MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Mercosur ‘suspended’ Paraguay feels free to establish trade links with other countries
President Federico Franco announced in a press conference that if Paraguay is suspended from Mercosur the country will feel free to look for other trade agreements and international relations. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesParaguay doesn't even have an economy of its own. 60% of the largest enterprises established in the country have Brazilian capital, and if Argentinian and Uruguayan investment was considered, I wouldn't doubt the percentage would get close to 100%. Mercopress continues its silly cheerleading against the group it is outrageously named after.
Jun 30th, 2012 - 04:03 am - Link - Report abuse 0(1) Forgetit87
Jun 30th, 2012 - 04:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0Don’t “forget” their “informal smuggling” economy……………..
Some examples….:
Paraguay, a Country of 6 million impoverished inhabitants imports an estimated total of ~1.5 million laptops a year.
Paraguay, a Country of 6 million impoverished inhabitants imports an estimated total of ~3 million mobile phones a year.
Paraguay, a Country of 6 million impoverished inhabitants imports an estimated total of ~0.5 million Viagra pills a year.
This “informal smuggling” economy is estimated to generate profits in the order of 100 -200 million U$S…................... PER WEEK!
Maybe Brazil and Argentina should consider stopping this?
Yes, Paraguay's retail sector is entirely dependant on hundreds of thousands (or millions, perhaps) of Brazilians and Argentinians who cross the border to buy those cheap products. What would happen to Paraguay if all of them were prevented by their governments from going there to keep the Paraguayan commercial sector alive -- this is something the Paraguayans must know well, their grandstanding notwithstanding.
Jun 30th, 2012 - 05:01 am - Link - Report abuse 0I don't know if you remember this, Think, but in 2005 the Paraguayan leadership was negotiating with the Americans the establishment of a military base on its territory. And the only reason it was forced to shelve the project was Mercosur protests -- protests that included the threat to target the Paraguayan economy if Assunción kept on with its provocative plan. Paraguay is a landlocked country that is now being politically isolated by the rest of South America. It won't have new trade partners anytime soon.
(3) Forgetit87
Jun 30th, 2012 - 05:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0Yes. I clearly remember the Paraguayan leadership negotiating with the Americans the establishment of a military base in 2005.
As I clearly remember dozens of similar attemps all over our Continent.
Let's keep them out.... shall we? ;-)
Looks like Paraguay could become an important Anglo-American ally in the future, I bet those talks are already taking place, haven't we just opened an Embassy there? Coincidence?
Jun 30th, 2012 - 07:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0SO Forget. You are now advocating preventing your citizens the freedom of movement?
Jun 30th, 2012 - 07:33 am - Link - Report abuse 0Limitation on movement and a policy of restricting economic liberty. You lot appear to like authoritarianism don't you?
Paraguay deserves better than blackmailing and threats of political and commercial isolation from countries that purport to be business partners.
Jun 30th, 2012 - 07:43 am - Link - Report abuse 0#6
Jun 30th, 2012 - 08:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0I don't accept this liberal claptrap that the government's role is to afford unlimited freedom to individuals, the interests of the nation be damned. Economic liberty? Don't make me laugh. I'm wise enough to know that no country has ever been able to conform to your liberal utopistic values. But mind you, I'm not saying that Paraguay should be embargoed -- I'm not, only because I know better than Western supremacists who love to sanction any country who steps out of their arbitrary line. I know that the only thing sanctions can achieve is creating poverty and conformity with the targeted government.
#3 “Paraguay is a landlocked country that is now being politically isolated by the rest of South America. It won't have new trade partners anytime soon”
Jun 30th, 2012 - 09:06 am - Link - Report abuse 0Very well put. The idea that this coup government is somehow advantaged by falling out with all its neighbours is absurd
The best thing Paraguay can do is leave that ridiculous ”free trade' block. They should instead open their economy to the world, deregulate everything, instate robust property and contract law, reduce the size of Gov. to the bare minimum and sit back and reap the rewards. If you think there's lots of Argies and Brazilians there now, you ain't seen notin' yet.
