Stories for January 10th 2008
Venezuela interested in Antarctica and its rich resources
Venezuela prepares to move into Antarctica following the naming of a “Presidential Commission on Antarctica” with the purpose of advising President Hugo Chavez on an official policy on the matter.
Two women Colombian hostages to be released Thursday
Colombia's government on Wednesday approved a mission sponsored by Venezuela to free two hostages held by cocaine funded leftist rebels, said a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Specter of energy rationing looms heavily over Brazil
Brazil's Energy Minister denied reports Wednesday that a short supply of natural gas from Bolivia and a lack of rain might force Brazil, which relies heavily on hydroelectric power, to ration energy later this year
“Smaller China and India” makes IMF lower 2007 global growth
The International Monetary Fund said this week it had lowered its 2007 global growth estimate by one-half percentage point after recent data showed economies of China and India were smaller than previously thought.
China to freeze basics and energy ahead of Lunar New Year
China will introduce partial price freezes on basic commodities such as gas and oil and crack down on profiteering, hoarding and other activities fuelling inflation, the government announced on Wednesday. Government officials are concerned about prices next month when the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Chilean exporters howling: US dollar falling to 480 pesos
With the US dollar in free fall the Chilean Association of Exporters, ASOEX have called on the country's authorities so that “once and for all they understand the situation that vast sectors of the Chilean economy are experiencing, particularly small and medium enterprises which represent a significant number of jobs”.
US Co. extracting crude and gas in Tierra del Fuego
Houston independent Apache Corp. reported that its Seccion Banos-2004 well on the Argentine side of Tierra del Fuego is producing 1,635 b/d of oil and 1.3 MMcfd of gas from the Lower Cretaceous Springhill sandstone. The well is the first large producer drilled following Apache's 1,800 sq-km, 3D seismic survey in the area.
World Bank forecasts modest global growth of 3.3% in 2008
The global economy is expected to slow to a modest 3.3% growth in 2008, but things could worsen if United States slips into recession, the World Bank said this week in a report on “Global Economic Prospects 2008”.
Freedom at last for FARC hostages in Colombia
Colombian rebels freed two women held hostage for more than five years, handing them over Thursday to Venezuelan officials who flew them to Caracas where a triumphant President Hugo Chavez awaited
Cheapest car for $2,500; targets Indian families
Tata Motors Ltd., India's largest truckmaker, unveiled the country's cheapest car, pricing it at 100,000 rupees ($2,500) as it aims to convince the nation's 45 million motorcycle riders to trade up to four wheels.
