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Energy
Pemex To Destine MXN 129 Billion For New Refinery
November 4, 2009
Pemex announced that it has entailed MXN 129 billion for the construction of a new refinery in Tula, in the state of
Hidalgo, which it will be disbursing through 2015. Pemex said it has allocated MXN 5.75 billion for that purpose in the
2010 budget and that the rest of the funds will be spent in different tranches every year. Tula’s new refinery is a core
part of the modernization plan for Mexico’s National Refining System.
Mexico, Netherlands Sign MOU To Strengthen Energy Cooperation
November 4, 2009
Mexican Energy Minister Georgina Kessel and Dutch counterpart Maria Van de Hoeven signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Under the agreement, Mexico and the
Netherlands will share knowledge and cooperate in environmental regulation, energetic sustainability, biofuels,
climate change and the oil sector.
Pemex To Restart Petrochemicals Unit In Deal With Brazil’s Unigel
November 4, 2009
Mexican state oil monopoly Pemex said it will restart acrylonitrile production at a petrochemicals plant under an
agreement with Brazilian concern Unigel. The 60,000-tons-per-year acrylonitrile unit, located at Pemex's Morelos
petrochemical complex in the state of Veracruz, is set to start up this month. Pemex said it invested MXN 70 million in
the unit and that Unigel will put up USD 20 million to acquire the acronytrile—a raw material used in making plastics,
synthetic fibers and other goods—as well as by-products that can be used in the manufacture of fertilizers. Unigel is
providing technological know-how to improve efficiency and reduce emissions at the plant.
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Trade & Investment
President Calderon, Queen Beatrix Of The Netherlands Discuss Bilateral Trade
November 3, 2009
President Calderon and Queen Beatrix from the Netherlands held a meeting to discuss new opportunities for trade
and investment between the two countries in the framework of the Queen’s official visit to Mexico. The Queen and
President Calderon were accompanied by businessmen from Mexico and the Netherlands who also participated in
finding new ways to strengthen bilateral trade and corporate relationships.
U.S. DOT: Mexican Products Lose A Market Share In The U.S.
November 5, 2009
According to the U.S. Department of Trade (D.O.T.), 29 types of Mexican products among the 65 listed under the
same customs subclassification have lost a market share in the U.S. Items that were more affected by the trend are
electronics, home appliances, leather-based products and energy-generating equipment.
U.S. Announces Trade Dispute With Mexico On Tuna Labeling
November 5, 2009
The U.S. government announced it has begun requesting consultations with Mexico regarding a complaint the latter
submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over some rules from the U.S. that prevent tuna from Mexico from
being labeled "dolphin-safe." Mexico said U.S. measures prohibited Mexican tuna from the said labeling, even though
the tuna was harvested in a way that conformed to "dolphin-safe" standards agreed to by the Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission. At the same time, Mexico complained that U.S. rules allowed similar tuna products from other
countries to be labeled "dolphin-safe." The U.S. said it started asking for the consultations after Mexico refused to
withdraw the complaint from the WTO and submit it to the authority of the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA).
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Banking, Insurance & Finance
CNBV: Banco Wal-Mart Could Become Mexico’s Largest Bank
November 4, 2009
According to estimates from the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV), the local banking arm of U.S.
retailer Wal-Mart, Banco Wal-Mart, could become a very important competitor in the country’s banking system and
probably Mexico’s largest bank in the future, taking advantage of its very large client base. Banco Wal-Mart was
recently awarded authorization to extend its banking services portfolio through its stores and 29 banks in Mexico City
and the neighboring areas. Banco Wal-Mart said it plans to use its stores, infrastructure and banking branches to
close 2009 with as many as 1,300 attention centers.
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Business & Industry
Merck, Schering-Plough Obtain Approval From Authorities To Merge
November 3, 2009
Global pharmaceutical firms Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough said their USD 41.1 billion merger will be completed
this month, marking the close of the second huge deal in the pharmaceutical industry in recent weeks. Merck said it
and Schering-Plough would begin combined operations shortly under the Merck name after the deal gained clearance
from regulatory authorities in China and Mexico.
GModelo Takes 1.3% Beer Market Share From FEMSA In 3Q
November 2, 2009
According to a study by local press, Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo (GModelo) secured a 57.79% share in the beer
market after taking a 1.3% share from rival Fomento Economico Mexicano (FEMSA) in 3Q. The report indicated that
sales by GModelo rose 7% during 3Q, a rise that was driven by domestic beer brands, renewed advertising
campaigns and increased demand in September during Mexico’s national holy days.