Jun 30th, 2012 - 09:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0Yes, and someday Paraguay will be like Chile -- it will have the highest foreign debt of South America, 40% of its economic production in foreign hands, and student protesters vandalizing the streets 'cause they pass half their lifetime paying for a so-so education in a 4-year college. Hurray.
Jun 30th, 2012 - 09:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0An interesting situation. Paraguay is virtually surrounded by argieland and Brazil. With the only “uncontrolled” route in and out being via the lickspittle Morales' Bolivia and then either Chile or Peru. Now, who will be the first to deny Paraguay use of its airspace. I think Morales is a good bet in order to demonstrate “solidarity”. Although it will probably be a close-run thing between him and CFK. Chile needs to be alert. If argieland, Bolivia and Brazil “gang-up”, the first likely demand will be cession of Chilean territory to Bolivia to give it access to the Pacific. The “Arica Corridor” perhaps? Paraguay needs some “allies” big enough to make argieland and Brazil think twice. Perhaps it's time for the United States to step up to the plate. If it still wants a military base, Mercosur is no longer in a position to object. After Tinpotman's little escapade with the USAF, I reckon argieland will think more than twice. I can see the USAF flying in everything it needs!
Jun 30th, 2012 - 10:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0@11
Jun 30th, 2012 - 12:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You need to take a look at the listings for s American Countries. Chile as four ahead of you, your first one comes in at 11th. So before you criticise other peoples University systems and their so called education, you would do well to take a good hard look at your own first!
Falkland Islands Government should explore some mutually-beneficial trade and relations links with this new Paraguay government.
Jun 30th, 2012 - 01:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Forgetit and Think
Jun 30th, 2012 - 03:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You two really are a fine advertisement for Argentina and her “Democracy”. Here you are saying how we'll force more poverty on the Paraguayan people by cutting off their trade. Shame on you both.
The Paraguayan Congress complied perfectly with THEIR Constitution when impeaching Lugo, the vote was 76:1 and 39:4, that means that only 1 Diputado and 4 Senadores of Lugo's own party supported him!!!!
And you fervent Democrats say that it was anti-democratic!!! This was an example of Democracy in action that should be praised all over the world, and it happened in South America, against all the fundamentalist Brits' baying, right next door to Argentina!!!
Whether you agree with the impeachment or not, it does seem that Paraguay used their legal, contitutional methods to achieve it and that as to be far, far better than any sort of military coup. You would think that someone who has lived under a junta would realise that and even though disagreeing with it, would celebrate that fact. Any democracy, no matter how flawed is infinately better than a dictatorship. Well that is my opinion anyway and I have never lived under one and certainly benefitted from the other
Jun 30th, 2012 - 04:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@2 think commenting on someone elses economy and calling them smugglers.....priceless......you couldn't make it up, wait till the US open a military base there, they'll be rolling in it whilst you sit in BA freezing your little nads off
Jun 30th, 2012 - 05:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@Think, Forgetit87 and other deluded nationalists
Jun 30th, 2012 - 05:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You think extensive trade restrictions and high import tariffs are symptomatic of a fair democracy?
All electrical items in Argentina are criminally expensive. Probably you are using a laptop now. In Argentina the choice is a basic model with reduced speed, power and capabilities from a restricted range and it will cost 2 AND A HALF TIMES more than if you bought an equivalent in the US. When you consider Argentines only earn about 20 - 25% of what an American earns. This means in real terms the average Argentine is spending about 10 times more from their income on a laptop than the average american. How is that good or fair?
The things that aren't restricted to import are usually taxed at 50 PERCENT. Where the hell does that 50 % go? New factories to encourage domestic industry? Well if the laptops are domestically produced why are they still so fricking expensive?
No the -tax- money goes to very well paid customs and excise workers doing not much in front of a computer and of course the politicians.
Great system and democracy you have there...
@18 half speed, power and capabiltity with a restricted range a bit like CFK and rgenweener then
Jun 30th, 2012 - 05:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Guys fear nought, I have the solution!!! Ureaka!!!!
