World news in brief

RUBBER producers meeting in Kuala Lumpur are making a last-ditch attempt to save the International Natural Rubber Organisation (Inro) from collapse.

This follows the threatened resignation of Thailand and Malaysia from the organisation.

Observers say there is little chance of either country rescinding its decision to quit.

A REBOUND in agriculture is helping to sustain a recovery in the Philippines economy, reports the Financial Times in a survey of the country.

Agriculture accounts for 20% of gross domestic product. It rose by 11.1% in the second quarter of 1999.

The survey also reports on the governments radical plans to revitalise the agricultural sector.

The plans include land and bank lending reform as well as an attempt to raise productivity through the use of genetically modified (GM) crops.

• Philippines coconuts suffer trauma, FWi, 5 August, 1999
• Philippines to reform farm sector, FWi, 13 July, 1999
• Agriculture drags down Philippines economy, FWi, 20 August, 1998
  
• Financial Times 28/09/99 page I (Philippines survey)
  

A SURGE of food imports into developing countries followed the 1993 Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture, which liberalised trade in foodstuffs.

However, the agreement did not bring an increase in their exports, according to a survey by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.

The survey reviewed 16 countries. The finding was contrary to what was expected. The 1993 agreement is due to be reviewed next year

• Trade dominates Maastricht foodfest, FWi, 21 September, 1999
  
• Financial Times 28/09/99 page 40 (News Digest)