Letter to The President # 5 Nov 16, 2009
He said that at that time, China did not take a "single drop of oil or a single ton of minerals." Not to be outdone, The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular press conference on Tuesday: "The measures focus on helping them overcome the financial crisis, and also on long-term strategic areas such as improving living standards and sustainable development.". Finally, against the backdrop of The International Monetary Fund's concern about African governments taking on too... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
The new retirement isnt retirement at all Nov 16, 2009
A paycheck has a greater effect on living standards than increasing retirement contributions from 15 percent of paycheck to 25 percent, for example. Your savings continue to compound, and your Social Security benefit grows. (MSNBC -- Business)
Obama Gets Earful on 5-City Economic Road Show Nov 16, 2009
Its a developing nation that must continue raising living standards even as it maintains a weak currency, censors Google and limits human rights. The undervalued yuan is running afoul of the U.S. and. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
A President Of Europe? Continent's Unity Is Tested Nov 15, 2009
It has dug a tunnel to link Britain to the Continent and its haves have poured billions into its have-not member states - 10 from the former communist bloc - raising their living standards beyond recognition. And that's where it should stop, say the euroskeptics, before national governments lose their sovereignty to a faceless superstate. (CBS News -- World)
A Leadership Role for Asia in Reshaping the Post-Crisis Global Economy, Annual Lecture by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, at the Monetary Authority of Singapore Nov 14, 2009
Rapid economic growth has boosted living standards and lifted millions out of poverty. The strength of Asia s economies has helped them weather the global financial crisis, and today the region is leading the world into economic recovery. (IMF News)
Medvedev on Russia's 'survival' Nov 14, 2009
Medvedev also said Russia's foreign policy should focus on the country's modernization and be "extremely pragmatic." The criteria of determining its success, said, is whether it facilitates the improvement of the living standards in Russia. "We shouldn't puff out our cheeks, as the saying goes. We are interested in capitals, new technologies and modern ideas flowing into the country. And we know that our [foreign] partners too, are counting on closer ties with Russia to resolve their own... (CNN -- World)
Mills Haunted Nov 14, 2009
As we juxtapose the Presidents move to the Jubilee House with that of his campaign criticism against the construction of the edifice, we ask whether the President is moving to the Jubilee House because the living standards of the ordinary Ghanaian has improved. The reality of the situation is that the living standard of the average Ghanaian has plummeted to an all time low, perhaps compared only to the great recession period of the Kutu Acheampong era of the late 70s and the 1983... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Your 10 questions Nov 14, 2009
Sens works in social choice theories, development economics, equality, living standards, famines and economic philosophy, especially recently, on justice, deserve to be read widely. Do you have an alter ego. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
BNP in alliance with nationalists Nov 13, 2009
It calls for "a humane and peaceful solution to the problem of immigration" through co-operation to raise living standards in developing countries. It advocates "effective protection of Europe against the new threats of terrorism, as well as against political, economic, financial or religious imperialism". (BBC News -- Europe)
Government is worried about rising chieftaincy disputes in U/W Region -Veep Nov 13, 2009
Vice President Mahama appealed to all those involved in fomenting chieftaincy disputes to come together and resolve them to promote sustainable peace to enable the people to pursue their development agenda to improve their living standards. He urged kingmakers to use alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve disputes to help keep the people united, rather than resorting to the law courts for adjudication which had brought a lot of bitterness to the people especially, losers. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Russia needs to modernize its economy, Medvedev warns Nov 13, 2009
Instead, he said, Russian foreign policy should be judged by a simple criterion: Does it improve living standards in our country. Although Putin presided over a steady expansion of the state s role in the economy - it accounts for as much as half of Russia s gross domestic product - Medvedev said the government needed to step back. (Boston Globe)
Brazil: Taking off Nov 13, 2009
That boosts Brazilians living standards by making imports cheaper. But it makes life hard for exporters. (The Economist)
Vatican City Nov 13, 2009
The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome. GDP (purchasing power parity): $NA. (CBS News -- Sci/Tech)
Eritrea President says no hunger in 2010 Nov 13, 2009
