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Energy
Pemex Awards USD 98.7 Million Service Contract To Halliburton
February 17, 2009
Pemex announced that it has awarded U.S. oil services provider Halliburton a USD 98.7 million contract to install
components in the firm's offshore wells. The contract will improve reservoir pressure and optimize drilling results at offshore
installations, where Pemex produces 80% of its crude oil. The contract is scheduled to start in March and last two years.
Oil Firms Bid For Works At Chicontepec Basin
February 18, 2009
Worldwide oil services firms bid on a massive contract to drill 500 wells in the Chicontepec basin, as oil industry giants such
as Schlumberger, Halliburton and Baker Hughes are looking to expand in Mexico. Pemex said it will take it about a month
to choose a winner for the three-year contract to drill the wells. However, companies that would not be chosen for initial
works at Chicontepec will have other opportunities, as Pemex issued a second tender to drill another 500 wells in the same
area. Weatherford International won the two most recent Chicontepec contracts in mid-2008 by bidding USD 870 million for
a total of 600 wells, and is competing for the new work.
CFE Acquires Stake In Central American States Electric Interconnection System
February 19, 2009
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) announced that it acquired an 11.1% stake in a USD 700 million project known
as the Central American States Electric Interconnection System (SIEPAC) to link up the power grids of Mexico, several
Central American countries and Colombia. The project is expected to lower energy costs in Central America as well as to
allow CFE to sell surplus power. CFE added that it expects to complete a transmission link with Guatemala this year. In
addition to the CFE, utilities from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia, as
well as Spain's ENDESA, are shareholders in SIEPAC.
Ku-Maloob's Output Surpassed That Of Cantarell For The First Time
February 18, 2009
Pemex said that for the first time, crude oil output from its Ku-Maloob-Zaap oil field surpassed that of leading oil field
Cantarell in January and amounted to 787 million barrels per day (b/d). Cantarell's production last month amounted to 772
million b/d. If the trend continues, Pemex expects Ku-Maloob-Zaap to reach an average production of 839 million b/d in
2011, taking Cantarell's first place.
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Trade & Investment
SE: Foreign Direct Investment Falls To USD 18.59 Billion In 2008
February 18, 2009
According to figures by the Economy Ministry (SE), foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexico last year totaled USD 18.59
billion, down sharply from a revised USD 27.17 billion in 2007. SE said the main sectors receiving FDI last year were
manufacturing, with 33% of the total, mining with 23% and financial services with 21%. The U.S. was the principal source of
investment, followed by Canada, Spain, the U.K. and the Netherlands. SE added that 2007 investment was the secondhighest
ever.
Investment In Mexico To Intensify This Year
February 18, 2009
According to analysts, statements from companies and the Economy Ministry (SE), foreign investment in Mexico is
expected to intensify this year despite increased crime and the current global economic downturn. The new investments
include Chinese computer maker Lenovo's new facility in the state of Nuevo Leon and U.S. chocolate manufacturer
Hershey's plant in the same state. In addition, French president Nicolas Sarkozy and French businessmen will make an
official visit to Mexico in March to strengthen commercial and other bilateral ties. Other world leaders will make such visits
to Mexico during the year and President Calderon, government officials and Mexican businessmen will also travel abroad to
promote investment in Mexico.
Federal Court Annuls Agreement With China
February 17, 2009
A federal court has annulled an agreement that was signed with China last year and that called for the elimination of
compensatory taxes on 953 Chinese products. The agreement was invalidated as the court found that it ignored foreign
trade legal procedures for revoking compensatory quotas. It is the first time that federal authorities have declared illegal an
agreement signed with another country.
White House Calls For Stricter Food Labels
February 17, 2009
The U.S. is calling for stricter labels on fresh meat and other foods that would show more clearly where an animal or food
came from. Both Canada and Mexico have protested the labeling in a complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO). U.
S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that he will ask the meat industry to voluntarily follow stricter guidelines for new
package labels designed to specify a food's country of origin.
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Banking, Insurance & Finance
Consar: Pension Savings Rise To MXN 897.21 Billion At The End Of January
February 17, 2009
Pension fund regulator Consar said that compulsory retirement savings managed by pension fund companies (Afores) rose
7% year-on-year to MXN 897.21 billion at the end of January. Total assets under management, including voluntary and
other types of savings as well as Afores' regulatory capital, stood at MXN 968.49 billion as of January 31, up from MXN
854.92 billion in the year-ago period. Of that amount, 70% was invested in government securities, 15.6% in domestic
private sector debt, 5.4% in international debt, 4.7% in domestic equities and 4.3% in international equities.
