ASIA PACIFIC | South Korea Reaches Free-Trade Accord With Chile, First With A...

ASIA PACIFIC

South Korea Reaches Free-Trade Accord With Chile, First With Any Country South Korea reached a free- trade agreement with Chile, its first with any country, a move that will remove barriers to about $1.3 billion in annual two-way commerce and boost growth. More...

Japan Trade Surplus Shrinks to $4.9 Billion in September as Exports Fall Japan's trade surplus shrank in September as exports fell for the fourth month, jeopardizing a recovery from recession in the world's second-biggest economy. More...

Japan Coalition to Meet on Final Policies for Economic Turnaround Plan Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partners will meet to iron out a final plan on policies aimed at turning around the banking industry and reviving the economy, a senior party official said. More...

China's Economy Should Expand By 7.8 Percent This Year, Government Says China's economic growth may slow in the current quarter after accelerating in the first nine months of the year, based on forecasts from two government departments. More...

China Embraces More Moderate Foreign Policy Beijing is exhibiting new confidence – some call it maturity – and unprecedented acceptance of U.S. power in the world, according to Chinese and U.S. officials and analysts.

Australian Meat Board Fears 10/24/2002 Producers urged to vote against 'unworkable' livestock board proposal.

New Zealand Winning Asian Audiences 10/24/2002 Thai chefs and New Zealand beef are winners at Asian food fair.

AMERICAS

Mexico's President to Lean on U.S. Farm Subisidies - 10/24/2002 Vicente Fox says subsidies in the new farm bill will impact Mexican market prices and hurt his farmers.

Brazil Posts Its Largest Current Account Surplus in 13 Years in September Brazil had the largest current account surplus in 13 years in September, in the face of increased trade and an economic slowdown that is weighing on imports and expenses. More...

EUROPE-RUSSIA-ME

Three Explosions Near Moscow Hostage Theater  MOSCOW (Reuters) - Three powerful explosions were heard on Thursday outside the Moscow theater where Chechen rebels were holding hundreds of people hostage, but there appeared to be no serious damage or injuries.

EU Talks Tough Over Accession to WTO European Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy is to convince Russia to open up its markets for services.

USA

Technology Company to Unveil Handheld Inspection Device - 10/24/2002 The portable device permits real-time detection of organic contamination on beef carcasses and beef products, according to the company.

U.S. beef industry will likely benefit from skyrocketing Hispanic population Most people are aware that Hispanics represent a growing market for meat and poultry in the United States. Word now has it that this rapidly growing segment of the population could likely affect future demand for beef, in particular, in the United States, according to a recent checkoff-funded report.