Latin America - Going Down The Tubes: Unequal and irate, Latin America is coming apart at the seams

Latin America, which a decade ago harnessed a commodities boom to pull millions out of poverty and offer what many saw as a model of modernization, is in revolt. It’s not another pink tide, nor is it a lurch to the right; the movement is more a nonspecific, down-with-the-system rage. Furious commuters are looting cities, governments are on the run, and investors are unloading assets as fast as they can.

With almost three dozen countries and more than 600 million inhabitants, Latin America defies easy generalization, which makes it difficult to predict what will come next. A few weeks ago, Evo Morales, the longstanding president of Bolivia, seemed headed for reelection. Today, he and his top aides are in exile in Mexico while some in his country have taken to the streets again to protest what they say was the military coup that removed him.

In that sense, there are parallels with the Arab Spring, which began in 2010, and the collapse of the Soviet Union two decades earlier. Both were unforeseen and moved in surprising directions, yet they offer lessons in retrospect. “There were a lot of cracks, but no one saw it coming,” says Javier Corrales, a professor of political science at Amherst College in Massachusetts, of events in Bolivia and across the region.

Read more at: Unequal and irate, Latin America is coming apart at the seams

Vatican: Pope shocks Chile ( and the World) by accusing sex abuse victims of slander

Pope Francis accused victims of Chile's most notorious pedophile of slander Thursday, an astonishing end to a visit meant to help heal the wounds of a sex abuse scandal that has cost the Catholic Church its credibility in the country.

Francis said that until he sees proof that Bishop Juan Barros was complicit in covering up the sex crimes of the Rev. Fernando Karadima, such accusations against Barros are "all calumny."

The pope's remarks drew shock from Chileans and immediate rebuke from victims and their advocates. They noted the accusers were deemed credible enough by the Vatican that it sentenced Karadima to a lifetime of "penance and prayer" for his crimes in 2011. A Chilean judge also found the victims to be credible, saying that while she had to drop criminal charges against Karadima because too much time had passed, proof of his crimes wasn't lacking.

"As if I could have taken a selfie or a photo while Karadima abused me and others and Juan Barros stood by watching it all," tweeted Barros' most vocal accuser, Juan Carlos Cruz. "These people are truly crazy, and the pontiff talks about atonement to the victims. Nothing has changed, and his plea for forgiveness is empty."

The Karadima scandal dominated Francis' visit to Chile and the overall issue of sex abuse and church cover-up was likely to factor into his three-day trip to Peru that began late Thursday.

Karadima's victims reported to church authorities as early as 2002 that he would kiss and fondle them in the swank Santiago parish he ran, but officials refused to believe them. Only when the victims went public with their accusations in 2010 did the Vatican launch an investigation that led to Karadima being removed from ministry.

The emeritus archbishop of Santiago subsequently apologized for having refused to believe the victims from the start.

Read more: Pope shocks Chile by accusing sex abuse victims of slander

EU in Latin America trade push – by Iana Dreyer of EurActiv

On 11 March, the EU and Cuba finalised negotiations towards a Political Cooperation and Dialogue Agreement, ending more than a decade of political ostracism for the Caribbean state.

Negotiations long believed dead between the European bloc and Mercosur are about to be revived, the planned launch of a modernisation process for a fifteen year old agreement with Mexico is generally considered a matter of months, if not weeks away, and a similar move is in the pipeline with Chile.

The EU-Cuba agreement is “historic”, Federica Mogherini, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said. The deal “opens a legal framework for our economic cooperation, policy dialogues, but also much more than that. It opens up perspectives for major engagements for all”. The EU has also taken the opportunity to call on the US to end its trade embargo on Cuba, which has extra-territorial reach, and thus harms EU businesses. “I also publicly raised the issue [when in Havana on 11 March]. The embargo policy of the US is outdated,”  Mogherini said.

The EU’s High Representative was in Argentina a few days before her trip to Cuba, and made it official in Buenos Aires that a deal with the South Americans was on its way, with an exchange of tariff offers expected for April this year.

“What I see in Mercosur today is a very strong commitment to exchange offers and start negotiations for real.

And I think this is a political opportunity that we cannot miss,” Mogherini said. There is also a “clear recognition that the exchange of offers is a starting point for negotiations, a basis for potential improvements”, she said, adding that the EU needs to “start negotiations immediately before the window closes”.

Federica Mogherini set out the EU’s expectations with the coming trade negotiations with Chile and Mexico. The coming upgrade should end up with deals that are “comparable to CETA with Canada and TTIP with United States”, she said.