Citigroup's Banamex Subsidiary To Continue Reinvesting
February 16, 2009
Banamex, the Mexican unit of U.S. bank Citigroup, said it plans to continue reinvesting all of its profits during 2009, rather
than repatriating them to its parent company. Banamex said that it has reinvested 90% of its net profit, or nearly MXN 100
billion, since Citigroup acquired it in 2001 for about USD 12.5 billion in cash and stock. In the last three years alone, the
group has reinvested 100% of its profit. In addition, Citigroup said Roberto Hernandez Ramirez, chairman of Banamex, will
not stand for reelection to the board. Hernandez, 66, joined the board in 2001.
Seguros Inbursa Wins Contract To Insure Pemex
February 20, 2009
Pemex announced that it has awarded Mexican banking group Inbursa's insurance subsidiary a contract to insure its land
and sea installations. The contract, which ends by mid-2011, is worth USD 518.5 million. Pemex's tender to insure its
facilities had only summoned Mexican insurers to submit bids, in order to increase their participation, increase
competitiveness and obtain important savings.
CNBV Probes Stanford Fondos
February 19, 2009
The National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) is investigating whether investors were illegally sold foreign
securities by Stanford Fondos, the local unit of Stanford Financial Group, although the firm is reportedly working without
problems, and investments made in local mutual funds are allegedly safe. CNBV said Mexican investors have pulled out
nearly 40% of the funds invested through Stanford Fondos, or USD 19 million, since the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) filed civil charges against owner Allen Stanford on allegations of fraud involving USD 8 billion in
securities. In addition, the FBI and Mexican authorities suspect Stanford might have laundered money for the Gulf Cartel.
Some Stanford Fondos clients said they invested through the company in deposit certificates abroad, while the firm only
had authorization to operate in Mexico.
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Business & Industry
SHCP: Industrial Output Slides 1.3% In 2008
February 17, 2009
According to the Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP), Mexico's industrial production fell 1.3% in 2008 relative to the
previous year. SHCP said that the result was due to a decline in production in three of the four sectors that make up the
indicator: mining, down 6.4%; construction, off 0.6%; and manufacturing, 0.4% lower. By contrast, output of electricity,
water and gas companies rose 2.2% relative to 2007. Industrial output in December declined by 6.7% compared to the like
2007 month.
Pharmaceutical Company Menarini To Start Operations In Mexico
February 16, 2009
Italian pharmaceutical company Menarini announced that it will start operating in Mexico in March. Menarini said it expects
sales during 2009 to amount to approximately USD 6 million. Menarini's main partner in Mexico is Sanfer, which sells
products created with Menarini's research under its own brand. Menarini added that it is interested in acquiring a Mexicobased
firm to broaden its operations in the country.
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Automotive
AMIA: SE Prepares Modifications To Imports Decree For U.S., Canada Used Cars
February 20, 2009
According to the Mexican Auto Industry Association (AMIA), the Economy Ministry (SE) announced that it is preparing
changes to a recently issued decree allowing imports of used cars from the U.S. and Canada into Mexico, and which will
only apply to border states. The original decree established that all imported used cars from the U.S. and Canada should
have a certificate of origin issued by the car's manufacturer indicating that at least 62.5% of the vehicle's components are
from the U.S., Mexico or Canada. The decree also raised by 300% taxes on the said vehicles to enter Mexico. Changes
would eliminate the requirement for the certificate of origin and would adjust the reference prices list to calculate a vehicle's
value while being imported.
INA: Over 600 Autoparts Manufacturers Face Technical Stoppages
February 20, 2009
According to the National Autoparts Industry (INA), 64% of autoparts manufacturers in Mexico have stopped their activities, affecting a considerable number of assemblers. INA said that 700 out of the 1,100 autoparts manufacturers in Mexico are
experiencing some kind of technical stoppage, which is expected to last between one week and a month. INA added that
states being more affected by the stoppages are Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Guanajuato, Queretaro, Mexico, Puebla and
Sonora.