CANILEC: Mexico’s Dairy Sector Aims At Foreign Markets
November 5, 2009
According to Mexico’s Industry Chamber (CANILEC), Mexico’s sector’s main firms might be eyeing foreign markets
despite an inability to fully meet local demand for dairy products. CANILEC said recent acquisitions by local firm
Grupo Lala of U.S.-based Farmland Dairies and National Dairy indicate that companies are interested in exporting
their products, where they foresee growth opportunities in the Hispanic and other markets.
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Automotive
Chrysler Expects 43% Growth In Mexico
November 5, 2009
U.S. automaker Chrysler said that it expects sales to grow 43% during the next five years, from 83,000 units to
118,000 vehicles in 2014. In addition, Chrysler said that it aims to increase its market share in Mexico by 1.1% to
11.6% from the current 10.5% it owns. The company expects auto sales in Mexico to fall 27% this year but to grow
30% in the next five years to a total of 1.017 million vehicles.
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Housing, Real Estate & Mortgaging
Homex Says It Will Ask Shareholders To Back Capital Increase
November 4, 2009
Mexican home builder Desarrolladora Homex said it will ask its shareholders to approve a capital increase of between
5% and 6% of the company's actual capital position. Homex said the capital increase could involve the sale of shares
in Mexico through a primary offering. Homex, one of Mexico's largest home-building companies, had revenue of MXN
13.61 billion and sold just over 43,000 homes during the first nine months of 2009.
Urbi Expects To Amend Terms On MXN 1.06 Billion In Bonds
November 4, 2009
Mexican home builder Urbi Desarrollos Urbanos said it expects to either change or waive debt covenants that it
violated in 3Q, prompting a ratings downgrade by Standard & Poor’s. According to the terms established for MXN
1.06 billion of local bonds, Urbi was required to keep its ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation
and amortization (EBITDA) below 2 to 1. However, Urbi's debt was 2.6 times EBITDA at the end of September. S&P
downgraded Urbi's credit rating to B+ from BB- and put the company on negative ratings watch.
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Construction & Infrastructure
Cemex Expects To Sell New MXN 3 Billion Bond Within Six Months
November 4, 2009
Mexican cement maker Cemex said it is considering the sale of a new 5- to 10-year bond, worth at least MXN 3
billion, in the next six months in an effort to pay off bank debt and stretch maturities past 2014. In August Cemex
convinced its creditors to refinance USD 15 billion in bank and bondholder debt until 2014, but has agreed to sell
assets and raise capital via equity and bond issues. The new bond would be sold in addition to a convertible bond the
company previously announced it would sell.
Cemex Sues Austria’s Strabag At ICC’s Arbitration Court
November 5, 2009
Mexican cement maker Cemex said it sued Austrian peer Strabag at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Arbitration Court in Paris for breaching a contract they had signed and by means of which Strabag agreed to
purchase Cemex’s assets in Austria and Hungary. Cemex said it wants the annulment of the contract’s cancellation
requested by Strabag and to perceive an indemnity for damages and prejudice.
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Retail
Wal-Mart Announces Record Capex In Mexico In 2009-2010
November 5, 2009
U.S. retailer Wal-Mart said that it will increase capital expenditures (Capex) in Mexico in 2010 and said that it will
invest as much as MXN 11 billion this year to open stores and enhance the firm’s distribution chain. Executives at
Wal-Mart Mexico (Walmex) declined to provide further details on what they called a "historic" investment record for
2010.
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Transportation
Aviacsa Is Declared In Bankruptcy
November 4, 2009
Mexican low-cost airline Aviacsa announced that it was declared in bankruptcy after a judge approved a creditor’s
meeting and the corresponding proceedings, saying the firm was unable to meet its financial obligations. The
bankruptcy ruling indicated that there were 497 creditors based in Mexico, the U.S., Canada and Spain. Meanwhile,
the Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) said that despite the ruling, Aviacsa won’t be allowed to resume
operations until it meets its fiscal requirements.
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Telecommunications & Technology
Brazil Fines Telmex USD 1.53 Million For Deficient Service
November 2, 2009
The Brazilian government announced it decided to fine Mexican fixed telephony operator Telmex USD 1.53 million for
failing to meet quality standards in services’ supply. Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) published
in that country’s official gazette the ruling fining Telmex, and other local and foreign companies, after a large number
of customers complained about telephony services.
