Grupo Mexicano de Desarollo, which is mainly involved in infrastructure projects, hopes to raise at least $50 million from a new share offering. The new shares will first be offered to existing shareholders.
Category: Regions
Peru Economic Growth of 5.72% in September
Peru’s year-on-year growth in September registered 5.72%, slightly ahead of government forecasts of 5.5%, driven by increased activity in all sectors of the economy as well as healthy commodity exports. Economic growth for the year to September stands at 5.91%.
Mexico and Venezuela Recall Ambassadors
Mexico and Venezuela have both recalled their ambassadors in a diplomatic row that has escalated. Mexico had demanded an apology from Venezuela following remarks made by President Hugo Chávez about Mexico’s President Vicente Fox after the recent Summit of the Americas in Argentina. Venezuela has refused to apologize, saying it is “unjustifiable”.
Colombia Raises Growth Forecast
Colombia has raised its forecast for economic growth in 2005 to between 4.5% and 4.7% from 4%. The higher projections have been driven by growing demand for credit and a greater volume of exports.
Mexico Madrazo Wins First Round Of PRI Elections
Roberto Madrazo, former governor of the state of Tabasco, has won the first stage in becoming the presidential candidate for the PRI, Mexico’s largest political party, currently in opposition. His nearest rival, Arturo Montiel Rojas, dropped out of the race last month, leaving the way clear for Madrazo. The PRI governed Mexico for seventy years until its defeat by President Vicente Fox’s PAN party in 2000.
Peru’s Flores Strengthens Lead
Lourdes Flores has strengthened her lead in the polls to win next April’s presidential elections in Peru. Her lead of 27% last month was up one percentage point in the most recent survey of voters, followed by former presidents Alan Garcia and Valentin Paniagua, now both at 17%.
Chávez Looks To Mercosur
Meanwhile, President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, says he is looking towards Mercosur and not the Community of Andean Nations (CAN) for the future direction of the country. Chávez has criticized the member nations of CAN – Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia – for seeking a free trade agreement with the US while describing the leaders of the Mercosur countries as “the five musketeers”.
Grupo Banistmo To Buy Banco Salvadoreño
Panamanian investment bank, Grupo Banistmo, says that it plans to invest $145 million in buying 60% of Banco Salvadoreño of El Salvador. It says it is also looking to invest in Guatemala.
Mexican Production Slows
Mexico’s industrial production rose only 1% in September, down from 2.1% in August and below analysts’ forecast of an average 2%. Economists expect the Central Bank to lower the benchmark lending rate at a meeting later this month.
Mexico Offers Bond Swap
Mexico is offering to swap dollar-denominated securities for peso securities as part of its strategy to move more of its debt into the domestic market. Investors will be offered three local-currency bonds: maturing in 2011, 2014 and 2024 in exchange for any of the 14 dollar bonds specified by the government. The sale is being managed by JP Morgan Chase & Co and Credit Suisse First Boston.