GM To Inaugurate Distribution Center In Queretaro
February 20, 2009
U.S. automaker General Motors (GM) announced it will inaugurate a MXN 180 million distribution center located in the state
of Queretaro in April. GM said that production and investment plans in the state of Queretaro will proceed despite a series
of layoffs worldwide due to the global economic downturn. GM said that the distribution center will employ about 150
people.
Nissan To Shift Compact Vehicle Production To Mexico
February 20, 2009
Japanese automaker Nissan announced that it will shift a part of its compact vehicle production to Mexico in order to avoid
negative effects resulting from changes in Japanese currency. Nissan's production in Mexico will supply vehicle demand in
the Middle East. However, Nissan also said that it will lay off workers at its Mexico plants.
Isuzu To Inaugurate Plant In Cuautitlan
February 15, 2009
Japanese automaker Isuzu announced that it will open its first Latin American facility in Mexico City's northern
neighborhood of Cuautitlan. Isuzu said it aims at selling 600 trucks per year in a first phase, while long-term projects seek to
provide as much as between 3,000 and 4,000 trucks per year in Mexico. Isuzu is currently negotiating with U.S. peer
General Motors (GM) in order to acquire the latter's truck manufacturing unit in Mexico.
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Housing & Mortgaging
Government Seeks To Expand Scope Of Federal Housing Fund Infonavit
February 19, 2009
The government has submitted an initiative to Congress that would give Mexico's leading mortgage lender, federal housing
fund Infonavit, greater freedom to raise funding through the sale of debt-like covered bonds. Infonavit plans to make
500,000 mortgages this year and about 3.12 million home loans for the 2009-2013 period. Infonavit is also a key source of
support for home builders such as Homex and Urbi, which rely on the fund to provide financing to their mainly low-income
clients.
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Construction & Infrastructure
ProLogis Inaugurates Izcalli Park
February 19, 2009
The U.S. owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities ProLogis inaugurated its USD 80 million ProLogis Park
Izcalli, in the municipality of Cuautitlan Izcalli, in the State of Mexico (Edomex). The park has a 145,000 square meter
surface. During 2008, ProLogis invested USD 350 million in five industrial parks in Mexico.
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Retail
ANTAD: Retailers' January Same-Store Sales Up 1.9%
February 16, 2009
According to the Mexican Retailers Association (ANTAD), same-store sales rose 1.9% in January from the same month a
year ago. ANTAD, whose members include the country's main supermarket chains, said total sales were up 8.6% from
January 2008 at MXN 64.9 billion. Comparable supermarket chain sales rose 3.5% from January 2008, while department
store sales fell 3.3% and other retailers sold 0.4% more.
Wal-Mart De Mexico Seeks To Open 252 New Stores In 2009
February 19, 2009
Walmex, the Mexican unit of U.S. retailer Wal-Mart, announced plans to open 252 stores in 2009 and invest MXN 11.8
billion in expansion, 4% more than in 2008. The expansion plan includes focusing on low prices for staples like perishables
and pharmacy products, to boost market share amid an economic slowdown. The expansion plan will create 14,500 new
direct jobs, 15% more than in the previous year, and 25,000 indirect jobs. It will also expand the company's sales floor in
Mexico by 10%.
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Transportation
CFC Fines Ferromex-Ferrosur MXN 400 Million For Merging
February 19, 2009
The Federal Competition Commission (CFC) has fined Mexican railroad companies Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex) and
Ferrocarril del Sureste (Ferrosur) MXN 400 million for merging illegally. U.S. rival Kansas City Southern's Mexican
subsidiary KCSM said it was notified of the CFC's resolution, which said that the two Mexican companies fell into absolute
monopolist practices. Ferromex and Ferrosur are subsidiaries of Mexican conglomerates Grupo Mexico and Grupo Carso.
Mexicana, Aeromexico Jointly Share 65% Of The Market
February 16, 2009
Mexican airlines Mexicana de Aviacion and Aeromexico jointly share 65.3% of the country's local and international air travel
market and transported 5.47 million people during 4Q 2008. People traveled with the mentioned airlines' regular operations
and also through their low-cost subsidiaries Click, Aeromexico Connect and Aeromexico Travel. Meanwhile, low-cost
airlines Volaris and Interjet are second to Mexicana and Aeromexico in the domestic air travel market. Volaris' market share
during 4Q 2008 was 13%, and Interjet's was 12.6%. Aeromexico's market share was 14.5% and Mexicana's 15.4%.