CFC Supports Entry Of New Competitors To The Telephony And TV Markets
November 4, 2009
The Federal Competition Commission (CFC) said it supports the entry of new competitors into the fixed telephony
and open TV markets in Mexico, currently dominated by local giants Telmex, Televisa and TV Azteca, to boost the
country’s competitiveness in those sectors, improve quality and reduce prices for consumers. CFC said Mexico
requires a flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in fixed telephony and suggested to award a concession to operate a
third open TV chain and tightening regulation on tenders and the use of radio-electric spectrum.
America Movil: Brazil, Mexico Will Drive Growth
November 4, 2009
According to executives from Mexican mobile telephony giant America Movil, subscriber growth in Brazil might
outpace the rest of the region next year as economic recovery enters full swing. America Movil added that the
second-largest surge in subscriber growth would come from Mexico, where the company has a third of its
subscribers. America Movil added that it expects to become the world’s third-largest mobile operator next year, with
200 million clients by end 2009. America Movil said 3Q profit rose 51% from a year earlier to USD 1.38 billion.
Telmex Sells USD 500 Million In 10-Year Bonds
November 5, 2009
Mexican fixed-line phone company Telmex announced it has sold USD 500 million in 10-year bonds maturing in 2019
and which have a coupon of 5.5%. Telmex said that proceeds of the bond issuance will be used for general corporate
purposes. Telmex controls about 85% of Mexico's fixed phone lines, with 17.35 million lines in service at the end of
September.
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Hospitality & Tourism
Banxico, SECTUR: Increase In Rate Of Foreign Tourism To Mexico At 1.6%
November 3, 2009
According to data from the central bank (Banxico) and the Tourism Ministry (SECTUR), the increase in the rate of
foreign tourists visiting Mexico has grown at an average of 1.6% per year during the past 10 years. The United
Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said that the global figure was 4.3% on average annually during the
mentioned period. Nevertheless, according to tourism guides editor Lonely Planet’s Best Travel 2010, Mexico, Iceland
and London are currently among the best tourism destinations in terms of the quality-price relation amid the global
economic downturn.
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Economy
President Calderon: Recession Is Over For Mexico, GDP Grew 2.7% In 3Q
November 3, 2009
President Calderon announced that Mexico’s economy recession has ended, as gross domestic product (GDP) grew
2.7% during 3Q. Calderon noted that Mexico’s economy will likely grow 3% in 2010 and then 5% until 2012, at the
end of his administration. Nevertheless, legislators from the opposition Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) said
President Calderon’s comments were irresponsible and seeking to abate the population’s discomfort following the
recent approval of increased taxes, noting that Mexico is not out of the recession. Analysts and other experts also
said Calderon’s assertion is premature and unfounded.
Rating Agencies Need Further Details On Mexico’s 2010 Federal Budget; Tax Reforms
November 2, 2009
Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings rating agencies said that even with a somewhat watered-down fiscal reform
package, they need to see details on the latter and a final version of Mexico’s federal 2010 budget before making any
changes to the country's sovereign rating. Both S"P and Fitch rate Mexico at BBB-plus with negative outlooks and
both have raised concerns about the government's fiscal position, especially its dependence on oil revenues. Moody's
Investors Service has Mexico similarly rated at Baa1, with a stable outlook. All three ratings are three notches above
junk status.
SHCP: Fiscal Regime Consolidation To Reduce Tax Collections In 2010
November 2, 2009
The Finance and Public Credit Ministry (SHCP) said that a reduction in the fiscal regime’s consolidation from 60% to
25% will cause tax collections to fall to MXN 16.57 billion from a targeted MXN 27 billion. In addition, SHCP said that
tax collections from the value-added tax (VAT) are expected to fall by 17.5% on shrinking economic activity and lower
consumption.
Banxico Poll: Analysts See Mexico 2010 Inflation Higher At 4.54%
November 3, 2009
According to the expectations of analysts surveyed by the central bank (Banxico), Mexican inflation will rise sharply
next year, as legislators approved a package of tax hikes. The monthly poll of economists and analysts said they
expect inflation to rise to 4.54% in 2010, compared to a forecast of 4.28% in the prior month's poll. Higher inflation
expectations could put extra pressure on central bankers to raise interest rates because price forecasts can work their
way into wage negotiations, fueling future inflation.
