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Energy
President Calderon Discusses Energy Reform With Oil Firms At Davos
January 29, 2009
President Calderon met with the CEOs of oil giants BP PLC, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, ENI, Total, Statoil and Chevron, at the
World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and said that this year the Mexican energy sector will begin making
important changes following the approval by Congress of an energy reform. Congress recently approved an energy reform
that allows Pemex to offer service contracts where payments may be linked to the success of the project.
Pemex 2008 Net Loss To Exceed 2007 Loss
January 27, 2009
Pemex said its 2008 net loss will be "significantly greater than" year-ago losses due to a weaker local currency and the
sharp oil price drop in the second half. Pemex said that although it reported net income of MXN 5.6 billion for the first nine
months of 2008, it expects 2008 losses to grow on year. Regarding the foreign exchange losses, Pemex attributed them to
the recognition in Mexican pesos of the outstanding debt stated in foreign currencies that is included in the comprehensive
financial result.
Pemex Launches USD 2 Billion 10-Year Bond To Yield 8.25%
January 27, 2009
Pemex launched the sale of USD 2 billion in 10-year bonds as it increases spending. The sale of the bond, which has a
8.25% yield, was oversubscribed threefold, underscoring strong investor interest in the company despite disappointing
operating results last year. Pemex originally planned to place USD 1 billion or more in 10-year paper. Pemex said it will use
the money for investments and to pay off debt coming due this year.
President Calderon: Government To Curtail Diesel Price Increases
January 27, 2009
President Calderon said that the government will reduce its monthly increments in diesel prices to assist the country’s
farmers, fishermen and transport industry during the current economic downturn. Calderon said Mexico’s diesel prices are
about MXN 1 a liter below international prices, and that the government grants additional subsidies of MXN 2 a liter for
agriculture and fishing fleets. Calderon said that as of February, the monthly increases will be reduced by 75%, and diesel
prices will only rise by MXN 0.05 a month. Transport companies, farmers and fishermen will be able to deduct the excise
tax paid on the fuel.
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Mining
INEGI: November Mining Production Up 9.9% On Year
January 30, 2009
According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), Mexico’s mining production rose 9.9% in November from the yearearlier
month, with sharply higher output of gold, silver and copper. INEGI said gold output was 27% higher in November at
4,293 kilograms. Silver production was 35% higher than in November 2007 at 233,626 kilograms, and lead production
soared 75% to 7,340 metric tons. Copper output was up 5.3% at 21,309 tons, while zinc production fell 4.7% to 35,162
tons. Iron output slipped 0.7% to 656,932 tons and coal production dropped 0.3% to 928,237 metric tons.
Grupo Mexico Reports USD 175 Million 4Q Loss
January 30, 2009
Mexican miner Grupo Mexico (GMex) said that sliding world copper prices pushed it to a fourth-quarter net loss of USD 175
million versus a net profit of USD 169.6 million in the year-ago period. GMex said its 4Q net revenues were USD 714 million
versus USD 1.549 billion in 2007. The company’s reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA) were USD 21.7 million in 4Q compared to USD 737.8 million in the same 2007 period.
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Trade & Investment
Mexico To Keep Fighting U.S. Meat-Label Rule
January 29, 2009
The Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development Ministry (SAGARPA) said Mexico will continue its World Trade
Organization (WTO) complaint against U.S. rules to make country-of-origin labels (COOL) obligatory on meat. SAGARPA
said "Canada is pulling out" but that Mexico will continue and on February 26 it will have consultations at the WTO. Mexico
and Canada both challenged the labeling rules, set to become mandatory in U.S. grocery stores later this year, as a
violation of world trade rules, but Canada dropped its complaint earlier this month after Washington made changes to make
the rules more flexible.
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Banking, Insurance & Finance
Banxico: Bank Lending Slows To 4.2% Growth In 2008
January 30, 2009
According to the central bank (Banxico), growth in Mexican bank lending to individuals and companies lost steam in
December and consumer credit fell amid increased fear of defaults and fallout from the world credit debacle. Bank lending
to the private sector expanded 4.2% in December over the year-ago period, compared with a 7.3% increase in November.