Private Sector Alerts On Spots Where Railroads Are Sacked
February 19, 2009
Representatives of the private sector have indicated that there are several spots on the railways in Celaya, in the state of
Guanajuato, where at least 100 people have reportedly sacked boxcars carrying wheat, corn and certain vegetables. In
addition, a recently issued alert by a local newspaper said that there are several locations across the country where
boxcars are sacked and noted that since October 2008, thousands of tons of wheat valued at approximately MXN 36 million
have been stolen in the Celaya area.
Truckers Stage Nationwide Stoppage
February 18, 2009
CANACAR, the private organization representing the majority of Mexico's freight haulers said that over 3,000 companies
from the sector participated in the February 24 nationwide highway blockage to demand the suspension of the IETU tax, a
reduction in diesel prices, that 50% of toll costs be credited and that the government enhance its fight against looters.
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Telecommunications & Technology
Mexican Telcos Say They Are Optimistic But Cautious On Interconnection Plan
February 18, 2009
Mexican telecommunications companies and rivals of Telmex said they are cautiously optimistic that a recently approved
interconnection plan will boost competition in the sector by making it easier and cheaper for carriers to connect their
networks. Firms such as Axtel said that provisions in the plan for cost-based interconnection fees are an especially
welcome development for companies that have to use the networks of incumbent operators to complete phone calls. The
plan applies special rules to large operators and gives the Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel) greater
scope to establish the terms and conditions of interconnection services.
Telmex Internacional To Invest USD 1.1 Billion In 2009
February 18, 2009
Telmex Internacional (Telint) announced that it plans to invest USD 1.1 billion in the countries where it operates during
2009, down nearly a third from last year. However, company executives said the amount could be decreased if the
economic conditions are more adverse than currently observed. Telint made capital expenditures of USD 1.63 billion during
2008, of which 61.2% went to its largest market, Brazil, and 24.4% to Colombia. Telint – which operates in Brazil, Chile,
Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and the U.S. – was spun off from its former parent company Telmex last June. Telint
added that its 4Q net profit rose 16.4% to USD 85.6 million on higher revenue.
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Hospitality & Tourism
SECTUR: Tourism Revenue Rises 3.5%, Amounts To USD 13.2 Billion In 2008
February 18, 2009
According to the Tourism Ministry (SECTUR), Mexico earned USD 13.2 billion from tourism in 2008, 3.5% more than in
2007. Mexico attracted 22.6 million foreign tourists last year, 6% more than in 2007, and private investment in the sector in
2008 rose to USD 4.6 billion, 34% more than during the previous year. In addition, President Calderon launched the work
on the Comprehensively Planned Pacific Coast Center in the municipality of Escuinapa, in the state of Sinaloa. The project
will require total investment of USD 7 billion over the next 16 years. It will be the most important focus of tourist
development built in the last 25 years, in which the government initially will invest about USD 500 million in infrastructure to
link it with the entire country.
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Economy
INEGI: Economy Shrank 1.6% In 4Q 2008
February 20, 2009
According to figures by the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), Mexico's GDP grew 1.3% overall in 2008, despite a 1.6%
contraction in the fourth quarter. Last year's GDP figure fell short of the government's prediction of 1.5% growth due to the
drastic slowdown in the U.S. The fourth quarter contraction was bigger than the 1.09% drop predicted by most private
economists. Mexico has enjoyed only two years of relatively strong growth during the present decade, registering GDP
increases of 4.4% in 2004 and 4.6% in 2006. Analysts expect Mexico's output to shrink by 1.16% in 2009.
Economy Minister: Mexico To Lose Up To 300,000 Jobs
February 16, 2009
Economy Minister Gerardo Ruiz Mateos said Mexico risks losing up to 300,000 jobs because of the economic crisis and
despite a government infrastructure spending program that can employ some 750,000 workers. Ruiz Mateos said the
government was addressing the problem in two ways, including the mentioned infrastructure spending program and
measures to support companies and dissuade them from laying off workers. Meanwhile, figures by the National Survey on
Occupations and Employment (ENOE) indicated that wages fell 5.5% in 2008 to an average salary of MXN 851 a month,
down from MXN 900 a month in 2007.