But the president, who was speaking in the coastal town Massawa, warned living standards in Eritrea could still fall due to illegal trade, black market currency exchange, and a lack of regular payment of taxes and customs duties. Isaias said all trade and investment permits currently in place would be reviewed in 2010. (AlertNet)
Medvedev outlines plan for Russia's modernization Nov 13, 2009
On diplomacy, Medvedev said Russia would continue to follow pragmatic foreign policies aimed at improving the living standards of Russians. "We will work actively for the United Nations to strengthen its position," he said, calling for multilateral, U.N.-mediated solutions to problems such as the deadlock over Iran's nuclear issue. (Xinhuanet, China)
* Clean air is key in talks between Hu and Obama Nov 13, 2009
Citing the tremendous progress in improved living standards in China, the Chinese government and many Chinese citizens reject Western accusations of Chinas dismal human rights record. They ask: isnt lifting 400 million people out of poverty one of the greatest human rights successes in history. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Australian Job Gain Backs Stevens's `Two-Speed' Economic Growth Concern Nov 13, 2009
China and India are only in the early stages of catching up with the living standards of the developed world, and this process could have a very long way to run, he said on Oct. 22. As Australias economy adjusts to Chinese and Indian demand for raw materials, not only will the resources sector command more capital and labor, manufacturing and other industries whose relative output prices are declining will command less. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Government to partner organised labour for development - Veep Nov 12, 2009
"This is a sure way to improve the living standards of the people in fulfilment of government's agenda on better Ghana," he said ... He acknowledged the importance advocacy role GEA was playing to improve national productivity and augment Ghana's competitiveness to achieve middle income status and improve the living standards of the people. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Editorial Roundup: Excerpts From Recent Editorials Nov 12, 2009
By The Associated Press. Wednesday, November 11, 2009. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Obama to discuss with China on three major issues Nov 12, 2009
Dube said the Chinese responded that, given their pressing need to raise living standards, they shouldn't be expected to match the U.S. in capping or reducing emission. Dube said during Obama's visit to Beijing, the task for the Chinese and American leaders is to determine whether the other is likely to move far enough to permit both to sign on a United Nations agreement in Copenhagen in December. (Xinhuanet, China)
Veterans Day highlights new efforts to help homeless vets Nov 12, 2009
New initiatives by President Obama, by Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki, and by members of Congress focus on improving living standards for veterans. On Nov. 3, Sec. Shinseki (a retired Army general wounded in Vietnam) convened a national summit aimed at ending homelessness among vets within five years. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Asia poised to shine again Nov 12, 2009
This, according to Kishore Mahbubani, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of the National University of Singapore, was largely due to a combination of factors including the rise of China and India, and the uplifting of the living standards of hundreds of millions in the region ... Kishore said during the Industrial Revolution, living standards improved over 50% in a lifetime but, in Asia, living standards would improve 10,000% over the same period. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
* [ LETTERS ] Nov 11, 2009
Around the world, there is a growing realization that the economy and the environment are intricately linked, and that better living standards cannot be achieved by boosting the economy at the expense of the environment. Countries with the overall best quality of life according to the Economist Intelligence Units quality of life index X including Ireland, Switzerland and Norway X have stringent laws to protect the environment, and their economies are flourishing as a result. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Finnish trade, investment delegation to visit Ghana Nov 11, 2009
President Mills said Ghana valued her relationship with Mexico, and could complement each other's effort to improve on the living standards of their peoples. "In Mexico, we have found a partner," President Mills declared. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
China's eight measures mean long-term benefits for Africa: FM spokesman Nov 11, 2009
"The measures focus on helping them overcome the financial crisis, and also on long-term strategic areas such as improving living standards and sustainable development," Qin told a regular press conference. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday announced eight new measures to enhance cooperation with Africa when addressing the opening of the ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Egypt. (Xinhuanet, China)
Clinton urges APEC to embrace green growth Nov 11, 2009