Jun 30th, 2012 - 05:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A windup radio or clockwork radio is a radio that is powered by human muscle power rather than batteries or the electrical grid. In the most common arrangement, an internal electrical generator is run by a mainspring, which is wound by a hand crank on the case. Turning the crank winds the spring and a full winding will allow several hours of operation. Alternatively, the generator can charge an internal battery.
No this is not a wind up!!
you can see some comments from foreigners living in Paraguay here
Jun 30th, 2012 - 06:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0http://www.expat-blog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=175110
First, Mercosur does not allow bi lateral negotiations with other countries / blocks. Argentina is not considered as a trading partner not even for Brazil the biggest Mercosur member see http://www.expat-blog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=175110
So any FTA with serious economic blocks like the EU or NAFTA is out of question within Mercosur given Argentina patotero Government and broken Exchequer and the recent incorporation of Venezuela.
Paraguay can look for FTA with Corea del Sur, Israel, Vietnam, Angola, EU, the USA. We sell meat to the former countries except the USA. We are the fourth global exporter of vegetable oil and there are 5 new factories that are going to process 90% of the Paraguayan soybean production nearly 9 mill tons per year.
Rio Tinto Alcan is looking for an alluminium smeting plant for some 4.5 billion USD and there are 16 letters of intent for companies looking to process the alluminium in case RTA comes to the country.
We have the Paraguayan / Parana river which is open for the international shippment of goods and the River Plate where barge transfer containers to bigger ships is in international waters.
We Paraguayans are not talking about stopping trade with Mercosur altogheter but downgrading the agreement to a FTA with Mercosur countries so as to free ourselves from the Custom Union that honestly nobody would say that its worth anything anyways.
There is a project for an airport hub in Mariscal Estigarribia, Chaco for cargo shipment straight to Asian countries (non stop flights).
So that is basically what it is being in debate in my country at the moment. We will look for opportunities and agreements similar that those that Chile have and free ourselves to the world.
(18) Tobers
Jun 30th, 2012 - 06:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You say….:
”@Think, Forgetit87 and other……. All electrical items in Argentina are criminally expensive. Probably you are using a laptop now. In Argentina the choice is a basic model with reduced speed, power and capabilities from a restricted range and it will cost 2 AND A HALF TIMES more than if you bought an equivalent in the US…..”
I say….:
Usual nonsense from the British turnips……
Top electronic equipment is quite expensive in Argentina….., granted…..
About 50% more expensive……….
Let’s compare the price in Argentina and Britain of an IDENTICAL product…................. Shall we?
A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 10.1 Wi-Fi 16 GB
Todays price in Argentina: AR$ 3,199
http://www.fravega.com/productos/314/f_98/o_1/CELULARES--TABLETS/Tablets/SAMSUNG
A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 10.1 Wi-Fi 16 GB
Todays price in Britain: £ 274.99
http://www.fravega.com/productos/314/f_98/o_1/CELULARES--TABLETS/Tablets/SAMSUNG
Today’s Exchange rate :
275.00 GBP = 1,953.55 AR$
http://www.fravega.com/productos/314/f_98/o_1/CELULARES--TABLETS/Tablets/SAMSUNG
A far cry from Turnip Tobers asseveration about………: ”A basic model with reduced speed, power and capabilities from a restricted range will cost 2 AND A HALF TIMES more”
Don’t you “Think”?
@ 15 Simon68
Jun 30th, 2012 - 07:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You are absolutely right about the legality of the impeachment in exact compliance with the Paraguayan constitution including an overwhelming vote in favor of impeachment.
What I would like to see is a new process giving the ousted president more time to defend himself, although this should only serve to - possibly - restore his standing/honour.
@22 he said the equivolent bought in the US not UK, don't you think Thick
Jun 30th, 2012 - 07:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Paraguay has one of the more important German communities in South America. German settlers founded several towns as Hohenau, Filadelfia, Neuland, Obligado, Nueva Germania, etc. Some specialized German sites that promote German immigration to Paraguay refers to 5–7% of German-descent Paraguayan population
Jun 30th, 2012 - 08:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Cant Germany help them.