Direct performing loans, a measure of new lending, rose to MXN 1.620 trillion at the end of December from MXN 1.459
trillion a year earlier.
CNBV: Mexico’s Banks See Asset-Quality Improvement In December
January 26, 2009
According to a report by the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV), Mexico’s banking industry had slightly
better asset quality in December than in the previous month. Nonperforming loans accounted for 3.4% of total loans at the
end of December, down from 3.5% the previous month but still significantly higher than the 2.8% posted for the end of
June. Mexican banks and their nonbank subsidiaries reported a 1.9% month-on-month drop in loans to MXN 1.875 trillion
as of December 31. Meanwhile, the Association of Mexican Banks (ABM) said that consumer credit in Mexico is likely to
remain flat in coming months as a slowing economy affects demand.
BBVA Bancomer’s 2008 Profits From Mexico Operations Reach MXN 31.5 Billion
January 27, 2009
Spanish-Mexican bank BBVA Bancomer announced that 2008 profits amounted to MXN 31.5 billion in Mexico, despite the
global economic crisis and lower-than-expected results in other world operations. BBVA Bancomer said it considered 2008 a bad year for its operations worldwide and in Mexico but that profits still were 12% higher than compared to 2007 figures.
Inbursa Sees Loan Portfolio Growing Between 10% And 15% In 2009
January 30, 2009
Mexican financial group Grupo Financiero Inbursa said it expects growth in its loan portfolio to slow to between 10% and
15% this year as Mexico’s economy faces headwinds from a U.S. recession. The group’s commercial and investment
banking arm Banco Inbursa grew its total loan portfolio 68% year-on-year to MXN 142.42 billion at the end of 2008, led by
commercial lending, which expanded 89.5% to MXN 117.22 billion.
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Business & Industry
Pepsico To Invest USD 3 Billion In Mexico
January 29, 2009
U.S. soft drink maker Pepsico’s CEO Inda Nooyi announced after a meeting with President Calderon at the World
Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that the company will invest as much as USD 3 billion in its Mexico subsidiaries
and build a new facility in Celaya, in the state of Guanajuato. The announcement comes two months after the company
disclosed plans to close three plants in Mexico. The Guanajuato plant will require initial investment of USD 100 million and
will be inaugurated in late February.
Colombia’s Grupo Chocolates To Acquire Nutresa For USD 95 Million
January 28, 2009
Colombian food company Grupo Nacional de Chocolates announced it agreed to buy 100% of Mexican chocolate candies
manufacturer Nutresa for USD 95 million. Nutresa produces chocolate candies and sells them in Mexico, the United States,
Central America and the Caribbean. The deal still needs the authorization from Mexican antitrust regulator CFC. Grupo
Nacional de Chocolates will fund the acquisition with its own cash and some loans from banks and expects the deal to
close by February.
CFC Approves InBev’s Acquisition Of Anheuser’s Stake In GModelo
January 29, 2009
The Federal Competition Commission (CFC) announced that it has greenlighted Belgian-Brazilian brewer InBev’s
acquisition of U.S. peer Anheuser-Busch’s 50.2% stake in Mexico’s Grupo Modelo (GModelo). GModelo has not disclosed
any comment regarding CFC’s decision on the USD 46.9 billion bid by InBev for Anheuser-Busch.
Vitro To Miss USD 44.8 Million Bond Interest Payments
January 29, 2009
Mexican glassmaker Vitro said it will miss interest payments of USD 44.8 million as it seeks to renegotiate its debt and
derivatives claims. Vitro said it faces claims of USD 293 million on derivatives contracts that went bad in last year’s financial
crisis, and its failure to pay has led it into default on other financial obligations. As a result, and in order to keep enough
cash on hand to continue operating, Vitro said it won’t make a USD 12.9 million interest payment on its 8.625% bonds due
2012, nor a USD 31.9 million interest payment on its 9.125% bonds due 2017.
Coca-Cola Femsa Places MXN 2 Billion On Local Debt Market
January 29, 2009
Mexican soft drink bottling company Coca-Cola Femsa (KOF) said it sold MXN 2 billion in bonds on the local market to
refinance debt and fund investments. Coca-Cola Femsa said the 13-month bonds were placed with a yield-to-maturity of 80
basis points above the TIIE interbank rate. KOF said it will use MXN 500 million to pay existing bonds coming due in July,
and the rest for general expenses, including investments and working capital.