"There need be no tradeoff between rising global living standards and strong action on climate change. "But to avert such a tradeoff, we must meet the challenge head-on, with a plan for clean-energy growth that will spark an explosion of new investment, generate millions of new jobs, and build new paths to sustainable development. "The United States will also lead other developed nations in supporting a global climate fund and technical assistance to help developing countries bring green growth... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
BHP hopes for rich harvest from potash Nov 11, 2009
But with rising living standards in China, India and Brazil - all of which have potassium-deficient soils - the world can afford to "under-fertilise" for only so long.. As keen as Mr Kloppers says he is on BHP's push into potash, he has yet to articulate a business case. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
As immigration loses its appeal, we must train more workers Nov 11, 2009
Lower living standards, lower property ownership, civil discord and increased crime. Nick | Brighton - November 10, 2009, 7:31AM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Picking cotton Nov 11, 2009
Campaigners are also very concerned about living standards. "They are dire," says a human rights activist who does not want to be named, but has visited a building where schoolchildren are staying. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
State targets blighted property in BH (870) Nov 11, 2009
Ben Barnacle wrote on Nov 9, 2009 4:51 PM:" Economist: first thing to realize about economists is that you can take all the economists in the world, lay them end-to-end, and they'll never reach a conclusion. Spending greenbacks we don't got will help with the recession in the short-term but will create inflation, reduction in our living standards, or both in the mid-term. Our deficit spending is now maxxed out....time to start paying it down but certainly not the time to exacerbate the issue by... (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
South Asia 'agrees to free trade' Nov 11, 2009
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Friday, 2 January, 2004, 14:04 GMT. (Yahoo News -- Asian Economy)
Which big countrywill default first? Nov 11, 2009
This is appallingly bad for the efficiency of the economy and for living standards, but it postpones default and makes it less likely. Second, it's not inevitable that the LDP's wasteful infrastructure spending will simply be replaced by wasteful social spending. (Asia Times Online)
Germans celebrate 20 years of Berlin Wall collapse Nov 10, 2009
Merkel, however, reminded Germans that the process of unification was still not complete, and large gaps in living standards need to be bridged between the East and the West. Later addressing a gathering at Bornholmer Bridge, she thanked Gorbachev for his "courageous decision" to not use force against East Germans to suppress their uprising against the communist regime. (India Times, India)
Jaideep Mishra: R&D offshoring Nov 10, 2009
Now innovation is deemed essential to boost living standards, rev up growth and productivity for corporates, and add to the wealth of nations. Hence the need to invest in Rres. (India Times)
Strike suspended in Sierra Leone Nov 10, 2009
Living standards are extremely low in Sierra Leone which is still struggling to rebuild itself after years of civil war. SIERRA LEONE: SEEKING JUSTICE TRIBUNAL. (Yahoo News -- Sierra Leone)
Mills never said Ghanaians were complaining too much Nov 10, 2009
The Office of the President, on Monday reacted to media publications that President John Evans Atta Mills had scolded Ghanaians for complaining about the living standards in the country. Mr Mahama Ayariga, Presidential Spokesperson addressing a press conference at the Castle, Osu said, "The publication that President Mills was angry with the complaints by Ghanaians, and could not take criticisms is not true". (Ghana Web, Ghana)
America's South Korean Trade Policy... Nov 10, 2009
Three decades of this one-sided trade policy has badly hurt the living standards of most of the workforce. The public blames trade agreements. (Suite101.com)
Donors pledge $20bn Afghan aid Nov 10, 2009
The donor conference comes amid growing international pressure on Mr Karzai, who is expected to stand for re-election in 2009, over the lack of progress in bringing stability and improved living standards to the country since he came to power in December 2004. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- South Asia)
* Universities need international profile boost, report says Nov 10, 2009
A majority of the interviewees also complained about insufficient information about scholarships offered by the ministry and the universities, while some said they had had difficulty maintaining their living standards because they didnt receive their scholarships on time, the report said. Interviewees from a number of universities said their schools, particularly public universities, did not have enough classes taught in English, the report showed. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Let us find ways of marketing PNC to Ghanaians - Morna Nov 9, 2009
