January 7, 2014

EXCLUSIVE CEMEX-Neoris: a well builtpartnership
IT giant has helped make Mexican cement firm's operations more efficient

Global business and IT consulting firm Neoris has been instrumental in Mexican cement giant CEMEX's expansion and recovery. "Neoris has helped CEMEX improve the two big components of any successfully run operation: efficiency and effectiveness," Neoris CEO Claudio Muruzabal told Latin Business Chronicle.

EXCLUSIVE interview: AES Dominicana CEO Marco de la Rosa

Marco de la Rosa, CEO of AES Dominicana, discusses the company's expansion plans, as well as opportunities and challenges for Latin America's energy sector. The company has growth plans for Chile, Brazil, Central America and the Caribbean. "Energy investment is key for helping countries in the region reach their economic goals," de la Rosa told LBC.

Mexico to boost car insurance market with new highway rules
Government says 73 percent of drivers in the country are uninsured

The Mexican car insurance market is set to get a boost from a plan by President Enrique Peña Nieto to mandate policies on the country's federal highways. The law is expected to boost sales for Mexico City-based Qualitas Controladora, Carlos Slim's Grupo Financiero Inbursa and Paris-based AXA, Bloomberg reports.

Venezuela hikes minimum wage 10 percent
Aim is to maintain consumer spending power

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (left) announced a 10 percent increase to the country's minimum wage and pensions. The initiative is an effort to maintain consumer spending power, as inflation reached 56.2 percent last year. Maduro, who blames the soaring consumer prices on an opposition-led effort backed by the U.S., said the raise would leave the minimum wage rising faster than inflation over the next year, Reuters reports.

Peru's protected areas attracted 1.3 million tourists last year
The Ballestas Islands drew 250,000 visitors throughout 2013

Some 1.3 million domestic and international tourists visited Peru's 14 natural protected areas, 15 percent more than in 2012, according to the National Service of State Protected Areas, Sernanp. Jorge Gamboa, head of the institution, said that promotional campaigns were the main reason behind the increase, Andina reports.

Uruguay's cannabis law lures foreign pharmaceutical firm's interest
Companies from Canada, Israel and Chile have contacted the country's National Drug Board

Uruguay's legalization of cannabis last month has attracted the attention of foreign pharmaceutical companies, who are interested in purchasing marijuana for medical use. According to local media, companies from Israel, Canada and Chile have been in contact with the country's National Drug Board, AFP reports.

MOREOVER

Argentina likely to get U.S. Supreme Court review for first debt case Forbes

FIFA President criticizes Brazil's World Cup preparations USA Today

Cuba welcomed more than 2.8 million tourists in 2013 GlobalPost

Mazda starts production in new Mexico plant Asahi Shimbun

The bull and bear case for Latin America ETFs in 2014 Investor's Business Daily