If Argentina gave up all the land,
Posadas [south of] all the way down to Buenos Aires
All the lands between, reconquista and uruguaiana,
And between=parana and concordia,
Taking all this land is a snake like spiral, paraguay could have access to the sea.
After all, argentina is far to big, to ambitiouse,
We say, give them the land and access to the see,
Just an opinion, so don’t jump out of the 20th floor windows,
Mmm ok then, jump, but don’t scream, people are trying to sleep.
.
@joseyo
Jun 30th, 2012 - 08:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Good for you mate! do what you think is best for you, ignore the bullies. I am sure if you look to the outside and negotiate in all good faith, it will be reciprocated. No one likes a fucking bully, Argentina seems to have been one in your area for years, fighting above her wait. Good luck!! Why will the world not want to trade with you,you have never cheated or defaulted.
“You two really are a fine advertisement for Argentina and her “Democracy”. Here you are saying how we'll force more poverty on the Paraguayan people by cutting off their trade. Shame on you both.”
Jun 30th, 2012 - 09:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You guys did this to Iraqi children in the 90s, killing half a million of them, and you are doing this right now to the great Iranian people, only because they aspire to have the same kind of arsenal that you have -- the Iranians, who are much more of a peace-loving people than you've been in the latest millenium. Have a look at the mirror before you think of scolding me. You Britards have so little moral ground to nag people. As I said before, I don't want any sanctions being pressed against Paraguayans -- I know sanctions are inefficient and counterproductive; they tend to strengthen the targeted regime by inciting nationalistic anger in the populace. What I was saying is that Mercosur casts a very large shadow over the Paraguayan economy. Mercosur is inescapable for Paraguay whether it stays in the group or not. Yes, this means that, if only we wanted, Paraguay would be in pain. Mercopress's ridiculous suggestion that Paraguay has complete autonomy to go to this or that other direction is ludicrous, all the more so as even South American countries outside of Mercosur are also taking distance from Paraguay.
If you make a statement please back it up
Jun 30th, 2012 - 09:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You guys did this to Iraqi children in the 90s, killing half a million of them
You are doing this right now to the great Iranian people
Prove it, where is this evidence,
And who is doing all this killing, please name them, generalising does not help,
there’s a good chap.
.
25 briton: A few major German settlements in Paraguay but most of them Mennonite religion, who while immigrating decades ago from Russia, México, Canada, and US, are indeed ethnically-German.
Jun 30th, 2012 - 09:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0US/Canada Mennonite Central Committee (http://www.mcc.org/) has got deep ties with them, as well as working with Mennonite settlements in México and Bolivia. Most of the US/Canadian Mennonites have got dual citizenship, so thats a lot of US and Canadian citizens that consular services have to work with, sorting out some problems. Not sure if Russia does anything for its Mennonites in Paraguay.
As I recall (worked briefly with MCC/Bolivia many years ago), Paraguay's strongman Alfredo Stroessner invited many Mennonites in to help kick-start agricultural development. Didn't work so well, as Mennonites stuck to traditional methods, while neighbouring outside communities moved ahead with new technology.
@28 half a million children do your self a favour and eat your own spleen you halfwit. Thats 500,000 dickhead about 4 hundred and fifty seven thousand more than total casualtys, do some homework you dick
Jun 30th, 2012 - 10:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 029 JohnN
Jun 30th, 2012 - 10:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0To be fair, I had to look on a map to find it,
I got that from wikipedea,
I was looked at some African and European countries, with the same problem, [, and locked]
They seem to have an amicable settlement to get in or out,
Perhaps Argentina could give them access to the sea,
Just trying to be helpful.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
30 slattzzz
Wrong number, please try again.
Thanks .
.
