Global beans: Kenya's coffee exports are on the rise

 Coffee Exports Up

Kenya

Kenya's coffee exports are expected to increase this year and could reach $308 million by the year end, said the Ministry of Agriculture recently. Total production will remain similar to last year's 55,000 tons. Kenya is expecting the coffee farmers to earn approximately $308 million for 2012, up from $260 million last year, according to the ministry. The East African nation in July started campaign to promote growing of coffee in its western region as part of an effort to help farmers diversify sources of their income.

 Protected Sea Zones

China

China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA) on September 11 released a series of measures to select and protect areas as the base points of the country's territorial sea, a move to "ensure the country's maritime interests." The measures came after the Chinese Government announced on September 10 the base points and baselines of the territorial waters of the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islets, and the names and coordinates of 17 base points. The SOA said that a country has the same sovereignty over its territorial seas as it does over territorial land, and such sovereignty extends to the seabed and subsoil, and the air space above it.

 Serious Illness Insurance

China

China announced a decision to expand the coverage of the country's healthcare insurance system to include the treatment of critical illnesses, aimed at preventing patients from being reduced to poverty by high medical treatment costs. The new arrangement will further increase the level of coverage that China's healthcare insurance system can offer, according to a document co-issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and five other central government departments.

 Aid for the Disabled

China

The Chinese Government has vowed to increase financial support for and encourage public investment in disability care services, according to the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF). Such services are designed to provide all-around support, including rehabilitation, medical treatment, education, training and employment, for adults both with mental and physical disabilities. China now has more than 85 million people living with disabilities, according to CDPF.