Banxico Lowers Interest Rates To Boost Economy
February 20, 2009
The central bank Banxico lowered interest rates a quarter point to help boost the country's sagging economy. It was the
second time in little over a month that Banxico cut interest rates. It lowered its benchmark lending rate 50 basis points to
7.75 on January 16, the first interest rate cut in Mexico since 2006. Meanwhile, the most recent cut lowered the rate 25
basis points to 7.50.
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Border & Migration
INEGI: Emigration Of Mexicans Falls By More Than 50%
February 19, 2009
According to data provided by the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), net migration from Mexico – including legal and
illegal migrants – had dropped by more than 50% by mid-2008 compared to the level seen in 2007. INEGI said the dramatic
drop is due to a huge decline in the number of Mexicans leaving to find work. The net outflow of Mexicans dropped to
204,000 people between August 2007 and August 2008. That was down from 455,000 for the year ending in August 2007.
The number of returning Mexicans was roughly the same over the two periods, declining slightly to 450,000 by late 2008,
from 478,000 in the 2007 period. But the number leaving Mexico fell sharply to 654,000 from 933,000.
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Politics
Former SCT Deputy Minister Says Cofetel Gave Her Recording Of Minister Tellez
February 19, 2009
Former Deputy Minister at the Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) Purificacion Carpinteyro said that Hector
Osuna, head of the Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel), gave her one of the recordings that were made
public recently, and which would prove that current SCT Minister Luis Tellez used President Calderon's name to manipulate
an ongoing conflict between SCT and Cofetel. Carpinteyro said that once she had the recording, she gave it to President
Calderon, who instructed her to turn it over to the Interior Ministry (SEGOB). Osuna said he received the recording
anonymously.
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Justice, Safety & Crime
President Calderon Vows To Continue Fight Against Drug Trafficking
February 19, 2009
President Calderon vowed to continue fighting against drug trafficking and organized crime despite recent street protests to
demand an end to the military's antidrug operations in the country. Calderon said during the celebration of the Mexican
Army Day in the state of Nuevo Leon that drug traffickers and organized crime "besiege our society by threatening and
extorting it." Meanwhile, two South Texas lawmakers met with Calderon and discussed additional U.S. aid, including
expanded intelligence sharing, to curb the rising threat of violence from drug cartels. Republicans Henry Cuellar and Ruben
Hinojosa were part of a U.S. congressional delegation that met with Calderon and Federal Attorney General Eduardo
Medina Mora.
U.S. Legislators: U.S. Must Enforce Assault Gun Import Ban
February 18, 2009
Over 50 U.S. legislators sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to enforce a ban on importing assault
weapons, saying many such guns are later smuggled to arm Mexico's drug cartels. Lawmakers said the weapons arrive in the U.S. from Europe and other places, and they make their way to Mexico. The ban was implemented under the
administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and the U.S. government can enforce it under provisions
of the 1968 Gun Control Act. Lawmakers said in their letter that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives (ATF) has quietly abandoned the ban in recent years.
EU Acknowledges Mexico's Efforts To Fight Drug Cartels
February 19, 2009
European Union (EU) politicians acknowledged Mexico's fight against drug cartels and said that the country is not a
synonym for violence and that recent events in the war against drug traffickers do not influence the EU's vision of Mexico.
EU officials said that they recognize Mexico's efforts and added that there is no country in the world with the ability to
address such a problem on its own; therefore, they said the EU is calling to jointly face the issue. Mexico might be named
Strategic Partner by the EU in March, which is why strengthened cooperation in the drug war is expected.
UN: Corruption In Mexico Is A Dire Obstacle To Fighting Drug Traffickers
February 19, 2009
According to the United Nations (UN) Committee for the Fiscalization of Drugs (JIFE), corruption within the Mexican
government and the power of organized crime over authorities is a very serious obstacle that prevents them from efficiently
fighting drug cartels. JIFE said that despite governmental measures to address the country's drug trafficking problem, illegal
drug abuse remains high in Mexico and criminal organization presence within the government is very high. JIFE praised
measures such as the one controlling the distribution of ephedrine, a component to make methamphetamine.
