Economy

Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Lack of reforms agenda frustrates Brazilian industry

Brazilian manufacturers expressed Tuesday their “frustration” given the absence of an official reforms agenda to help thrust economic growth next year which is forecasted to be in the range of 3.5%.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
World Bank loan to ensure Uruguay's free of FAM status

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved Tuesday a 6.5 million US dollars loan for Uruguay to support the Foot and Mouth Disease Emergency Recovery Project and create a full-coverage livestock tracking system in order to keep the country virus-free and minimize economic losses.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Bolivian businessmen reticent about joining Mercosur

Bolivian businessmen showed some reticence about their country's full incorporation to Mercosur arguing it was a “threat” for the local agro-industry and could involve potential farm sales losses to the Community of Andean Nations.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Bush extends tariff preferences to Andean nations

President George W. Bush signed legislation Wednesday extending for six months existent trade benefits to four Andean nations: Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. According to the bill countries that approve free trade agreements, FTA, with the US will have a further six months.
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
The Economist: energy Argentina's “biggest worry”

In five years Argentina's recovery from catastrophe has been “swift”, but the “biggest worry” now is energy and how long growth can continue, writes The Economist in its latest edition.
Tuesday, December 19th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Global warming harms Chile's salmon industry

Two environmental experts lashed out the Chilean and Argentine governments this week for their failure to address environmental issues currently damaging ecosystems and agriculture on both sides of the Andes.
Tuesday, December 19th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Spanish concern over Argentine stance on Falkland fisheries

Representatives from the General Secretariat of Maritime Fisheries (SGPM) and the Spanish General Directorate of Fisheries Resources met with the Argentine lawmaker Silvia Giusti in the Argentine Senate for talks over the bill that tacitly proposes eliminating the so called “double permits.”
Tuesday, December 19th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
New Petrobras rig with 135.000 bpd potential

Petrobras began operating this week a new oil rig with an estimated initial daily production of 15.000 barrels of heavy oil, 17 degrees API in the Jubarte field off Espirito Santo state, according to a release from the corporation.
Monday, December 18th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Oil companies celebrate new Argentine law

Oil firms operating in Argentina celebrated a law passed this month to transfer property of hydrocarbons from the nation to provinces, saying that it will foster legal security and investments. But critics say that it will do nothing but “atomize” control over oil and gas exploration and exploitation.
Monday, December 18th 2006 - 20:00 UTC
Energy crisis

Argentina is facing a severe energy shortage that many experts blame on the lack of investments since the 2001-2002 economy crisis and despite GDP has grown at about nine percent over the last four years.