Ok I was wrong it's actually less 35'000 Iraq dead 75 wounded 248 coalition ( of which you were part) Kuwait 1200 so that's a long way short of your half a million children dickhead only an rg could come out with that number , grow up and google it will save you looking like a dickhead
Jun 30th, 2012 - 10:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thanks Slatzzz
Jun 30th, 2012 - 10:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@Think
quick comparison example.
AMAZON
Lenova G575 43835GU laptop
15.6-Inch
AMD e_450 Processor
4 GB DIMM RAM
320G Hard Drive
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
$350 or AR$1600 (@official Argentine exchange rate)
FRAVEGA
NOTEBOOK LENOVO G475 59309602
AMD BRAZOS E450
HD 500 GB - Memoria RAM 4 GB
Pantalla HD LED de 14 ” - Webcam
Windows 7 Home Basic
AR$4100
Therefore $4100/1600 = 2.56 x higher price
The Amazon Lenova has 320GB Hard Drive compared to the Fravega's 500GB Lenova but the Amazon Lenova has a 15.6'' screen as opposed to 14'' and Home Premium as opposed to Home basic.
You can probably find examples where the difference in price between the countries is less but to me this is a typical ratio difference.
But the questions are why are the prices so high and who in Argentina is benefiting from these higher prices or should I say the taxes that are imposed? The taxmen and policy makers? Or the consumers?
And is it for the government to say what someone can and cant spend their money on by placing restrictions on imports and stinging them with a 50% tax if they do manage to import?
That wasn t aimed at you Briton by the way apologise armed forces day had a few
Jun 30th, 2012 - 11:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Double morals at its prime...
Jun 30th, 2012 - 11:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Remove the import taxes on agricultural products and we'll remove the same on the technology :)
@11 Forgetit87
Jun 30th, 2012 - 11:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Your ignorance is so stereotypical of the segment of the population you represent. There are many in Chile just like you, fortunately they are in the minority. Firstly you are completely wrong in regard to the Chilean foreign debt. The NET government foreign debt is NEGATIVE 8.6 % of GDP. This effectively means that when everything is tallied foreigners owe Chile US$ 20.7 billion (source bellow). As for the evil foreigners owning “40%” of national production, this is another one of the lefts favorite hang-ups. You are again completely wrong here, but worse still foreign investment is FANTASTIC and I wish we had been as stunningly successful in having a 40% foreign presence. The Gov. of Chile (regardless of political color) is trying very hard to increase this number. I hope they succeed.
I wont bore you with endless facts to back up my argument, but
The 1975 + model has given Chile a solid foundation from which to build a prosperous and fairer society, this is happening today all you need to do is educate yourself and look up the relevant charts, the FACTS are undeniable and remember in 1973-1975 we were in the STONE age.
BTW Argentina doesn't publish the following data.
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2012/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2010&ey=2012&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=44&pr1.y=10&c=213%2C218%2C223%2C228%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C248%2C298%2C299&s=GGXWDN%2CGGXWDN_NGDP&grp=0&a=
@36TCP
Jul 01st, 2012 - 12:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0Forget his crap mate. He is just a jealous RG. No real poster on here listens to anything they say about Chile, always knocking you. Jealousy pure and simple, the tossers jst can ot help themselfs!!!!
@Guzz
Jul 01st, 2012 - 12:17 am - Link - Report abuse 0You didn't read or understand my post in its entirety.
Argentina makes fridges,televisions, computers etc etc and they still cost an Argentine a hell of a lot more than an American, Europe, Indian, Chinese etc etc to buy in their own country. Its the Argentine consumer thats getting shafted by its -own- government and tax office.
Its easy money for them.
A TV made in China, Argentina's friend, still costs an Argentina much more than it costs an American, not a good friend of China. How is that? Is that America's fault?
Argentina faces trade restrictions for its Agricultural products in the US and Europe but it still manages to do very well from their sale to the rest of the world. I wouldn't get upset about that.
@38 Tobers.