SSPF Awards Israeli Firm USD 22 Million Contract For Air Surveillance Systems
February 16, 2009
Israeli firm Aeronautics Defense Systems announced that it was awarded a USD 22 million contract by the Public Security
Ministry (SSPF) to supply the federal police with airborne surveillance systems. Products sold include the Skystar 300, a
blimp with onboard cameras offering 24-hour monitoring of surroundings, and the Orbiter, a miniature unmanned spy plane.
Israel employs blimps and drones over the Gaza Strip.
People Protest Army Campaign Against Drug Cartels
February 17, 2009
Hundreds of Mexicans blocked roads and bridges into the U.S. in protest of army operations against drug gangs.
Protesters, some with handkerchiefs tied over their faces, carried signs saying "Army Get Out!" and blocked nine border
crossings to the U.S. in the states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon and Veracruz. Analysts say the use of unarmed civilian
protesters to demand the withdrawal of the army in drug hot spots along the Mexico-Texas border is the latest strategy drug
cartels are employing to demonstrate and signal their areas of control. President Calderon said the army will keep its
presence and will continue to fight organized crime.
Ciudad Juarez Police Chief Resigns Amid Threats
February 20, 2009
Police Chief for Ciudad Juarez Roberto Orduna stepped down after criminal groups threatened to kill at least one police
officer every two days if he did not resign. The decision came after an officer and jail guard turned up dead. Both bodies
had the threats on them. Ciudad Juarez police have long come under attack, and many officers have quit out of fear for
their lives. More than 650 people have died in drug violence in Mexico so far this year, with an estimated 6,000 killed in
2008.
U.S. Issues New Warning Over Travel To Mexico
February 21, 2009
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued a new warning for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico, especially alerting
them about violence near the countries' shared border. The travel warning, which replaces one issued October 2008 and
expires on August 20, said that "Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities
across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places." The warning was not well-received by
Mexico's embassy in Washington, which emphasized that U.S. tourism to Mexico remains strong.
PRC Study: Hispanics Are Largest Ethnic Group In U.S. Federal Prisons
February 21, 2009
According to a study released by nonpartisan research organization Pew Research Center (PRC), Latino convicts now
represent the largest ethnic population in the U.S. federal prison system, accounting for 40% of those convicted of federal
crimes. Latinos made up only 13% of the U.S. adult population in 2007, but they accounted for one-third of federal prison
inmates that year, a result the study attributed to the sharp rise in illegal immigration and tougher enforcement of
immigration laws. About 48% of Latino offenders were convicted of immigration crimes, while drug offenses were the
second-most-prevalent charge.
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Health & Science
Mexico, U.S. Take Binational Approach To Deal With Tuberculosis
February 17, 2009
The population suffering from Tuberculosis (TB) along the Mexico-U.S. border and which migrates back and forth between
the two countries has forced public health officials from both countries to take a binational approach to the deadly
respiratory disease. Texas is even taking the unusual step of sending medicines into Mexico. The Mexican state of
Tamaulipas saw TB cases rise 10% since 2007, while the south Texas city of McAllen has TB rates nearly three times
higher than the U.S. national average. The binational project includes a "binational health card," which indicates the
patient's name, prescribed medications and when the patient began treatment.
SSA Announces Breathalyzer Operations To Be Set Countrywide
February 18, 2009
The Health Ministry (SSA) announced that it will start setting checkpoints with breathalyzers all across the country as part of
a National Drunk Driving Prevention Program, since alcohol-abuse-related deaths amount to 20,000 yearly. SSA said
investment for the first stage of the program will amount to MXN 20 million. The 130 municipalities with the greatest number
of car accident incidents related to alcohol abuse will be participating in the program.
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Other
INAH Refuses Permission For U.S. Firm To Search Spanish Galleon
February 17, 2009
The National Anthropology and History Institute (INAH) said that the two requests presented by U.S.-based Odyssey
Marine Exploration in 2006 and 2008 to comb the wreck of a Spanish galleon that sank in 1631 in the Gulf of Mexico "do
not meet the requirements that regulations establish for archaeological investigation in Mexico." INAH based its rejection of
the request on the fact that the U.S. firm "neither has the intention to do research nor the backing of archaeologists or of an
academic institution of recognized prestige, conditions without which it is impossible to authorize this type of initiative."
INAH said the requests by Odyssey concerned the exploration of the Nuestra Señora del Juncal, a galleon that sank in the
Bay of Campeche in 1631.
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