Posted inDaily Brief

Exclusive – Interview with Evo Morales

Bolivians go to the polls on Sunday and the favorite to win is Evo Morales, left-wing cocalero leader and ally of Hugo Chávez. What would a Morales victory mean for Latin America as the region gears up for a busy electoral year in 2006? Read LatinFinance’s exclusive interview with Morales. Please visit http://www.latinfinance.com/default.asp?Page=14&PUB=26&ISS=20977&SID=603453 to read it now.

Posted inDaily Brief

Petroecuador Ponders Securitization

Ecuador’s state-owned Petroecuador is considering securitization plans to allow the company to issue securities via the country’s two stock exchanges in a bid to raise much-needed investment capital. The company needs to find around $163 million to fund two oil projects to increase productivity and is unable to attract private investment due to resistance by Congress to pass necessary reforms. If the plans get the green light, the securities would be offered via the local exchanges in the next six months.

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Telmex Wins Chilean Telecoms License

Mexican telecoms company Telmex, owned by billionaire businessman Carlos Slim, has won a concession to operate a fixed wireless service – or WiLL — in Chile countrywide. Another license winner was VTR Banda Ancha, owned by Liberty Media, which won a regional concession. The first wireless license in Chile was awarded to local operator Entel, the country’s largest long-distance provider. Telefónica CTC Chile, owned by Telefónica de España, and MIC Chile were also interested in the licenses.

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Mexico Lowers Growth Forecast

The Mexican government has lowered its growth forecast for 2005 from 3.5% to 3%, pointing the blame at Congress’ failure to pass economic reform measures proposed by Vicente Fox’s administration. Last month the Bank of Mexico reduced its forecast to between 2.75% and 3.25% for the year. The government predicts economic expansion of 3.5% in 2006.

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