Stories for March 9th 2016

Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 07:24 UTC
As of next May first, 90% of Pacific Alliance trade will be free of tariffs

The Pacific Alliance Additional Protocol becomes effective next May first, which means 90% of trade between Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico will be free of tariffs, while the remaining will be subject to gradual tariff liberation chronogram, according to Andres Rebolledo, head of Chile's International Economic Relations Department, Direcon.
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 07:13 UTC
Pacific Alliance four members committed “to solid and orderly public finances”

Pacific Alliance members' commitment to maintaining solid and orderly public finances, in a changing global economic environment is crucial to continue to attract investments, said Chile's Finance minister Rodrigo Valdes currently in New York with his peers from Peru, Colombia and Mexico, to promote the region.
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 06:47 UTC
Falklands celebrates “Tussac Tuesday”, one of the most valuable native plants

In rare coincidence with the International Women´s Day, the Falkland Islands celebrated ”Tussac Tuesday'', the Poa flabellata grass, one of the most valuable native plants to farmers and wildlife in the Islands. It is palatable all year round and can provide good supplementary forage for cattle, horses and sheep.
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 06:28 UTC
Falklands, “an indescribable mix of emotions and experiences”

A group of Brazilian academics, students and journalists recently visited the Falkland Islands, invited by the local elected government. One of the visitors, Guilheme Lacerda wrote a small piece in the social network about what the describes as an incredible experience.
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 06:19 UTC
Mildronate (meldonium), a heart medication popular in Eastern Europe and..athletes

When Maria Sharapova announced Monday that she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open by testing positive for the banned drug meldonium, it prompted many questions about what this substance is and how it affects an athlete's performance.
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 06:02 UTC
Sharapova, the highest/paid female athlete in the world, loses major sponsors

Tennis star Maria Sharapova has lost several major sponsors after admitting that she failed a drug test at the Australian Open. The former world champion has been the highest-paid female athlete in the world for 11 years in a row, Forbes reported last year. She earned US$29.7 million last year — including “US$23 million from endorsements and appearances,” according to Forbes.
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 05:35 UTC
Argentine Lower House clears the way for a floor discussion of accord with holdouts

After rough discussions, Argentina's Lower House committees on Tuesday managed to clear the holdouts bill for debate with changes proposed by the allied Renewal Front and criticism from Victory Front lawmakers.The bill will reach the floor next week. If it passes, it will then be up for debate in the Senate, where the situation is similar, with the ruling Let’s Change needing help from opposition lawmakers to ensure the bill passes.
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 05:14 UTC
Construction tycoon sentenced to 19 years in prison for Petrobras corruption scandal

Brazilian construction tycoon Marcelo Odebrecht, 47, was sentenced Tuesday to 19 years in prison for corruption and money laundering in the giant Petrobras embezzlement scandal shaking Latin America's biggest country Petrobras in what prosecution has identified as Operation Car Wash.
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - 05:08 UTC
Sambo fish to combat mosquitoes in the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio

Governments have been using various tools to fight the spread of the Zika virus in Latin America: fumigation, spraying of insecticides and even a plan to distribute mosquito repellents to athletes during the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.