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Current EditionBP and Total win exploration rights in virgin waters of Brazil’s Amazon basin
BP and Total, Europe’s biggest oil companies after Shell, won exploration rights in the Amazon basin as Brazil’s first oil auction in five years attracts a record level of bids. Total, based in Paris, gained exploration access to operate five blocks at the Foz do Amazonas basin in northern Brazil together with partners BP and Petrobras, the oil regulator said on Tuesday.
Venezuela net importer of gasoline in 2012 because of Amuay refinery fire
Venezuela in 2012 became a net importer of gasoline as a result of escalating problems at its refineries and increasing demand for fuel in its internal market, joining a growing list of countries that struggle with fuel supplies despite ample oil reserves.
Record FDI year confirms Latam as commodities supplier but with little technology input
Latin America and the Caribbean received last year a record 173.361 billion dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) (6.7% more than in 2011), despite an international context characterized by shrinking FDI flows worldwide, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
New WTO chief says it’s time for ‘modulating’ ambition and pushing protectionism back
Brazil’s Roberto Azevedo vowed to revive the deadlocked World Trade Organisation, as he was confirmed this week as the incoming leader of the body which sets the rules for global commerce.
Argentine inflation controversy: court vindicates private stats agencies
An Argentine appeals court threw out the fines that Domestic Trade Secretary Guillermo Moreno had slapped on private firms that issued inflation estimates that were much higher than the government’s official rate.
UK MoD challenges statistics on suicides among Falklands’ veterans
The claim that more Falklands veterans have killed themselves since the war ended than died in action is not borne out by statistics, a study says. Some 255 UK personnel died in action, but a veterans group has said the suicide toll since 1982 exceeds that.
Monsanto wins leading soybean seed replicating case to the relief of biotechnology industry
In a decision that drew sighs of relief from the biotechnology industry, the US Supreme Court ruled that an Indiana farmer violated agribusiness company Monsanto Co’s patent for a type of soybean. The court agreed unanimously with Monsanto that Vernon Bowman, 75, had performed an end-run around the law when he used the company’s patented soybean seeds without seeking a licence.
Under Brazilian suggestion, Maduro says he is prepared for political dialogue with Capriles
Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said he is prepared for political dialogue with the leader of the opposition Henrique Capriles to ensure peace in the country, even if it means “talking to the devil”. He also warned that United States must “give a huge leap forward” if relations as equals are to be advanced between Caracas and Washington.
Whitewashing draft bill and Moreno have US ‘blue’ dollar market in Argentina flat
Trading of the ‘blue’ or parallel dollar in Argentina remained flat on Monday for a second day following last week’s events when the 10 Pesos barrier was broken and the government reacted with a tax amnesty or whitewashing draft bill promising all dollar assets holders a new clean record and no questions asked if they turn their greenbacks into government bonds or promissory notes.
A British-American tax and trade agenda
By PM David Cameron - The Wall Street Journal - Britain and America have a proud history of working together to meet the great challenges of the day. Ours is a partnership without parallel, rooted in our values of freedom and enterprise—advancing not just Britain’s and America’s interests but the good of people around the world.
