Stories for April 27th 2011
Helped by import restrictions, Argentina’s March trade surplus soars 141%
Argentina's March trade surplus more than doubled (up 141%) from the same month last year to 667 million US dollars according to official data, helped by the government’s import curbs and stronger grains exports. Trade surplus in March 2010 was 276 million USD.
Peugeot-Citroen marks two production milestones in Argentina and Brazil
France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen recently marked two production milestones in Latin America. Production of the one-millionth vehicle at the Palomar plant in Argentina coincided with production of the one-millionth engine at the company’s Porto Real plant in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Mercosur supports tourism industry with improved data and investment promotion
Mercosur country members with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Tourism Organization will cooperate in the promotion of tourism focusing on improved and harmonized statistics, strengthening governance and promoting investment in the industry in the region.
Brazil’s strong currency fuels current account deficit in March
Brazil's current account deficit ballooned to a record for the month of March as foreign companies in Brazil sent more profits home and Brazilians spent more on travel and goods overseas.
Brazil’s five largest airports will be managed under concession by private sector
Brazil is planning to hand over the country's five largest airports to the private sector through concession agreements, in an effort to accelerate upgrades ahead of two major international events, Brazilian presidential Chief of Staff Antonio Palocci said Tuesday.
Brazilian government trying to calm inflation fears; warns of ‘prolonged effort’
Brazil’s central bank President Alexandre Tombini admitted that slowing inflation back to target next year will require a “prolonged” and incisive effort.
Uruguay’s flag carrier Pluna orders three more Canadian CRJ900
Canada’s Bombardier Aerospace said Monday it has received another follow-on order from Uruguay’s flag carrier Pluna for three CRJ900 NextGen regional jets, helping the manufacturer's efforts to avoid layoffs.
Fiat will manufacture in Argentina combines and specialty tractors for Latam
Italy’s Fiat Industrial, through its affiliate CNH, will set up a plant in Argentina to manufacture powerful combines and specialty tractors destined for the Latin American market. The plant will create some 600 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs, CNH said in a statement on Tuesday.
Guerrilla/military events from forty years back poison Uruguayan politics
The release of an alleged unfinished pact negotiated over a decade ago between former urban guerrillas and the military triggered serious controversy in Uruguay in the midst of a political debate to overrule a bill which exempts former officers from going to court for alleged human rights abuses during the military dictatorship (1093/1085).
Food and fuel prices threaten to derail Asian economies, warns ADB
Soaring food and fuel prices are threatening to derail growth in Asian economies, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The bank has warned that if food and fuel prices continue to surge, economic growth in the region could be reduced by up to 1.5% this year.