CMPC Restructures Mexico Operations, Merges Five Subsidiaries
January 28, 2009
Chilean sanitary products manufacturer Compañia Forestal y Papelera Chilena (CFPC) announced it will restructure its Mexico operations by merging five of its subsidiaries into a single company with assets of USD 100 million. CFPC merged
ABS Bienes de Capital with Servicios Comerciales Montemayor, Servicios Comerciales Metropolitanos, ABS International
Division, and Hygienic Products International.
AjeGroup To Compete In Fruit-Flavored Beverages And Water Markets
January 28, 2009
Peruvian beverages company and maker of Big Cola, AjeGroup, announced it is launching its Big Nectar and Big Agua
brands to compete in Mexico’s fruit-flavored beverages and water markets. AjeGroup’s products are as much as 50% less
expensive than Mexico’s competitors’. AjeGroup said its products still are in a testing phase, which will end by the end of
the month. AjeGroup recently suspended plans to import its beer brand Big Chela into Mexico.
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Automotive
Nissan Plans Weeks Of Production Halts At Mexico Plants
January 26, 2009
Japanese automaker Nissan Motor announced it will shut car assembly plants in Mexico for several weeks during the first
quarter as the U.S. recession hits demand. Nissan said it will halt output for 26 days during the first quarter at its
Aguascalientes plant, in the state of the same name. Nissan added that it might have to lay off some of the 6,000 workers
at the mentioned facility, which produces Sentra and Versa models for export.
Volkswagen De Mexico Expects 20% Output Reduction In 2009
January 29, 2009
German automaker Volkswagen’s Mexico unit said it could cut production at its plant in Puebla, in the state of the same
name, by as much as 20% this year to adjust for lower demand resulting from the global economic crisis. Volkswagen said
it set a production record of 450,802 cars at its plant in Puebla, adding that it positioned itself as the number two automaker
in Mexico, behind General Motors (GM).
Peugeot To Seek Mexican Suppliers For International Operations
January 26, 2009
French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroën announced plans to expand operations in Mexico through its international
purchases platform Global Sourcing. Peugeot said that Global Sourcing’s objective is to identify and select Mexican auto
parts providers with a capability to supply all of its facilities worldwide. Peugeot said it is choosing Mexico as a global
provider as it acknowledges the country’s labor force quality, technology and production capacity’s reputation
internationally.
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Housing & Mortgaging
Sociedad Hipotecaria Federal Sees MXN 20 Billion In Mortgage Bonds In 2009
January 28, 2009
Mexican housing development bank Sociedad Hipotecaria Federal (SHF) said it expects around MXN 20 billion in mortgagebacked
securities to be issued this year in the local market. SHF said mortgage-backed securities are the only way to draw
enough large-scale lending into the sector to keep up with demand for financing. SHF said MXN 20.89 billion in mortgagebacked
securities were issued last year, down 22% from 2007. SHP said it plans to deploy MXN 60 billion in construction
bridge loans, credit lines to individual borrowers, and guarantees to home lenders to sustain growth in the housing sector
and prop up liquidity during the global credit crisis.
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Construction & Infrastructure
Mexico’s Cement Production, Consumption Down 3%
January 29, 2009
According to the National Cement Chamber (Canacem), the current global economic crisis led to a 3.2% drop in cement
production in Mexico and to a decrease in consumption of this material of between 2% and 3% during 2008. Mexico’s
cement production fell to approximately 37.5 million tons last year, while cement use fell to some 35.5 tons. Canacem
members include Cemex and local units of Lafarge and Holcim, among others.
Cemex Refinances USD 4 Billion In Debt
January 28, 2009
Mexican cement maker Cemex announced that it is refinancing USD 4 billion in short-term debt. The company said in a
statement that it had refinanced USD 2.3 billion for February 2011. Cemex said USD 2.3 billion in short-term debt originally
scheduled to mature this year and next was refinanced to 2011, with amortizations of USD 607 million this year and USD
536 million in 2010. Cemex said it has also extended by one year USD 1.7 billion of a USD 3 billion credit, which now
matures at the end of 2010.