Mr. Mona said "Since 1992, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have managed to fulfill the political aspects of governance, but have failed to meet the economic and social needs of the people. "The PNC when given the mandate either in 2012 or at any time that Ghanaians would "divorce" the NDC and the NPP to vote for the PNC, would mark the beginning of better things to come, to improve the living standards of Ghanaians," he said. He said when... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
South Asia free-trade pact agreed Nov 9, 2009
Ahead of the Islamabad meeting, ministers also reportedly reached agreement on combating terrorism and on a social charter to raise living standards across the seven-member grouping. WATCH AND LISTEN. (Yahoo News -- Asian Economy)
Hitchens: Let's Not Get Sentimental About Communism Nov 9, 2009
"Just to avoid further indebtedness," wrote Schrer, "would mean a lowering next year of living standards by 25 to 30 per cent, and make the GDR ungovernable." So the wall came down just before the hermetic state that it enclosed would have imploded. I doubt that there would have been much "nostalgia" for that. (Slate)
East Africa: Overcoming the Fear of Integration [editorial] Nov 9, 2009
If the sector sinks in the flood of goods imported into the country duty-free, the country would experience serious job losses, defeating the objective of the integration process, which among other things seeks better living standards for East Africans. Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
Credit Default Swaps Sink Jefferson County Nov 9, 2009
In order to avoid cuts in the budget that would affect living standards, Cohen recommends declaring bankruptcy immediately. "The county would be much better off filing bankruptcy, proposing a plan for all of its debts, and providing the investment community with some certainty," says Cohen. (BusinessWeek)
Winning the war on terror (armed robbery) in Ghana Nov 9, 2009
On June 10, 2007, the former inspector general of police, Mr. Patrick Acheampong indicated that It is now evident that, we now have a relatively calm nation where most regions experience little or no violent crimes for long periods, compared to the peak period between 1997 and 2001 when violent crimes particularly armed robberies were rampant and common throughout the country" Ghana news agency, 2007. Again, just a few days ago the Ghana police administration revealed on 3.11. 2009 that... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Most retirement plan assumptions wrong Nov 8, 2009
"The rule of thumb that replacement rates should be above 70 percent to maintain living standards in retirement is conceptually flawed," wrote John Karl Scholz and Ananth Seshadri, two University of Wisconsin-Madison professors, in their paper "What Replace Rates Should Households Use?". In fact, no more than 15 percent of the population Scholz and Seshadri studied need to replace 65 percent to 90 percent of their pre-retirement income. (Republican-American)
Botswana: Remarks by President Obama and President Ian Khama of Botswana after Meeting [document] Nov 8, 2009
And as a consequence you have seen extraordinary improvements in living standards over the last 40 years in Botswana that really are an envy for much of the rest of the continent. Not only has Botswana shown itself to be an outstanding success, but it's also been a great partner to the United States. (allAfrica.com)
Support science and technology education-Amaning Nov 8, 2009
She said it is the way forward for sustainable development and must be accorded the importance, if Ghana is to succeed in raising the living standards of the people and achieve a balanced economy. Mrs Amaning was addressing the closing of the 2009 Kumasi Metropolitan Science, Technology and Mathematics Education (STME) clinic at the Serwaa Nyarko Senior High School in Kumasi on Friday. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
India will grow at 6.5 pc: PM Nov 8, 2009
"Our strategy today is not just to deliver rapid growth, but to deliver rapid and inclusive growth, a growth that will provide productive employment to our young population and raise living standards in rural areas across the country.". Read business stories in. (India Times)
Indian PM hopes for 7 percent growth next year Nov 8, 2009
The emphasis will be on creating jobs and raising living standards in rural areas, he said. 2009 Associated Press. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Zimbabwe: GNU Collapse Spells Doom for All Parties Involved -- Analysts Nov 7, 2009
Harare THE collapse of the inclusive government will deprive President Robert Mugabe of political legitimacy, derail the MDC's quest for political, social and economic development and at the same time worsen the living standards of the populace, political analysts have warned. The analysts say the partial withdrawal from the unity government by the Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC three weeks ago would also erode gains made in turning around the economy and political reforms underway since the... (allAfrica.com)
* FEATURE : Taoyuan village sets example for communities Nov 7, 2009
She said that as a result, residents were moving elsewhere in increasing numbers as living standards deteriorated and parks and green spaces were virtually non-existent. We started by cleaning up the environment with local volunteers, Huang said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Browning down Australia Nov 7, 2009
