Stories for October 3rd 2007
Incipient political dialogue between US and Venezuela
Top diplomats from Venezuela and United States held talks aimed at improving relations, discussing a possible visit to Caracas by Washington's leading envoy for the Americas. Relations between the two countries have been tense for years.
Argentina closer to an agreement on Paris Club debt
Argentina is considering submitting a report on its economic program to the International Monetary Fund to help unblock negotiations on its 6.3 billion US dollars debt with the Paris Club, a government official said yesterday.
Business newspapers on website for free competition
Pearson, the world's largest education publisher announced this week it was partially opening up free access to its Financial Times newspaper as it adopted a new online business model.
Setback for Argentina in international energy dispute
The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, D.C., has awarded Sempra Energy approximately 172 million US dollars, including interest, to settle a 2002 dispute involving the company's 43% ownership in two Argentine natural gas holding companies, Sodigas Pampeana and Sodigas Sur.
Argentina announces “discouragement letter” to Billinton
Argentina announced a “formal protest” before the United Kingdom for having extended hydrocarbons exploration and production licences to the east and south of the Falkland Islands. The Foreign Affairs Ministry also anticipated “discouragement letters” to the companies involved reported the Buenos Aires press Tuesday evening.
Chile: Giant predatory Humboldt squid threatens hake
An invasion of predatory Humboldt squid into northern Pacific waters is decimating hake catches in the Pacific Ocean, including along Chile's coast. This is the conclusion of an extensive study carried out over 19 years by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).
India's Mittal takes leading control of Argentine steel industry
ArcelorMittal the world's largest steel group announced plans to offer 542 million US dollars to take over Argentina's Acindar and increase its presence in Latinamerica.
First production contract for Royal Navy's new carriers
Britain awarded this week the first contract for the new equipment that will be fitted to the 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers Ministry of Defence has announced it is to order.
Falklands' new oil partner: global leader in resources
BHP Billiton which this week announced it had acquired an interest in 14 exploration and production licenses offshore the Falkland Islands is a leading global leader in the diversified resources industry with an annual turnover of 47.5 billion US dollars in fiscal 2007.
Good prospects for Mercosur wheat, corn and soy crops
Weather conditions are improving in Mercosur main farm areas helping advance optimistic prospects for the 2007/08 harvests. In Argentina the wheat crop is predicted to reach 14 million tons while corn and sunflower planted areas are expected to increase significantly.