Cemex Posts USD 707 Million Loss, First Quarterly Loss In A Decade
January 29, 2009
Mexican cement maker Cemex posted its first quarterly loss in at least a decade, hurt by a strong dollar and lower demand
as the economic crisis hit its operations worldwide. Cemex reported a fourth-quarter majority net loss of USD 707 million,
compared with a net profit of USD 538 million a year ago. A 35% decline in operating income, losses on financial
instruments and an impairment expense all contributed to weak net results. Full-year profits were down 92% to USD 203
million for 2008, compared to USD 2.4 billion in 2007.
Cemex Lays Off 1,000 Employees In Mexico
January 27, 2009
Mexican Cement maker Cemex announced it has finalized adjustments in its staff as part of its cost-cutting strategy. The
restructuring will affect 10% of its worldwide payroll and led the company to lay off 1,000 workers in Mexico.
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Retail
INEGI: November Retail Sales Fall For Third Straight Month
January 29, 2009
According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), Mexican retail sales fell for the third straight month in November,
bolstering the view that Mexico is falling into a recession. Retail sales dropped by a steeper-than-expected 2.6% in
November from a year earlier, as Mexicans bought fewer things like appliances and computers. The reading shows the
crucial service sector, which makes up about 60% of Mexico’s economy, is slowing sharply.
Comercial Mexicana Hires Rothschild As Financial Advisor
January 29, 2009
Mexican retailer Comercial Mexicana (Comerci) said that it has hired investment bank N.M. Rothschild & Sons to help it
restructure its debts. Comerci said it believes the addition of Rothschild to its advisory team will increase its ability to
address the proposals made by its creditors in response to the proposal made by the company last December. Comerci
faces counterparty claims of USD 2.2 billion in derivatives losses. Comerci recently announced it had reached a standstill
agreement with Mexican banks, under which the creditors will suspend legal proceedings against the company and not start
any new proceedings before March 2.
Wal-Mart Begins Offering Medical Services In Mexico With HSM
January 27, 2009
Walmex, the Mexican unit of U.S. retailer Wal-Mart, has begun installing medical clinics within its facilities to provide
medical services. The clinics operate jointly with Mexican Hospital Santa Monica (HSM), and the new service is advertised
under the "your clinic at Wal-Mart, prevention and health at your reach" slogan. The clinics offer general medical assistance
and laboratory services all year between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
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Transportation
Hutchison To Invest USD 200 Million In The State Of Hidalgo
January 26, 2009
Chinese port operator Hutchison Port Holdings Group (HPH) announced the construction of an inland intermodal terminal
("dry port") and a logistics park in the state of Hidalgo with a USD 200 million investment. The new inland port and the park
will jointly create about 10,000 direct jobs. The facilities are expected to begin operating in 2010 and to offer land and rail
transportation services, as well as handling containers.
Punta Colonet Delayed Until April
January 26, 2009
According to a governmental announcement that was published in the Official Gazette (DOF), the bidding process for the
Pacific port of Punta Colonet, in the state of Baja California, will be delayed until April. The project has been postponed
more than once due to lack of bidders with the funds to finance the USD 5 billion required for its development.
Mexicana To Invest USD 100 Million This Year
January 27, 2009
Airline Mexicana de Aviacion announced plans to invest USD 100 million this year to renew its fleet, acquire aircraft parts,
new technologies and automatic systems in a bid to reduce costs. Mexicana recently started direct flights to London and
Sao Paulo. The firm is seeking new international destinations.
Aeromexico To Begin Flying To New U.S., Canadian Destinations
January 27, 2009
Airline Aeromexico announced plans to begin operating direct flights from Mexico City to four new international destinations
early this year. In February, Aeromexico will start flying to Las Vegas twice a week and to San Francisco daily, and will
begin daily flights to Toronto and Denver in early March. The airline also plans to increase service to local destinations
Guadalajara and Monterrey. In addition, the company said it will reduce its local tariffs by 15% to address a drop in demand.
