August 9, 2013

EXCLUSIVE The Mexican Big Bang
Wave of reforms the government has introduced has generated euphoria around the country

Francisco Gonzalez Diaz, newly appointed director of Mexico's investment promotion agency ProMéxico, has three tasks: to attract foreign investment, to internationalize Mexican companies, and to manage the country’s image. While it may seem a daunting mission, it seems to be easier now than ever before, Latin Business Chronicle reports.

Colombia earmarks $1.2 billion to develop country's main river
As of a result, the Magdalena river will be able to accommodate convoys of up to 7,200 tons

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos signed a $1.2 billion budget for improving the Magdalena river that connects the south of the country with the Caribbean coast. The river is the country’s main waterway for the transport of cargo and passengers, and will benefit from transport and logistical development, as well as environmental sustainability, said Colombia Reports.

Argentines march against Kirchner
Protests come days before primary elections

Several thousand people took to the streets of Argentina's capital Thursday night to voice discontent with President Cristina Kirchner's (left) government just days before Argentines vote in primary elections. The Kirchner administration's approval rating has fallen to 31 from 64 percent, according to a poll published this month by  Management & Fit, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Mexico's América Móvil makes $9.6 billion bid for rest of KPN
European telecoms firms seek to consolidate in bid to cope with recession-hit consumers

América Móvil, Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim's telecoms company, made a $9.6 billion bid to acquire the rest of the shares of Dutch telecoms firm KPN it does not already own. The move challenges a rival offer of $11 billion last month by Spain's Telefónica to acquire KPN's German business E-Plus, Reuters reports.

Honda to double Brazil production with new plant
Firm seeks to tap burgeoning growth in emerging economies by making cars locally.

Japan's Honda Motor Co on Thursday said it will spend around $440 million to build a new car plant in Brazil that from 2015 will make 120,000 vehicles a year. The new plant, located in Itirapina city, 200 kilometers northwest of Sao Paulo, will double Honda's annual production in Brazil to 240,000 vehicles, Reuters reports. 

MOREOVER

Peru keeps 4.2 percent rate Business week

Brazil to favor soy over corn in 2013-2014 Reuters

Colombian President sees economy growing 4 percent in 2013 Reuters

Cuba and Vietnam to expand cooperation Cuba News 

Peru's new middle class reaches 9 million Andina

Mexico's aerospace industry grows 24 percent Global Post