MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

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Argentina promotes tourism.

In an attempt to accelerate economic activity and recover jobs Argentina is considering a Public Works Plan and a strong promotion of the tourist industry. The four years project sponsored by the Argentine Tourist Office targets a 50% increase in the current 1,6 billion US dollars annual income, which should in that time period help create half a million jobs related to the industry, according to the Buenos Aires press that revealed some of the details. To achieve this goal a more aggressive "Visit Argentina" international campaign to attract tourists will be launched together with the opening new natural spaces, the inauguration of other leisure areas and sports such as rafting, trekking, mountain climbing with the appropriate guides and infrastructure, plus financial incentives. VAT reimbursement that is currently effective to purchases starting in 200 US dollars, will be extended to purchases starting above 50 US dollars. Similarly, hotel (as in Chile) and restaurant bills will be granted the same benefit. The new spaces and attractions are to be manned by small businesses from the private sector that will be responsible, with government assistance, for organisation and management. A simultaneous program to promote tourism among locals, "Argentina is better", is expected to begin next September. Argentines spend annually 4,2 billion US dollars overseas. But the Buenos Aires press also points out that one of the catches of the program is how to convince the Revenue Service to be generous is hard times, and how to instrument the hotel and restaurant VAT reimbursement in a country where tax evasion is a national sport.

Farmers prepare to protest

This year's edition of Uruguay's main agriculture show that begins this Friday in the Prado grounds in Montevideo and will extend until next September 10th., promises to be more of a strength and bargaining test rather than the normal competition and parade of the country's top livestock breeds. Last year's final official ceremony that includes the participation of Uruguayan officials: the President and his main cabinet Ministers, was cancelled by the Farmers Association to protest what was