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Telecommunications & Technology
Telcos Disagree With Cofetel’s Interconnection Plan
January 27, 2009
Mexico’s telecommunications providers, including Telmex, NEC Mexico, Nortel, Alcatel-Lucent and sector experts, said
they disapprove of the Federal Telecommunications Commission’s (Cofetel) Fundamental Technical Interconnection Plan
(Plantefin), as they claim it will inhibit investment in telecommunications infrastructure. Telmex asked the Federal
Regulatory Commission (Cofemer) not to publish a favorable final ruling for Planefin and to submit it to the President’s
Office legal counseling office for further review.
Chile Regulator Rejects Telmex’s Telefonica Suit
January 30, 2009
Chile’s antimonopoly regulator said it rejected a lawsuit brought by Telmex alleging monopolistic practices by the nation’s
leading fixed-line service provider, Telefonica Chile. The tribunal for the defense of free competition (TDLC) said it rejected
the lawsuit because there was no evidence Telefonica had taken actions meant unequivocally to impede, restrict or obstruct freedom of opportunity.
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Farming & Agriculture
SAGARPA: Mexico Food Prices Will Stagnate Or Drop In 2009
January 26, 2009
The Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development Ministry (SAGARPA) said that food prices in Mexico may stagnate or
even decrease in 2009. SAGARPA said that prices would be maintained during the first half of the year, and that items such
as tortillas, milk and beef may even decline due to a drop in commodity futures. Rising food costs helped drive inflation in
2008 to a seven-year high in December.
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Hospitality & Tourism
SECTUR: Mexico Tourism Seen Growing 2.5% In 2009
January 28, 2009
Tourism Minister Rodolfo Elizondo said tourism in Mexico will likely grow by 2.5% in 2009 despite the global economic
downturn. Mexico drew 20.3 million international tourists during the first eleven months of 2008, up 6.2% compared with the
same period in 2007. Foreign tourists spent USD 12.1 billion in Mexico from January through November last year, a 5.1%
increase from 2007.
SECTUR: Mexico’s 2008 Private Tourism Investment Up 34% To USD 4.64 Billion
January 29, 2009
The Tourism Ministry (SECTUR) said that private investment in Mexico’s tourism sector rose 34% last year to USD 4.64
billion. States that saw major investments included Quintana Roo, where the Caribbean resort of Cancun is located, as well
as the Pacific coastal states of Nayarit, Baja California and Sinaloa. Of the total investment, 52% came from domestic
sources, while 48% was put up by foreigners, mostly from Spain and the United States Private tourism investment in 2007
and 2008 totaled USD 8.11 billion.
City Express To Open 13 Hotels This Year
January 28, 2009
Mexican hotel operator City Express announced plans to open 13 hotels this year with a USD 70 million investment. The
construction of the hotels will create about 1,200 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs. The company said that it had originally
planned 18 projects, and that the 13 it will work on this year will be financed through loans, the company’s own capital and
through other investors’ contributions.
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Economy
Calderon Criticized Over Mexico’s Economy
January 31, 2009
Thousands of protesters filled streets in Mexico City, saying they are angry that the government has frozen the price of
gasoline but not diesel fuel. Many of the demonstrators were from rural areas that depend on diesel to run farm equipment.
Protesters also blamed President Calderon for not boosting the Mexican economy, which shrank at an annual rate of 1% in
the fourth quarter, reducing its 2008 growth rate to 1.5% as the world economic crisis choked credit, slashed exports and
decreased money sent home by migrants in the United States.
Bank Of Mexico Sees GDP Shrinking Between 0.8% And 1.8% In 2009
January 27, 2009
The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) said it expects the economy to shrink between 0.8% and 1.8% this year due to a recession in
the United States, after growing an estimated 1.5% in 2008. Banxico had previously forecast economic growth of between
0.5% and 1.5% for 2009. Banxico’s 2009 forecast is more pessimistic than that of the Finance and Public Credit Ministry
(SHCP), which earlier this month said it expects the economy to be flat this year.
Remittances Fall In 2008 For The First Time, Further Declines Expected
January 27, 2009
The central bank (Banxico) said the amount of money that migrants sent home fell 3.6% in 2008, the first drop on record, to
USD 25.2 billion. Banxico said it is the first time remittances have fallen year-to-year since it started tracking the money 13
years ago. The annual percentage increase in remittances remained in double digits from 2001 through 2006, registering a
whopping 53.3% gain in 2003.
