Mercosur

• Wednesday, August 11th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Chinese industrial production cooling.

  For the fifth consecutive month China's industrial growth during July slowed down but the Central Bank stressed credit restrictions remain in full effect with the purpose of ensuring a soft landing for the overheated economy.

• Wednesday, August 11th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Crucial referendum for Venezuela?and oil markets.

  With just a few days for the crucial recall referendum on President Hugo Chavez next Sunday, Venezuelan authorities have said they will guarantee oil exports and prevent violence regardless of who wins.

• Tuesday, August 10th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  40% of Santiago residents concerned with jobs.

  According to a public opinion poll, 40% of Santiago residents fear loosing their jobs, 56% believe the government should improve health services and what 20% most hate is paperwork in government offices.

• Tuesday, August 10th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  International observers in US presidential election.

  For the first time ever international observers will be monitoring United States November presidential elections, reported the US State Department.

• Tuesday, August 10th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Uruguay recovers beef markets.

  After having achieved the re-opening of the Chinese market for Uruguayan beef and lamb, local authorities are holding similar negotiations with Korea and Japan.

• Tuesday, August 10th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Port of Montevideo expanding.

  The port of Montevideo in 2003 mobilized 210.348 containers and 5,2 million tons of cargo, and this year given traffic during the first six months of 2004 the number of containers is forecasted to be above 250,000 and cargo over 6 million tons.

• Monday, August 9th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  US considered bombing South America following 11/09.

  A few days after the September 11/2001 terrorist attacks in New York and against the Pentagon a high US official recommended bombing South America or Asia “to surprise the terrorists”, reveals the US magazine Newsweek in its latest August 9 edition.

• Monday, August 9th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Chile-Peru war of words becomes louder.

  Outstanding politicians and diplomats from Chile and Peru joined the maritime border controversy between both countries which is increasingly straining bilateral relations.

• Monday, August 9th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Fisheries News.

  Headlines:
  Argentina's hake policy for the rest of 2004; Australia set to standardize fish names; Chilean salmon and trout exports expand 23%; European scientists study sardine migration.

• Monday, August 9th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Oil production data controversy hits markets.

  With oil prices breaking records and no immediate prospect of containing market's nerves which are threatening global economic recovery, the Organization of Petroleum Export Countries, OPEC, has been accused of pumping two million barrels per day less than what it officially declares.