Latin America

• Friday, March 30th 2007 - 21:00 UTC

  Chile leads Latinamerica in information technology

  In a new study released this week by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Chile ranked 31 on a list of 122 countries for efficient use of information and communication technology. Only four Latin American countries made the top 50, of which Chile was the leader.

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

  HMS Grafton becomes Chilean Navy's “Almirante Grafton”

  

  Former Type 23 frigate HMS Grafton was delivered Wednesday in Portsmouth to the Chilean Navy and renamed “Almirante Lynch”, according to a release from the Chilean Embassy in London.

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

  “Latinamerica at the crossroads”, four possible scenarios by 2020

  

  By Lord Triesman of Tottenham
  
  British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibilities for relations with Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Overseas Territories, the Commonwealth, UK visas, Migration policy, Consular policy, Public Diplomacy, including the British Council, the BBC World Service and the Chevening Scholarships Scheme.
  
  The speech at the House of Commons, March 28, was the launching of FCO Latin America strategy paper

• 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.