Asia-Pacific countries are set to grow by over 7% this year, although the region will face several economic challenges, primarily the management of exchange rates, according to the the United Nations annual regional economic review.

IMF Managing Director Rodrigo Rato forecasted that the world economy faces another solid year of growth in 2007, estimated in 5%, and underlined the fact that the world is less dependent on the United States economy.
The Punta Arenas retail market in the extreme south of Chile has significantly grown in recent years, attracting Chile's leading retailers. Retail giants Lider, Fallabella, La Polar and Johnson's have opened branches in the southern Region XII city over the past three years, and saw profitable returns in 2006.

Argentina's economic activity in February expanded 7.9% over the same month a year ago, and 0.6% over January 2007, according to the latest release from the National Statistics and Census Office, Indec.

The British pound hit a 14-year high of 1.9938 against the dollar, with many experts believing it will break through the 2 dollars benchmark in the next few days.

The New York Times has called for the dismissal of World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz who is entangled in a scandal over securing a huge pay raise awarded to a close female friend.

The European Central Bank decision on Thursday to leave key interest rates at 3.75% came as no surprise to money markets. However the ECB said it would monitor the risks to price stability very closely, avoiding the stronger word vigilance.
Brazil and United States manufacturing industries agreed on Friday in Sao Paulo to join efforts in achieving a reduction of trade barriers, which so far have frustrated a long expected global free trade agreement.
The International Monetary Fund, IMF said Latin America's private credit expansion requires careful vigilance, particularly with household loans and collateral conditions.
The international soybean market, the main crop in Argentina and Brazil, is showing excellent prospects for South American farmers reports Oil World a reputed publication from the industry