Latin America

• Thursday, March 29th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Bolivian massive exodus before Spain no visa deadline

  

  Thousands of anxious Bolivians desperate to travel to Spain before Friday, when visas will begin to be required, flooded this week two of the country's main airports. In the middle of the chaos the government claims the massive exodus has been encouraged by travel agencies, some of which have swindled travelers.

• Tuesday, March 27th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Chaos in Santiago's transit triggers cabinet reshuffle

  

  Chilean president Michelle Bachelet reshuffled the cabinet late Monday replacing the ministers of the Presidency, Defense, Justice and Transport in an attempt to contain the social and political protests against a recently inaugurated chaotic Santiago transport system.

• Tuesday, March 27th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Chile and Japan sign wide ranging free trade agreement

  

  Japan and Chile sealed a free trade deal Tuesday by which Chile will have zero tariff access for virtually all its exportable goods including copper, fish, tea and wine.

• Monday, March 26th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Chavez: China to become top oil client

  

  President Hugo Chavez said China is set to rival the United States as Venezuela's top oil buyer as he announced new plans with the Asian powerhouse to jointly ship oil, build refineries and expand crude production.

• Monday, March 26th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Santiago is the 5th richest city in Latin America

  

  Consulting firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers recently ranked the richest cities in the world by measuring economic output and consumer buying power. Santiago ranked 53rd overall, but 5th among other cities in Latin America, after Mexico, Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

• Monday, March 26th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Cruise vessel rescues young couple that fell overboard

  

  A young couple fell overboard from a cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico early Sunday, but both were rescued after a four-hour search and appeared to be in good condition, a cruise line spokeswoman said.

• Sunday, March 25th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Lan Chile signs contract for 15 Airbus A320

  

  LAN Chile Airlines has signed a firm contract with Airbus for the acquisition of 15 additional A320 Family aircraft. This is a confirmation of the options that were announced in October 2005.

• Sunday, March 25th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Chilean tourism industry turnover in 2 months, 2.4 billion

  

  The tourism industry in Chile generated 2.4 billion US dollars during the 2006/07 summer season according to Oscar Santelices, head of the country's National Tourism Service, Sernatur.

• Friday, March 23rd 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Climate change impact in Chile “may not be so severe”

  

  A panel of experts from the University of Chile has suggested that the impact of climate change may not be so severe in Chile as in other parts of the world. They reason that the strong influence of the Pacific Ocean on the country may well help mitigate the effects of global warming.

• Thursday, March 22nd 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Leading banker warns of “market adjustments” in Latam

  A senior international banker predicted a further shake-out in emerging markets, particularly Latinamerica, arguing that asset prices in the region, (the best performing market last year) “have run ahead of economic fundamentals in many cases” and the market needs some sort of adjustment.