Jul 01st, 2012 - 12:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0I should point out to you and the others that Argentina DOES NOT MANUFACTURE ANY ELECTRONICS (Source bellow). Argentina simply assemble these items using kits shipped out mostly from China. Even the screws are made in China. An investigative reporter, Jorge Lanata recently had an expose' in his TV show Periodismo para todos where he went down to Tierra del Fuego to shed some light into CFK's hugely inefficient waste of taxpayer money. These heavily subsidized firms do NOTHING to stem the deteriorating balance of payments and in fact are ripping off the Arg consumer. As Lanata found out the ONLY ARGENTINE COMPONENT OF THESE PRODUCTS WAS THE STYROFOAM PACKAGING!!!!
http://youtu.be/FVrvxrYmDJE
31 briton: You're on the right track to be considering how far-flung governments might have a stake in a place like Paraguay, because of a historical quirk of immigration bringing thousands of citizens to some isolated region of an isolated country. Certainly having so many thousands of US and Canadian Mennonites (many of whom have never set a foot in US or Canada) stuck in places like Paraguay, Bolivia or México has caused more than few problems for our consular services. Now with the Lugo upset, there will be both diplo and consular concern about Paraguay until things quiet down.
Jul 01st, 2012 - 12:54 am - Link - Report abuse 0@The Chilean perspective
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:06 am - Link - Report abuse 0Yeah, I heard about that program.
Still.. Guzz etc can't explain how the -government- justifies its massive consumer goods tariffs.
Its astounding just how poorly managed Argentina is. Especially the current one.
Argentina has so much potential- more than most countries in the world can dream of and it just continues in its self defeating cycle, blaming everyone else for its woes.
I have no clue as for Argentinas internal affairs, nor do I intend on setting a path for my good neighbours to follow. What I do know though, is that Europe is protecting its agriculture and calling Mercosur protectionist when they impose taxes on technology. That is double morals, regardless the price on anything in Argentina...
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:29 am - Link - Report abuse 0Guzz
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0Is that areference to a trading agreeement that has led to the longest period of peace in Western European history? Oh shit! seems to have worked? doesn't it?
Well, if it works for you, allow us to do the same and stop calling us protectionists then :)
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:42 am - Link - Report abuse 0Chile has a Free trade agreement with the European Union, since 2002 our goods have had free access into Europe. This had made the EU our 2nd largest trading partner. Argentina could do the same, so there's no need to start crying about it, they are NOT protectionist. What the Europeans won't do is give you free access in to Europe but let you block their exports into your own market.
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:48 am - Link - Report abuse 0Check again Chilean, Europe has import restrictions on selected agricultural goods, all to protect their farmers. Might be you are allowed to sell your products there, but not at a competitive price.
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:52 am - Link - Report abuse 046 Guzz
Jul 01st, 2012 - 02:18 am - Link - Report abuse 0You are wrong. Even with EU subsidies we still exported over 2 billion Euros of agricultural products in 2011 out of a total 18.5 billion Euro bilateral trade. Our efficient farmers were able to claw away at a Super competitive market. If Chile, a country whose population is the equivalent of a large city can successfully do this (as long as you can get in the door), then Argentina should have NO problem. That's all.
(33) Tobers
Jul 01st, 2012 - 05:06 am - Link - Report abuse 0Well…………… that’s the reason I normally dont interact with turnips…….
At (22) I use an IDENTICAL, FULLY PRICED, DATED, FIRST BRAND electronic product to exemplify the typical price difference in Argentina. (~+ 50%)
At (33) You use two DIFFERENT, DISCOUNTED (in the USA), OUTDATED, SECOND BRAND electronic products to try to prove your grossly misleading point. (+ 250%)
Yes boy, discounted products are usually cheaper than fully priced ones...
Yes boy, different products are usually priced differently…
Yes boy, strawberries are usually dearer than turnips…
What a Turnip....................
47
Jul 01st, 2012 - 08:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0Europe has import restrictions on 38% of its agricultural products. This in order to protect their farmers. I've posted quite a few links on this matter before and if you want to read up on it, feel free. If not, feel free aswell, but don't tell people they are wrong, it only shows proof of your limited knowledge on the matter...