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Border & Migration
U.S.-Mexico Border Fence To Be Completed Soon
January 27, 2009
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the fence along the U.S.-Mexico border is mostly finished. The
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said that 601 miles of the project had been completed earlier in January. CBP added
that 69 miles of the fence still must be built to meet the goal that was set during the Bush administration.
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Justice, Safety & Crime
Mexico Government Defends Its Strength Against Drug Cartels
January 25, 2009
U.S. officials and experts’ stark assessments of the threat that drug crime poses to Mexico’s stability seem, according to
analysts, to have put the government of President Calderon on the defensive as he tries to forge a relationship with a new
U.S. President. The U.S. Joint Forces Command recommended that Mexico be monitored alongside Pakistan as a "weak
and failing" state that could crumble swiftly under relentless assault by violent drug cartels. Meanwhile, Mexican security
experts and officials keep saying that the government is strong and will win the drug war. Nevertheless, the majority of
Mexicans believe Calderon’s decision to confront organized crime has spurred drug cartels to fight back and the
government is losing the battle.
U.S. Gun Shop Owner Accused of Selling Weapons To Beltran-Leyva Drug Lord
January 29, 2009
George Iknadosian, the U.S. owner of Phoenix-based X-Caliber Guns arms shop, was accused of selling at least 600
weapons to Mexican criminals, including drug lord Alfredo "El Mochomo" Beltran Leyva. Iknadosian’s trial on fraud and
other charges has already begun. Iknadosian also advised criminals and undercover agents about how to smuggle arms
across the border.
Press Reports: Sinaloa Drug Lords Might Have Set Truce
January 29, 2009
According to tallies kept by local and national news media, killings in the state of Sinaloa, home to the drug cartel of the
same name, have dropped by two-thirds from the December level. Media suggested the Sinaloa cartel and other criminal
groups from that state and other neighboring entities might have declared a truce after finding that the battle was sapping
time, energy and money better spent on the drug business.
Murders In Ciudad Juarez Nearly Triple January 2008 Level
February 1, 2009
The number of murders in Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, nearly tripled last month, compared to January 2008.
Last month, 148 people were murdered in Juarez, up sharply from the 55 killings registered in January 2008. In 2008,
Juarez lived through days when dozens of people were murdered in the span of a few hours, and armed groups committed
acts of violence in public areas that terrorized residents. The border city, home to the Juarez drug cartel, ended 2008 with a
total of 1,605 people murdered.
Thieves Target Mexico Airport, Kill Frenchman After He Refuses To Give Money
January 27, 2009
Thieves apparently targeting people who exchange money at Mexico City’s international airport shot 55-year-old French
citizen Cristopher Auger in the head after he refused to give them EUR 4,800 and a few dollars. Authorities warned that
gangs have put lookouts at exchange windows in the terminal. Auger, a biotechnology researcher who worked at a Mexican
university, was attacked and robbed on a street near the airport. He remained a few days in serious condition at a local
hospital but later passed away. The French embassy issued a statement saying it deeply lamented the shooting of the man.
Mexico City prosecutors said they have arrested two suspects in the shooting, including the individual believed to have fired
the bullet.
Ecuadorian Detained With USD 2 Million In Cash At Mexico City Airport
January 31, 2009
Authorities detained Ecuadorian Victor Hugo Guerrero at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) with USD 2 million in
cash that he was attempting to take to Colombia without declaring it. Guerrero, who was also carrying 62,000 Colombian
pesos (USD 25.50) and was headed for Bogota, was taken into custody. Meanwhile, Panamanian authorities detained a
Mexican tourist carrying nearly USD 500,000 that he refused to declare at the airport’s customs.
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Health & Science
Authorities Publish Referral Prices For Medicines
January 26, 2009
Authorities have published in the Official Gazette (DOF) the reference prices for the purchase of medicines for the
governmental Popular Insurance program. Savings from the prices the Health Ministry (SSA) negotiated with
pharmaceutical companies are expected to amount to approximately MXN 1.6 billion this year. Authorities also published
the guidelines for states to acquire the medicines for their local Popular Insurances.