Ministers looking to forge a Copenhagen climate change agreement next month are confronting a global backlash built on a consistent message: be afraid that a cherished way of life may be lost, that living standards won't again improve. In Australia, Hannagan is one of scores of influential lobbyists, business executives and union leaders who have fought over the past year to weaken or ''brown down'' Australia's first comprehensive plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions - the carbon pollution... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
In united Germany, love crosses old border freely Nov 7, 2009
After "Ossis" and "Wessis" met across the rubble of the barrier that had separated them for decades, their cultural differences gave rise to a German catchphrase: "A wall in the mind," meaning the vast differences in outlook and living standards between 63 million Germans (Wessis) raised in a free-market democracy and 17 million (Ossis) in a communist dictatorship. Catrin Schmitt and Yvi Poducek are another couple that has crossed the divide by making small adjustments. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Productivity Up: Bad News for Job Seekers? Nov 6, 2009
Productivity is the key ingredient to rising living standards ... "...Productivity is the key ingredient to rising living standards. It lets companies pay their workers higher wages. The increases are financed by the increased output rather than higher costs for products...". (CBS News)
Companies doing more with fewer workers Nov 6, 2009
Productivity is the key ingredient to rising living standards. It lets companies pay their workers higher wages. (MSNBC -- Business)
Yakeb launch cooperative to help athletes venture into business Nov 6, 2009
Cultivating watermelon can generate very good income and contribute about RM18mil a year to KAMB. I hope the venture will help raise the living standards of athletes and also take care of their welfare, she said. The Prime Ministers wife who witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding by KAMB with Iris Corporation and the Perak Agriculture Development Corporation here yesterday, said other associations in the country should also venture into similar projects to generate income for... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Productivity Surge: The Dark Side Nov 6, 2009
That's the path to higher living standards. But the huge burst in productivity that the U.S. economy experienced in the third quarter is not entirely good. (BusinessWeek)
Foreign investors flock to Australian property Nov 6, 2009
I cant beleive I voted for him - he should have the power to ruin our country and living standards. Concerned Citizen | North Balwyn - November 06, 2009, 11:05AM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Berlin Wall now in pieces across USA Nov 5, 2009
By 1961, living standards in the West had so far surpassed those behind the Iron Curtain that East Germany was emptying out. So the Communist regime closed the border and built a 96-mile wall around West Berlin. (Pensacola News Journal)
No end in sight to Fiji problems Nov 5, 2009
Aside from the security issues for the living standards of people in the Pacific it's better to have democratic regimes, to make the state accountable,'' says ANU expert, Jon Fraenkel. Samoa's Human Rights Protection Party is the only political party across the region which has remained in office for close to a quarter of a century, consolidating its control by expanding cabinet size, increasing the parliamentary term to five years, outlawing party switching and creating new sub-ministerial... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Two Westminster staff remember life with the wall Nov 4, 2009
"There was just a drastic difference not only in the structures of the streets, but in the whole living standards," Tomlin said. "For example, in East Germany if you wanted a car, you had to put your name on a list. Bananas were something really special, whereas to me it was just a banana.". (Fulton Sun, MO)
Mills hosts Kufuor and two former African leaders Nov 4, 2009
He said it was prudent that the formers leaders were eager to continue to lend their expertise to support the development agenda of the people, and assured them of his eagerness to collaborate with them on issues that would enhance the living standards of the people. President Obasanjo on behalf of his colleagues, said their meeting in Ghana under the aegis of the Club of Madrid for former Heads of State, was to engage in vibrant discussions on an African perspective of the crisis and develop... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Big is beautiful in land that thrives on foreign affairs Nov 3, 2009
The term "economic growth", as if it improves living standards, is also misleading. Growth used in this way generally refers to increased national GDP however GDP growth does not imply improved GDP/capita which would genuinely imply improved living standards. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
* Twenty years after the Wall Nov 3, 2009
The majority of humanity has sought since Nov. 9, 1989, to achieve Western living standards at all costs, over-stretching our planets climate and ecosystems. The years since the Berlin Wall came down have been rich in dramatic change, but the real era of upheaval lies ahead. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