@The Chilean prejudice:
Jul 01st, 2012 - 10:42 am - Link - Report abuse 0I was speaking about external debt, not government debt. Not all government debt is foreign-owned, and not all external debt is contracted by the government. You don't know this yet you say I'm the one who's ignorant?
Since the Chilean economy is so privatized, it makes sense that most debt, domestic and foreign, has been contracted by non-public agents. So let's not focus on foreign debt -- let's instead compare external private debt between selected Latin American countries, shall we?
Please check the World Bank website. Check the data under ”External debt stock (% of GNI)”.
Here are the results:
Chile: 46%
Argentina: 36%
Mexico: 20%
Brazil: 17%
As you see, on this measure Chile is the worse country in Latin America.
*******
@banality check:
I'm not Argentinian. And where I'm from, people are seldom reminded of Chile's existence. Saying that I feel envious of Chile, is like saying I feel envious of Brunei or Nepal.
** let's not focus on government debt
Jul 01st, 2012 - 10:50 am - Link - Report abuse 0I wonder if Brazil, Argentina & Bolivia, will mind if a couple thousand US Air Force personnel and the newest military equipment will be based in Paraguay. I know the USA has been chomping at the bit to get that base going...now is the time!!
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0yanqui
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Enjoy eachothers company while you can. In the meantime, we'll exchange hammocks and harps for oil. Good thing to have at the negotiation table, as we both know your economic system cares little about ideologies (take a look at China :) ) Don't worry though, you're meddling in Paraguay will be short and not even worth a mention in the history of our descendants...
If you think that is MUST be correct. Don't our military bases usually bring an increased in generalized trade too. I don't think there is anything Paraguay buys from Brazil or Argentina that they can't get from the USA cheaper and better quality. Is there? Maybe CFK can sell them those lemons she keeps screeching about. hahahaa
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Not generalized trade, yanqui. Your military brings specific trade, namely narcotics...
Jul 01st, 2012 - 01:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If you say so it must be true.
Jul 01st, 2012 - 02:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Still I am glad I live in the USA, do you want to come and be my maid or gardener? I promise if you get to the civilized side of the TX border I will send you a bus ticket.
In that I agree, I'm glad you live in the USA as well. Glad does not seem to embrace my feelings... thrilled, yes I'm thrilled of the fact that you live in the USA, yanqui
Jul 01st, 2012 - 02:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Me too, your jealousy is hilarious though. Ever been to a civilized country? Did you know we don't have 1000s ( or is it 10s of 1000s) of people swarming our streets every night to search through the garbage?
Jul 01st, 2012 - 03:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It's got to be hard to be the smartest monkey in the zoo knowing you can not easily escape.
Are you out of a job yet, I hear the planned layoffs are HUGE and have CFK a little concerned.
Luckily it's pretty warm IN BA now. How's the rest of the month looking? BTW do they still have heat in Bariloche I heard the Cerro Dragon riots have or will cut them off soon.
Wouldn't know yanqui, but I do know the Argentinians have been there for some 200 years now and cold winters happens almost once a year...
Jul 01st, 2012 - 03:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“It's got to be hard to be the smartest monkey in the zoo knowing you can not easily escape. ”
Wise words from you... I would like to add “especially if you think you are the spectator”... How are you going to escape, yanqui? Giving up all those excessive needs of yours must be worse than giving up the stuff you produce in Colombia...
Escape what? The heat? If you must know I'm going to Iceland and Scotland next week to get a break.
Jul 01st, 2012 - 03:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0So you are advocating Argentina live like its the early 1900s again? I see that horse and buggy travel is becoming quite common again, do you know if they have to pay tolls to use the highways to get to the city to collect garbage. That must eat into the cardboard profit quite a lot though.
While you are in Iceland, you could always check out what they did to their banks in order to “escape” :)
Jul 01st, 2012 - 03:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Huh? Are you confused since your ATM cards don't work around the world like mine does?
