MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Breaking News from South America.

Antarctic research

A group of sixty researchers from different countries are currently aboard the German Antarctic vessel "Polar Stern" in a research cruise along the so called Scottish arch, that includes South Georgia, South Sandwich islands, South Orkneys and South Shetlands. Most researchers are marine biologists interested in marine life and environment, and the changing world climatic conditions. The group of German, Belgian, Spanish, Argentine, Peruvian and Chilean researchers also includes four professors and two students from Magallanes University in Punta Arenas. The cruise is financed by the German Foreign Development Aid Department and according to the head of the expedition, Professor Golf Arntz, "it's the operation that concentrates most Latinamerican researchers". "Polar Stern" usually operates from Punta Arenas.

Improved prospects

Prospects for the United States economy during 2002 are improving according to a more optimistic forecast included in the World Economy Review to be released this month by the International Monetary Fund. IMF estimates the US economy will grow 2,2% this year, an improvement from a previous March draft paper that indicated 1,2% and even better that last December forecast of 0,7%. However next year the US economy is estimated to grow 3,4%, a slight drop from the original 3,8%. This will be in the context of an overall world economy growth of 2,7% in 2002 and 4,1% in 2003. The World Economy Review will be officially released this month a couple of days before the annual IMF assembly that will take place next April 20/21st. According to IMF the Euro zone will grow 1,2% in 2002 and 2,9% in 2003. Germany, Europe's leading economy, 0,7% this year and 2,7% next year. France 1,3% and 3% while Italy 1,2% and 2,8%. The sick man in the Far East, Japan will see its economy drop 1% in 2002 and is expected to recover 0,8% in 2003.

US-Uruguay kick-off

Uruguayan and United States trade officials signed this week in Montevideo the starting agreement for trade and investment promotion that eventually could lead to a full free trade agreement between both countries. The first step is the naming of a joint committee