Mercosur

• Thursday, July 29th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Searching for eco-friendly “biodiesel” fuel.

  Brazilian researchers are experimenting with everything from recycled french-fry oil to jungle seed extracts in a search for a “biodiesel” fuel that could make billions and help the environment.

• Thursday, July 29th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Unemployment stable in Chile.

  Unemployment in Chile reached 9,6% in the April-June quarter according to the latest release from the national Statistics Institute.

• Thursday, July 29th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Brazilian Central banker resigns for alleged tax evasion.

  Brazil's Central Bank powerful Monetary Policy Director quit his job this Wednesday following a report in a local magazine indicating he was being investigated, together with the bank's president for alleged tax evasion.

• Thursday, July 29th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Diplomat killings shock Chile and Costa Rica.

  Chile and Costa Rica are in a state of shock this Wednesday following the killing of four people in the Chilean embassy by a local Costa Rican security guard who took his life after killing three hostages.

• Thursday, July 29th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Russian justice decision skyrockets oil prices.

  Oil prices closed at record highs this Wednesday following the announcement by the Russian company Yukos that the Russian Justice Department ordered it to stop selling company's property.

• Thursday, July 29th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Argentine fishing industry questions inspection costs.

  Efficiency, procedures, costs and shortcomings of Argentina's main sanitary inspection body, SENASA, National Sanitary and Agro-alimentary Service were the main topic of discussion between representatives from the different Argentine fisheries associations who this week met with Senasa's vice-president Horacio Casamiquela.

• Wednesday, July 28th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Inflation creeping in Brazil.

  Market analysts in Brazil increased the 2004 inflation estimate to 7,13% compared to 7,08% only a week ago according to the latest release from the Bank. However, the hundred main companies of the country said the price increase estimate for 2005 remains at 5,50%.

• Wednesday, July 28th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  EU interpreted Mercosur as a “fragile” block.

  Argentina's decision to restrict imports of Brazilian home equipment harmed the current trade and cooperation negotiations between Mercosur and the European Union, said Brazilian Agriculture Minister Roberto Rodrigues during a business forum in Sao Paulo.

• Wednesday, July 28th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  46% of Argentines live in poverty.

  The number of Argentines living in indigence and poverty dropped considerably compared to the peak of the crisis, announced this week in Buenos Aires Argentine Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna.

• Wednesday, July 28th 2004 - 21:00 UTC

  Another natural gas discovery in Bolivia.

  A Bolivian partner of British Petroleum, Chaco announced the discovery of yet another natural gas field with reserves estimated in 0,3 billion cubic feet, in west Bolivia.