The Wall Street Journal-20080123-Politics - Economics- In Brief
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Politics & Economics: In Brief
U.S. Alters Rules On Export Controls
President Bush approved changes aimed at modernizing the nation's controls on the export of sensitive products to foreign countries. The White House said the directives would promote a "more efficient and transparent export licensing process." Manufacturers expect the changes to boost the ability of companies to make overseas sales, greatly reducing the number of products requiring export-control licenses.
-- Associated Press
Gazprom Buys Into Serbian Monopoly
Serbia agreed to a multibillion-dollar gas-pipeline project as part of an energy deal with Russia that would boost Moscow's control over supplies to Europe. A majority stake in the Serbian oil monopoly NIS will be sold to Russian energy giant OAO Gazprom, and Russia will route part of the gas pipeline through Serbia.
-- Associated Press
Strong Euro Drags On German Exports
The euro's strength against the dollar will be a burden on German exports this year, according to the German government's annual economic outlook report. The report, which might be changed due to recent market turmoil, sees a reduction of the forecast for real gross domestic product to 1.7% from 2%.