Chile’s Ambassador to the European Union, Carlos Appelgren, said that the results of the country’s 2003 FTA with the EU “have been extraordinarily successful. Bilateral trade has increased by a rate of 9% per year, growing from $7 billion in 2002 to more than $21 billion in 2014”, Appelgren stressed.

The Chilean envoy noted that since 2013, the European Union had posted a trade surplus with Chile. EU foreign direct investment is dominant in Chile, accounting for 34 percent of FDI stocks in the Andean country, and is focused on mining, services and infrastructure.

For the coming negotiations, the ambassador cited “liberalisation of remaining tariff barriers, covering 2 percent [of tariff lines]”, public procurement, sustainable development, the gender dimension of trade, and services as Santiago’s priorities. He said there are plans for a “robust agreement on investment to overcome the fifteen BITs” Chile has signed with individual EU member states. Santiago also aims to simplify rules of origin, tackle non-tariff barriers to trade, trade defence and competition.

Mexican Ambassador to the EU, Cesar Guera, said that the modernisation of the commercial pillar of the EU-Mexico Association Agreement of 200/2001 would include, “among other topics: liberalisation of agriculture goods, reform of rules of origin, with special focus on cumulation with common [FTA] partners, and seek to increase transparency and cooperation in sanitary and phytosanitary [issues]”.

In services, the goal would be to lock in recent Mexican reforms in telecommunications, finance and energy. Guera also said the deal should aim to protect investments “to the highest standards, taking into account the new focus of the EU on the topic”, in reference to the European Union’s investment court proposal to replace investment arbitration to settle disputes between investors and host states.

“Mexico hopes to start shortly with the broad and ambitious modernisation of the agreement with the EU. Both sides are highly prepared to take that important step.”

Mexico and Chile are parties to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Asia-Pacific trade agreement clinched in 2015 under US aegis. Mexico, a member of NAFTA, is also seeking to upgrade its relationship with the EU after TTIP and the recently concluded CETA, agreements which could harm Mexico if no complementary measures are taken.

The EU concluded FTAs with Peru and Colombia in 2012/2013, and is finalising the inclusion of  Ecuador into the Peru/Colombia deal.

EU-Digest

Migration: Europeans head to Latin America to escape the economic crisis

As many well-educated people can't find jobs in crisis-stricken Europe, they turn south. More migrants are moving from Europe to Latin America and the Caribbean than the other way round. Jane Chambers reports from Chile.

Originally hailing from Seville in southern Spain, Magdalena Martín Sevilla decided to make Chile her new home after she couldn't find any work for months. In 2012, she packed her bags and left Spain.

"The economic situation has been terrible since 2008," she said. "It's impossible to find work in your area. People just end up doing low-paid jobs that they don't want to do."

Before the crisis hit, Sevilla, who's in her late 20s, studied with the goal of helping low-income families. After she graduated, she spent five months looking for work in Spain. When a foundation in Chile offered her a job, she didn't think twice about taking it. She moved to Chile's capital Santiago to fight poverty in Latin America.

Moving to Chile and fitting in was easy for her since Spanish is her mother tongue, but she says she still struggles as she misses her family and friends. And she feels people in Spain know how to enjoy life a little bit more.

Read more: Europeans head to Latin America to escape the economic crisis | Americas | DW.COM | 28.07.2015

World Cup Soccer: Spain, Netherlands, Chile headline Group B at WCup - by Paul Logotheti

Spain's bid to repeat as champion has the unenviable task of beginning in a World Cup group with the Netherlands, Chile and Australia.

Three of the four should contend for a spot in the knockout phase, with plucky Australia looking overmatched but able to spoil the hopes of the others.

Spain and the Netherlands play on June 13 at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, while Chile could take an early lead in Group B with its opener against Australia at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba.

Read more: Spain, Netherlands, Chile headline Group B at WCup - Yahoo News

Solar Power: SunEdison, OPIC, IFC and Rabobank finalize US$100.4MM Project Financing Arrangement for the Largest Merchant Solar Plant in Latin America

SunEdison, Inc. a leading worldwide solar energy services provider recently  announced the closing of a $100.4 million non-recourse debt financing arrangement with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. The debt proceeds will be used in Chile for the construction of a 50.7 MWp solar power plant, to inject energy directly into the Central Interconnected System (SIC), selling all its production in the spot market (merchant solar).

