According to information by the federal government, one million foreign tourists visited Brazil during the World Cup. That’s way above the estimated 600,000 expected prior to the games. A study conducted by the Ministry of Tourism shows that Brazil welcomed tourists from 203 different countries during the World Cup. For most of them (61%), it…
Global AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections have fallen by more than a third in a decade, the United Nations says as it voiced hope of wiping out the killer disease. The global effort to beat the pandemic has made huge strides, though the battle is far from over with 35 million people still living…
The World Bank Group yesterday launched a new program which will help developing countries reduce costs and improve speed and efficiency of trade at their borders by simplifying their customs procedures. The Trade Facilitation Support Program, supported by Australia, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Norway and Switzerland, will make US$30 million available in…
The Forum Disability Officials meeting commenced on Tuesday at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi where senior officials of government ministries responsible for disability issues are convening to dialogue on various issues related to disability inclusive development in the Pacific region. In her welcome remarks the Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Ms.…
AROUND 280 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes every day. The most common form of diabetes is type 2, and while you may have heard of it before, you may not know that type 2 diabetes is actually preventable. For people who have diabetes, insulin, which is essential for the conversion of glucose into energy, is…
Qantas has again dropped out of the world’s top 10 airlines, while Cathay Pacific has been named the world’s best carrier in the annual World Airline Awards. Cathay Pacific climbed from sixth place last year to displace 2013’s top airline, Qatar Airways. Announced at the Farnborough International Air Show in the UK, the World Airline…
ACP countries reaffirmed the role of the private sector as the engine of growth at the annual gathering of African, Caribbean and Pacific Ambassadors hosted by the European Investment Bank, where special focus was given to microfinance and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in ACP countries. ACP Secretary General Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni said recent developments…
Ready access to land, labour and credit are the basic resources necessary for farming. And choosing the right type of farming is dependent on how land can be accessed, what labour is available (family or hire), and what assets the farmer has to obtain credit. Government services through research and extension departments of ministries of…
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund is hosting the first ever meeting of regional PEC Fund coordinators from 15-17th July 2014 in Koror, Palau. With 13 Forum Island Countries’ PEC Fund Project Coordinators in attendance, the meeting will focus on knowledge sharing as well as discussions on strengthening the sustainability of…
A rancher on Saipan is expected to ship this week 12 head of cattle to Guam, Department of Land and Natural Resources Secretary Arnold I. Palacios disclosed last week. In an interview, Palacios told reporters that CNMI veterinarian Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz has started the vaccination and testing to prepare the cattle for shipment. He…