October 16, 2013

EXCLUSIVE Latin America's top 40 tech companies
Brazil's Oi is the ranking's champion in terms of growth

The ranking of the region’s largest forty technology companies by revenues in 2012 is heavily dominated by the telecommunications industry. Carlos Slim's América Móvil is the region’s largest technology company, with nearly $60 billion in revenues. But in growth terms, this year's champion's were Colombia Telecom and Brazil's Oi, Latin Business Chronicle reports.

South American soybean planting to reach record levels
Brazil set to become world's largest producer of the crop in 2013-2014

With improved moisture conditions, South American soybean planting could climb to a record, according to Hamburg-based researcher Oil World. “Brazil could become the world’s largest producer of soybeans in 2013-14 if our current estimate of soybean plantings is achieved and if weather cooperates,” Oil World said, Bloomberg reports.

Brazil and India join against spying
Countries agreed to share internet security strategies

The foreign ministers of Brazil, Luiz Alberto Figuereido, and his Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid, met in Brasilia to discuss cooperation concerning internet spying by other countries. “This is a matter of great concern to all democracies,” Khurshid (left) said. “There are several efforts to implement a platform to strengthen global security. But that platform should avoid any sort of restrictions, because the democratic system is very valuable,” he added, The Hindu reports.

Mexico's Agustín Carstens named top central banker of the year
Euromoney and Emerging Markets applaud Carstens's performance

Agustín Carstens, head of Mexico's central bank, was named Central Bank Governor of the Year by Euromoney and Central Bank Governor of the Year for Latin America by Emerging Markets. Emerging Markets described Carstens as "an architect of macroeconomic and financial stability in his country," GlobalPost reports.

Peru's economy grew 4.3 percent in August
Mining, financial and construction sectors led growth

Peru's gross domestic product expanded 4.3 percent in August compared to the same month last year, the country's statistics agency, INEI, said. Growth was led by the mining, finance and construction sectors. The country's exports saw a slight recovery due to increased volume in traditional commodity exports, Nasdaq reports.

MOREOVER

Swivel Secure expands into Latin America Business Wire

Chile's Codelco puts thermosolar plant online GlobalPost

Mexico approves five hydropower projects Hydro World

Argentina hopes to use China loan to boost reserves Reuters

Brazil's August retail sales rise more than forecast Bloomberg

Toyota considers Brazil for hybrid factory Reuters