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The Antiguan authorities and an IMF staff mission have reached agreement on a program that the mission will recommend the IMF support through a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for SDR 81 million (about US $124 million) over 36 months. Following review by staff in Washington and management approval, the IMF's Executive Board would consider Antigua and Barbuda's request for an SBA, which is envisaged for May.

Macroeconomic policies including monetary and fiscal easing, supported by the Tanzanian government's economic recovery plan, have helped mitigate the impact of the global crisis. The recovery, however, remains nascent and growth has been concentrated in lightly-taxed sectors, causing government revenue collection to fall below targets in the budget.

The economy is starting to recover, following the deep output contraction in the first half of 2009. However, the uncertain global outlook could pose downside risks, underscoring the need to increase room for policy maneuver and strengthen efforts to address medium-term fiscal and growth challenges.

The Malawian economy has proven resilient during the global economic crisis by sustaining high growth and moderate inflation. The financial sector remains well-capitalized and sound; Malawi's food security was enhanced through increased agricultural output; and progress was made towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Recent intellectual property consultations “have not created convergence, but have certainly shed light on divergences,” Director General Pascal Lamy told WTO members on 12 March 2010. He was briefing them on talks he had chaired with about 20 delegations on geographical indications and proposals related to biodiversity.

While the economic outlook of Angola is improving, further steps are needed to create a sustainable fiscal position, limit inflation, and rebuild foreign reserves.

Wrapping up almost two weeks of agriculture negotiations from 3 to 12 March 2010, New Zealand Ambassador David Walker, who chairs the talks, said he expects to prepare a progress report for “stock taking” meetings at the end of the month.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Indonesia's geothermal power capacity is set to nearly double following the endorsement of a new climate investment fund plan. The $400 million plan, endorsed by the Trust Fund Committee of the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), will help transform Indonesia's use of renewable energy and ultimately support the government to meet its long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26% in 2020.

The passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha, 14 years after it was first tabled, calls for celebration. But one's joy must be tempered by the extremely fractious and divisive voting process, which witnessed sharp polarisation between the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left, on the one hand, and the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and a section of the Janata Dal (United) on the other.

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav has said that the Women's Reservation Bill in its present form would damage the country's parliamentary system.