Mercosur

• Thursday, August 12th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  President Lula image rebounds in polls.

  The positive image of Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva administration increased almost nine points at the beginning of August according to a public opinion poll from Sensus Institute contracted by the National Transport Confederation, CNT.

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

  US monetary policy to remain “accommodative.”

  The US Federal Reserve, as anticipated by money markets, increased this Tuesday basic interest rate a quarter of a point to 1,5%, the second consecutive rise in the year. However rates remain negative since twelve month US inflation stands at 3,3%.

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

  Tourism industry prefers Latinamerica to US

  North America for second consecutive year continued to lose tourist trade which was mostly absorbed by the Caribbean, Central and South America, according to the president of the World Tourism Organization Americas Committee.

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

  Chile reviews fishing companies “incentive” policy.

  A Punta Arenas company Concar involved in toothfish fishing is demanding Chilean authorities the payment of approximately 300,000 US dollars in industry promotion funds allegedly pending since November 2002.

• 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.