Conditions in the global economy have changed dramatically since then, however, forcing oil producers' group Opec to cut output levels in an effort to stabilise prices.

BBC: Brown warns on volatile oil price

Data from the New York-based consultancy CPM Group also shows gold-mining output rising, with some 66 million ounces in 2009, followed by 68 million in 2010.

FORBES: Global Output From Gold Mines In Upswing Although Some Constraints Persist

Carl Sheldon, chief executive of Taqa, said the billion-dollar deal, which is to be completed in 2013, would add 21, 000 barrels of oil equivalent a day to its output, establishing the Abu Dhabi group "as a leading operator in the UK North Sea".

BBC: BP to raise $1.1bn from North Sea field sale

However, the final impact on output is twice as big in the first group of economies as in the second.

ECONOMIST: Can one size fit all?

Mittal, a private London-based company that gained control of America's International Steel Group earlier this year, is set to boost annual output to over 65m tonnes with the Ukrainian acquisition.

ECONOMIST: Steelmakers on a roll, until the next glut | The

According to Mr Schulz, if Japan, the world's third-largest economy, eventually joins the TPP, the group would account for nearly 40% of total global economic output.

BBC: Japan seeks to join TPP free trade talks

Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) supports advanced wireless lighting and creative flash shooting by controlling flash output independently for a master unit and a remote unit group.

ENGADGET: Nikon intros flagship Coolpix P7700 for prosumers, diminutive Coolpix S01 for fashionistas

So far the group has tested touch screens, mobile phones running the Windows Mobile and Android platforms, speech input and output devices and an ordinary domestic TV set with a simplified remote control to run the UCH.

BBC: EU smart-home concept shown off