Jul 01st, 2012 - 03:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I see that some poor sap was denied changing pesos to U$ so his kid could eat in the USA while he goes to school. I hope he decides to go home but I think pretty soon the USA will grant RGs here in the USA refugee status. I hope not we already have too many maids and gardeners.
@Think
Jul 01st, 2012 - 04:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Your response as usual is yet again intentionally diversionary and offensive...
Let me try and make my points clearer.
The Amazon Lenova and the Fravega Lenova are of the same very popular brand and have very similar spec. The exact same models are not available in both countries because US buyers expect more and Argentine buyers expect less.
Like I say despite the Amazon Lenova having less HD it has a larger screen and more comprehensive operating system therefore the price comparison is reasonable and relevant.
The Amazon Lenova is currently available as is the Fravega Lenova. Therefore its a relevant and reasonable comparison
It really doesnt matter whether a product is -discounted- or not. The point is how easy is it to find a laptop in the US that is 2.5 times cheaper than the same or very similar spec in Argentina. Answer? very easy. Even if Argentines have access to contraband or stolen laptops then they will still be considerably more expensive than buying a laptop from any Staples or Walmart in the US.
But above all please justify why consumer goods cost significantly more (computers typically 2.5 more) in Argentina than in the US?
If that money was being invested into Argentine Industry to increase sustainable employment and improve the economy then maybe just maybe it would be acceptable.
But what is the situation? Heavily subsidised non/low skilled work in foreign owned assembly plants (instead of R and D to encourage innovation and self sufficiency). People are now being layed off from their jobs in a big way, 30% and rising inflation.....And of course the massive tax office with people just recording data and putting figures into a computer and getting very well paid for it.
Think - I suggest you learn to enjoy life more especially if you are living in the paradise and land of opportunity that is CFKs Argentina. You really just seem bitter and malevolent from your posts.
“Escape what? The heat? If you must know I'm going to Iceland and Scotland next week to get a break.”
Jul 01st, 2012 - 06:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Tell me what you brag about and I'll tell you what you lack.
34,
Jul 01st, 2012 - 06:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thank you
It's not bragging if someone asks is it? Wish you could go somewhere? Anywhere? Maybe you can join the BA province salary protests next week. I hear it will be fun. I so hope that La Camping joins in the excitement!! Maybe the military will have something to do after delivering the food to the slums.
Jul 01st, 2012 - 06:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0who cares about think and the rest,
Jul 01st, 2012 - 09:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0we have
HMS-Elizabeth
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-2152676/HMS-Queen-Elizabeth-Its-taller-Nelsons-Column-generates-energy-power-5-500-homes--does-Britain-really-need-super-sized-3-5bn-aircraft-carrier.html
50 Forgetit87 & 51
Jul 04th, 2012 - 12:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The TOTAL NET GOV DEBT is negative 8.6% of GDP. I unfortunately posted it as net foreign debt. I sometimes get a little excited with you leftist, central planning anti-development types. Soz.
Another good stat is the current NET Gov. borrowing running at negative 0.254% of GDP. These Figures demonstrate that you don't have to be a mighty economy to have a positive balance in your fiscal outlook.
As for your next point..
You don't want to concentrate on Gov. debt, when this is really the only debt that matters. Private debt to foreign banks won't make the government default. The govs books are clean and that's all that matters. If a guy borrows a billion from citibank to build a mall and then can't pay it back. It's tough luck for citibank.
As for saying that you are envious of Chile??? When did I say that??
We are well aware of our position in the food chain, we are only a 270 billion economy, our feet are planted firmly on the ground. We are heading in the right direction, and low corruption, rule of law and a chrome plated tungsten tipped fiscal policy is the only way to succeed.
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@ 49 Guzz
Different countries in the EU have different restrictions, yes..But these are provisional and will be re-negotiated in the near future. Maybe they won't change but they will be up for discussion. My main point is that by having an FTA with the EU you have a foot in the door and this allows you to compete and to also use whatever loopholes are available to help your exporters. Anyone that thinks that NO FTA is a better position to trade from, is in my humble opinion plain wrong.
Cheers.
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