Mercosur

• Tuesday, August 15th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  China's economy full steam ahead to a new record year

  China's industrial output surged 16.7% in July compared to a year ago with strong showing in the iron ore, steel and coal sectors according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

• Tuesday, August 15th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Taiwan interested in financing Panama Canal expansion

  Taiwan is prepared to participate in the financing of the project to enlarge the Panama Canal, once the project has been approved by the Panamanian electorate next October.

• Tuesday, August 15th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Methanol Magallanes is second fastest growing region

  The extreme regions of Chile had the most dynamic economies during the second quarter of the year, reports the Chilean Statistics Institute, INE.

• Tuesday, August 15th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentina's energy crunch forecasted to worsen

  Argentina's energy shortcomings in the near future unless massive investments are undertaken were revealed during a recent Council for the Americas forum held in Buenos Aires titled “Argentina: growth and investment opportunities”.

• Monday, August 14th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Petrobras to explore for natural gas in Santa Cruz

  Brazil's Petrobras Energia is involved in a “high risk” natural gas exploration and production investment in Argentina's extreme south Santa Cruz province, said CEO Alberto Guimaraes in Rio Gallegos.

• Monday, August 14th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Chavez Sunday visit resuscitates Fidel and Raul Castro

  Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez latest visit to Cuba on Sunday marked a double political event: pictures of Fidel allegedly recovering in hospital and the first public presence of Raul Castro, the leader's brother who has been running the country since July 31.

• Sunday, August 13th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Venezuelan December presidential campaign takes off

  Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez officially registered Saturday his reelection bid for the 2007-2013. Thousands of supporters walked with Chavez to the seat of the National Electoral Council, CNE, in downtown Caracas, where more followers from his party, the Fifth Republic Movement (MVR) and the Bloc for Change coalition had been convened.

• Sunday, August 13th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine trawler catches fire and sinks: two missing

  An Argentine flagged trawler which caught fire and was being towed to Comodoro Rivadavia went down Friday with two seamen unaccounted for, reports the Argentine Coast Guard.

• Sunday, August 13th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Severe delays and flights' cancelling in Heathrow

  Stringent security searches which have led to long delays and cancellations at London's Heathrow are not sustainable, airport operator BAA has warned following complaints from airlines forced to cancel flights.

• Sunday, August 13th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

  Smoking ban in public places begins Monday in Chile

  As of next Monday Chile joins the public smoking ban debate with strict measures regulating “smoking” and “non smoking” areas in restaurants, pubs, shopping malls, theatres, cinemas and other closed spaces.