OPIC is providing $ 62.9 million of debt, IFC is providing a parallel loan of U.S. $37.5 million and Rabobank is providing a local Chilean Peso VAT facility for the equivalent of U.S. $25.6 million.

Interconnection of the 50.7 MWp plant is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2014. Once completed, the project, called "San Andrés" and located in the Atacama region, is set to become the largest solar photovoltaic merchant plant in Latin America in 2014 and one of the largest in the world.

Pancho Pérez, SunEdison President for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, stated: “This plant represents significant growth for SunEdison and Chile’s PV industry, and significant value creation for SunEdison, investors and the region. The San Andrés merchant PV plant highlights SunEdison’s ability to deploy innovative energy solutions that address consumers’ electricity needs, contribute to national economic growth by reducing energy cost, and serve as a reference for the industry worldwide. We are very proud to partner once again with OPIC, IFC and Rabobank in Chile to enable this worldwide flagship project”.

Pérez added, “When completed, San Andrés will be the one of the first merchant PV plants and will demonstrate that solar photovoltaic is already a competitive energy source in countries like Chile. This project reinforces SunEdison’s leadership in the Latin American renewable energy market and reaffirms our commitment to clean energy industry development in Chile”

Read more: SunEdison, IFC and OPIC close US$100.4MM Project Financing Arrangement for the Largest Merchant Solar Plant in Latin America | OPIC : Overseas Private Investment Corporation

Brazil blames Argentina for delays in EU free trade accord

Brazilian agribusiness leaders are blaming Argentine government policies for delays in concluding a free trade deal with the European Union -- an accusation has come from Brussels as well.

EU negotiators reported frustration in attempts to advance negotiations that both sides see as timely, leading to a deal that will benefit both sides.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed for EU-Latin America free trade talks. A free trade deal with Latin America's largest trade bloc, Mercosur, is seen in Brussels as a potential way out of recession for some of the EU's hard-pressed economies.

Mercosur's impressive demographics and cumulative growth figures are strong stimulants for EU nations seeking new business opportunities. The region has a population of about 276 million and total earnings of $3.47 trillion. An average per capita income of $12,599 translates into a burgeoning consumer market with unrivaled potential, analysts said.

Mercosur founding members are: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay. Venezuela, Associate Member since 2008, became a full member in July 2012. Bolivia and Chile are associate members and Colombia, Ecuador and Peru want to join.

Paraguay's membership is suspended because of Mercosur diplomatic wrangles over a June 2012 government change the regional bloc denounced as a coup. Other regional organizations including the Organization of American States in Washington, disagree over Mercosur's diplomatic isolation of Paraguay.

Brazil blames Argentina for delays in EU free trade accord - UPI.com

European Food Industry: Blueberries have become popular in Europe and Chile is capitalizing on its profitable potential

Blueberries are the oldest known plants living and have been traced back 13,000 years. Blueberries are one of the only fruits native to North America, but are found today on almost every continent.

In Europe wild blueberries bushes are to be found mainly in Eastern Europe and the fruit now finds its way into many recipes all across the continent.

But not only local growers are doing well in Europe.  Also international exporters of blueberries have found their way into Europe. 

Chile's Blueberry Committee, with support from the Fund for the Promotion of Agricultural Exports from the Ministry of Agriculture, run by ProChile, recently organized an intense campaign for the promotion of Chilean blueberries in Germany and other parts of Europe with the brand "Arándanos de Chile" (in German: "Blaubeere aus Chile").

The activities are part of a program by the Chilean Blueberry Committee to promote the fruit in the European market, including Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, Russia and the Netherlands.

The program not only seeks to increase the sale and market penetration of Chilean blueberries but also actively provides local consumers more information about the blueberries health benefits and the various ways in preparing these delicious berries. Chile has been quite successful  with its efforts as Chilean blueberries can now be found in most European super markets.

EU-Digest 

Mining Industry: Suriname now looks towards copper mines

With a booming gold mining industry, the government wants to utilize its untapped copper ore. So far, no one has ever proposed mining copper to contribute to the economy, but Minister of Foreign Affair Winston Lackin tells de Ware Tijd it is time for a change.

The Minister has waged bilateral talks with Chilean investors over the weekend. 'Chili is one of the foremost countries in mining with enormous experience in copper mining. We are sitting on reserves we don't have clue about, so we've asked Chili to help us with the exploration,' the Minister announced. If the Surinamese copper reserves have a substantial value, Suriname will consider putting up copper mines.

