February 26, 2014

EXCLUSIVE The Keys to Latin American growth
Experts say female empowerment, physical activity and support for entrepreneurs are crucial

Female empowerment, support for entrepreneurs, and physical activity were three key themes agreed on for Latin America's future success by a panel of experts at the Clinton Global Initiative held in Rio de Janeiro last year. The panel was made up of Grupo Omnilife and Angelíssima CEO Angélica Fuentes, Nike Inc. CEO Mark Parker, and BTG Pactual CEO André Esteves, LBC reports.

Chinese and U.S. companies eye Mexican rail freight market
Mexican lower house overwhelmingly approved law to open up sector

Chinese and U.S. rail companies are interested in  the Mexican rail freight market if a bill that would open up the sector is approved. The sector is currently controlled almost entirely by two concession holders: Grupo México's Ferromex and Ferrosur railroads, and Kansas City Southern de México, Reuters reports.

Repsol approves $5-billion Argentine deal
Amount is half of what Spanish firm had originally demanded

Spanish oil firm Repsol has approved a $5-billion settlement with the government of Argentina. The deal brings to an end a two-year dispute over the seizure of the company's majority stake in Argentina's YPF. But the compensation is only half of what Repsol had originally demanded, Reuters reports.

Petrobras drops 2.5 percent on continued fuel subsidies
Brazil's state oil firm hit by selling fuel below cost to help government tackle inflation

Brazilian state oil company Petrobras's shares dropped 2.5 percent, as continued fuel subsidies ordered by the government will make it difficult to fund its business. The company's profits have been hit after it has been selling imported fuel below cost to help the government tackle inflation, Bloomberg reports.

Brazil on the brink of a coffee shortage as drought hits crop
Current harvest could fall below 50 million bags

Brazil's current coffee harvest could fall below 50 million bags, as the country is hit by the worst drought in decades. The figure compares with the country's potential yield of some 58 million. Earlier this week the price of coffee per pound reached $1.75, the highest in over a year, and is seen reaching $2 per pound, the GlobalPost reports.

MOREOVER

Huawei and Entel to build nationwide mobile network in Peru Huawei

Sprott bets on Mexico as hedge fund boosts bonds Bloomberg

Bolivia to invest $695 million in gas projects Fox News Latino

Argentina takes its debt case to the U.S. Supreme Court New York Times