July 18, 2013

South America is growth engine for Millicom's business
Operator ended second quarter with 10 percent more, 12.9 million, subscribers

South American operations were the main business growth engine for Luxembourg-based international mobile group Millicom in the second quarter of 2013. The operator's South American revenues grew by 14 percent year-on-year to $532 million, but Central American revenues declined by 1 percent, Millicom said in its earnings statement, Business News Americas reports. 

Mexico's Alsea takes over Starbucks in Chile and Argentina
Company said it hopes to open 130 stores in both countries in the next five years

Mexico restaurant operator Alsea has reached an agreement with Starbucks to take full equitycontrol of the coffee chain's stores in Argentine and Chile, Alsea said on Wednesday. The company said it bought 82 percent of Starbucks' Chilean operation, and the 18 percent it did not own of Starbucks' Argentine business, to own 100 percent of both, Reuters reports. 

Fifa doubts Brazil as World Cup host
Adds further strain to already tense relationship  

Brazil may prove to have been the wrong choice to host next year's World Cup if it cannot bring its protest movement under control, Fifa's head SeppBlatter (left)said on Wednesday. "If this happens again in 2014, then we might have to question whether we made the wrong decision awarding the hosting rights to Brazil," he said, The Financial Times reports

Economy of Argentina grew 7.8 percent in May, says Kirchner
But economists are highly skeptical of country's official economic data

Argentina's economy grew 7.8 percent in May from the same month a year ago, President Cristina Kirchner said in a speech late Wednesday. May's growth, which points to an unexpectedly strong economic performance, contrasts with the relatively slow growth posted by the economy in 2012 and in the first months of 2013, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

Venezuela and Iran plan to strengthen economic cooperation
Countries will explore economic, industrial and commercial fields

During a meeting between Venezuelan Ambassador to Iran, Amenhotep Zambrano, and the head of the Iran-Venezuela Parliamentary Friendship Group, AbdolrezaMesr both countries vowed to boost economic cooperation. "Mutual economic cooperation between the two countries can meet the interests of the two nations and improve their international position," said Mesri, Xinhua reports. 

MOREOVER

Colombia vows to eradicate illegal mining Bernama

Mercosur to rely less on foreign technology over spying fears Xinhua

Chile's first electric car to be released this year Santiago Times

Peru's copper and gold output increases in May Wall Street Journal

Venezuela central bank sells $215 million at currency auction Reuters