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Sports
Mexico Bids For 2018 Or 2022 Soccer World Cup
January 30, 2009
Mexico’s Soccer Association (FMF) announced that Mexico has joined the race to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. FMF
said they have sent their application to enter the process. Mexico staged the tournament in 1970 and 1986. The
tournaments were regarded as two of the best in the competition’s history in playing terms, despite teams having to contend
with intense heat and high altitude. Mexico competes with the United States, England, Russia, Japan, Indonesia, Qatar,
Australia, and joint applicants Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium.
Gary Player To Design Golf Course In Mexico
January 29, 2009
South African golfing legend and current international golf ambassador Gary Player, builder of more than 200 golf courses
worldwide, will make his debut in Mexico on a tourist project on the Baja California peninsula. Investors for the Costabaja
project said the latter will require USD 22 million in funds. The golf course, which will have 6,668 yards of fairways with an initial 18 holes and will ultimately have 72 holes, will be located in La Paz, the capital of the state of Baja California Sur on
the coast of the Sea of Cortez.
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Arts & Culture
Spanish Poet Xirau Honored In Mexico On 85th Birthday
January 28, 2009
Spanish-born poet and philosopher Ramon Xirau was awarded the Mexican Fine Arts Medal during a tribute to mark his
eighty-fifth birthday. Xirau, a native of Barcelona, went into exile with his family after the 1936-1939 Spanish Civil War and
settled in Mexico, where he has had a prolific career as philosopher and poet. The author said he preferred to call the event
a “celebration” or "recognition," saying he considers the word "homage" to be "very abstract."
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Other
Mexico City Reduces Water Service As Reserves Dip
February 1, 2009
Millions of Mexico City-area residents were without water under a new conservation program that shut down a main pipeline
after reserves dropped to their lowest levels in 16 years. The Mexico City government and the National Water Commission
(Conagua) will interrupt service for three days every month until May, when the rainy season begins. Mexico City’s
government says the plan will affect more than 2 million residents but will be used to carry out needed repairs to the supply
system.
Mexican-American To Lead Texas University System
February 1, 2009
Mexican-American pediatric surgeon Dr. Francisco Cigarroa will become the first Hispanic to preside over a major UNITED
STATES university system when he takes the helm at the University of Texas System, which faces financial woes and
complaints about diversity. Cigarroa, as the chief executive officer of the UT System, will help administer an USD 11.5
billion operating budget and preside over 15 campuses with more than 194,000 students.
Mexico City Man Dragged By Subway Survives
January 26, 2009
A man fell onto the Mexico City metro tracks when he suffered an epileptic fit, but he survived with only minor injuries when
an oncoming train dragged him a few meters. The man, who is about 35, lost his balance and fell at the Centro Medico
station, just after having gone to a hospital appointment to get treatment for his illness. An underground commuter train that
was entering the station at that moment hit the man and dragged him for a distance, but he emerged from the potentially
fatal incident with only minor injuries and bruises.
Mexican Chefs Make World’s Biggest Cheesecake
January 26, 2009
Mexican Chef Miguel Angel Quezada says 55 cooks spent 60 hours making the world’s biggest cheesecake – a two-ton
calorie bomb topped with strawberries. The cake used nearly a ton of cream cheese, the same amount of yogurt, 350
kilograms of pastry, 250 kilograms of sugar and 150 kilograms of butter. Carlos Martinez of Guinness World Records
declared the cheesecake the world’s largest at an event sponsored by Kraft Foods, maker of Philadelphia cream cheese.
Guinness Won’t Recognize Mexican Child Bullfighter
January 28, 2009
Mexican 11-year-old bullfighter Michel "Michelito" Lagravere may have set a record by slaying six young bulls in one
appearance, but the Guinness World Records book said it was not aware the event was taking place and will not recognize the result. In addition, Guinness World Records specified it does not accept records based on the killing or harming of
animals. According to Mexico’s National Association of Matadors, "Michelito" set the international record at his age for bull
calves killed in a two-hour bullfight watched by more than 3,500 people.
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