeback Mountain lassoed four top trophies at the British Academy of Film and Television Awards in London Sunday night, gaining even more Oscar momentum in a ceremony that virtually shut out Britain's own home-grown movie fare. The epic love story won for Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay, while. "I don't know what makes me so connect to you," Lee said of his win… "I don't know what makes me so connect to you," Lee said of his win. "I'm pretty sure it's not the food. " But the biggest surprise of the night wasn't who took home the most awards, but who didn't. Brokeback bested British favorite The Constant Gardener–which went into the ceremony with a leading 10 nominations–in all major categories.
UK Sport in danger of losing sight of the target altogether
Telegraph.co.uk – Feb 21, 2006
Yet in a written parliamentary answer, Caborn stated: “Neither the Department [of Culture, Media and Sport] nor UK Sport has set an aspirational target for Olympic medals in London 2012. “Oh, who cares you might think as Britons hurtle down mountains on tea trays and Chelsea warm up for Barcelona? Politics is so boring and sports politics is even worse, with inbuilt incompetence and factionalism. But we will certainly care if 2012 offers us lovely building, lovely speeches, and lovely money from lots of tourists but no great home-grown feats of heart-swelling athleticism to adorn the lovely proceedings. Not to mention the provision of a sporting legacy for the next generation of otherwise obese, button-pressing little layabouts.
Homes hit the market in record numbers: Existing-home sales in the…
Free with registration – Orlando Sentinel – AccessMyLibrary.com – Feb 21, 2006
21–When Taffie Prince placed her Apopka home on the market last fall, she figured it would be snapped up within weeks. Four months later, she’s still waiting.
Green guys sowing some seeds of hope for Eritrea.
Free with registration – Europe Intelligence Wire – AccessMyLibrary.com – Feb 21, 2006
Green guys sowing some seeds of hope for Eritrea. | Europe Intelligence Wire (February, 2006). Steve Humphreys’ picture show.
Expats can own property in Oman
Khaleej Times – Feb 21, 2006
It added that the housing ministry would issue the regulations after approval by the Council of Ministers and take necessary measures to implement the law. Trained at the Chateau de Genniney in Jura, France, Fuad has received accolades for his ‘Omani touch’ on fine dining. Utilising Oman’s abundant supply of fresh, succulent seafood, he combines fine spices to create tangy Mediterranean dishes, and adds his tantalising touch of local Omani flavour. And 29-year-old Fuad is very proud of his achievements and his new title. He said: “I am proud to represent the Sultanate as the Al Bustan’s Omani sous chef.