Suriname has seen much potential in Chili, reason why Lackin thinks it is wise to use the South American giant's expertise. They can also help in the field of agriculture, which will be a boost to the government's plans to realize its vision of becoming the Caribbean's food supplier. Next month a delegation of Chilean experts is expected to arrive in Paramaribo to study possible fields of cooperation.

Read more: Suriname now looks towards copper mines - DWTonline.com

Chile: Summit of the European Union and the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States

EU leaders have arrived in Santiago, Chile for the January 26 - 27  summit with their counterparts from Latin America and the Caribbean under the theme "Alliance for Sustainable Development: Promoting Investments of Social and Environmental Quality".

The summit is bringing together the economic, social and environmental dimensions of the bi-regional partnership, the Summit will give new impetus to cooperation and the building of common positions on global issues and shared challenges. Summit discussions will also review political developments and address crucial issues and opportunities currently faced by the EU and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Opening session EU -CELAC Summit, Santiago, Chile

The EU is represented at the Summit by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. A high level of participation is also expected from EU member states and virtually all leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to attend the Summit, hosted by President Piñera of Chile, which currently holds the CELAC Presidency.

President Van Rompuy said: "In Santiago, we will reaffirm the strategic nature of our relationship based on common values. We will review the main challenges that the international community is facing and consider ways to strengthen our cooperation in working towards a more just, secure and prosperous world. We will discuss regional integration as well as cooperation on international fora."

European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani will be in Chile accompanied by a large business delegation composed of 51 representatives of 40 European companies and industry associations, from ten EU Member States. 

This  is part of a series of "Missions for Growth" to help European businesses, in particular small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), to better profit from fast-growing emerging international markets. Vice-President Tajani will hold a range ministerial-level meetings intended to deepen the implementation of political agreements signed in June 2011 with the Chilean authorities on SME development, industrial cooperation, tourism and space. Discussions will also focus on encouraging the promotion of clusters and business networks to boost SME internationaliszation. 

European Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht, will also be in Santiago and will use the opportunity to engage with counterparts from the region on the trade agenda, giving particular priority to ensuring progress allowing for an imminent provisional application of free trade agreements with Colombia and Peru, and of the trade pillar of the Association Agreement with Central America.

Throughout the discussions in Santiago at all levels, the EU side will stress the importance of an open, transparent, non-discriminatory, stable and business-friendly environment. Legal certainty for investors is essential for the fostering of high-quality, socially responsible investment. The EU will also underline the importance of promoting open trade and refraining from protectionist measures so as to ensure continued growth and development. It will also underline its readiness to work together with LAC partners on Corporate Social Responsibility, which is an integral part of the EU's investment strategy.

Presidents Van Rompuy and Barroso and Commissioner De Gucht will also participate in the Business Summit, which will bring together businessmen, political leaders and business-related institutions from both regions. The central topic will be ‘Investments for Economic Growth, Social Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability’.

The Santiago summit will be the EU's seventh summit since the inaugural EU-LAC summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1999, which launched a "strategic partnership" between the two regions. It will be the first Summit with CELAC - the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States - as the EU's counterpart.

EU-Digest

EU's Barroso expresses "great admiration" for miners' rescue

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso hailed Wednesday the rescue operation by Chile to rescue 33 men trapped in a northern Chilean mine.

For more: EU's Barroso expresses "great admiration" for miners' rescue - Monsters and Critics

The EU approves emergency aid of three million Euros for Chile

The European Commission (EC) has approved three million euros of emergency aid in response to the situation caused by the earthquake that shook Chile on Saturday and has caused over 300 deaths.

“As an act of solidarity with the Chilean people, we have immediately earmarked three million euros for the organisations working on the ground there, so that they can provide help in the first and most critical days after the earthquake”, the EU Humanitarian Aid Officer, Kristalina Georgieva said in a press release.

For more go to: PENKI.LT::News: News: Abroad

edie.not: Irish company to develop wind farms in Chile

For the complete report from Edie.com click on this link

Irish company to develop wind farms in Chile

Developing wind farms in Chile is to be the latest energy venture of Airtricity founder Eddie O'Connor. Mr O'Connor sold his Airtricity businesses in the US and Europe last year for €50 million and with a portion of the money set up a new company in February called Mainstream Renewable Power. Now, the relatively new company has signed into a €785 million joint venture deal with Chilean company Anders Energy to develop wind farms in the South American country. It is hoped that the wind farms created will generate enough power for around 217,000 homes, with a 35MW wind farm planned to be ready in two years in the Valparaiso region of Chile.