IMEF Manufacturing Index Rises To 52.9 In October
November 3, 2009
The Mexican Institute of Finance Executives (IMEF) said its manufacturing index rose in October for a fifth straight
month, showing a recovery is under way in the industrial sector. The IMEF manufacturing index was 52.9 in October,
up from 51.7 in September and 49.5 in October 2008. It was a fourth consecutive reading above 50 for the index. As
with the U.S. Institute for Supply Management indexes, readings of 50 and above point to expansion while readings
below 50 point to contraction. IMEF's nonmanufacturing index—which measures activity in services—also continued
on an upward path, rising to 52.2 in October from 51.7 in September and from 46.1 a year ago.
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Border & Migration
Arizona Is Close To Criminalizing Undocumented Immigrants
November 3, 2009
According to recent reports, Arizona could become the first U.S. state to criminalize undocumented immigrants, as
state legislators work on a bill that would make it illegal to stay there without proper documentation. Analysts say that
although immigration issues are a federal responsibility, Arizona has pushed for new legislation awarding state
authorities further competence in immigration.
Bienvenido Paisano Program Begins
November 3, 2009
Authorities announced the beginning of the Bienvenido Paisano annual program to facilitate, support and guarantee
the rights and safety of Mexicans who return to the country for the Christmas holidays. Authorities expect a 3%
increase of Mexican migrants returning to Mexico through Nuevo Laredo alone, in the state of Tamaulipas. Last year
195,534 Mexicans traveling from the U.S. returned to the country for December’s holidays.
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Politics
Queen Beatrix From The Netherlands: Mexico Should Be A Gate Between The North And The South
November 4, 2009
Queen Beatrix from the Netherlands said during her recent official visit to Mexico that the country’s key geographic
location and a hardworking and creative population call for it to take a leading position in the region and become a
bridge between the north and the south in the best interest of all the countries in the Americas. Queen Beatrix praised
Mexico’s core role in ending civil wars and contributing to the establishment of lasting peace in Latin America. Queen
Beatrix, who received Mexico City’s keys from Mayor Marcelo Ebrard and visited the Senate, said Mexico faces
strong economic, political and social challenges that President Calderon has been able to address successfully.
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Justice, Safety & Crime
Senate Appoints New Head Of National Human Rights Commission
November 4, 2009
The Senate appointed Raul Plascencia Villanueva as the new president of Mexico’s National Human Rights
Commission (CNDH). Other candidates were Emilio Alvarez Icaza and Luis Raul Gonzalez Perez. Plascencia is
scheduled to take office on November 10 but will assume his charge formally on November 16. Plascencia Villanueva
obtained a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico
(UNAM). He has been named Professor Honoris Causa by some universities in Mexico and Argentina. He was
serving as the CNDH’s First Visitor.
U.S. And Mexico Agree On Shift In Drug Smuggling Trials
October 31, 2009
The U.S. and Mexico have agreed to have some Mexicans caught smuggling drugs into the U.S. returned to Mexico
for prosecution. The new approach is a step toward resolving a nettlesome problem at the border: very often,
Mexicans caught smuggling drugs do not face prosecution in the U.S. for that crime. The Mexican government, with
the assistance of the U.S., is pushing through changes intended to make the Mexican justice system more
accountable. The U.S. government announced it is designing an integral border strategy against organized crime with
aid from Mexican authorities that will be operating during 2010.
Mexico’s Attorney General Visits The U.S., Discusses Merida Initiative
November 2, 2009
Mexico’s Attorney General Arturo Chavez Chavez went on an official visit to the U.S. to discuss the Merida Initiative
aid package with several U.S. authorities and legislators and in a bid to further strengthen cooperation between the
two countries on security issues. It was the first official visit Chavez made to the U.S. since he took office in
September.
Peru Is Wary Of Mexican Drug Cartels
November 2, 2009
The Peruvian government said it is concerned that Mexican cartels could enter their country and start operating there
permanently to guarantee a nonstop supply of cocaine. Peruvian authorities said that traffickers belonging to a
Tijuana drug gang were arrested in 2005 in Peru, but they said they expect a new incursion onto Peruvian soil,
although currently production cocaine is controlled by Colombian and Peruvian groups. According to international
reports, Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel might have established cells in Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia
and Peru.
Mexico Arrests Drug Kingpin, Money-Laundering Suspects
October 31, 2009
Authorities say they have detained Oscar Orlando Nava Valencia, a large-scale drug trafficker, and also have broken
up a ring that allegedly laundered around USD 37 million for a drug cartel. The army said it detained Nava Valencia
and nine alleged associates in the western state of Jalisco. Nava Valencia is considered to be a leader of the
"Valencia" drug gang. The federal Attorney General's Office (PGR), meanwhile, said it detained two men in the
central city of Cuernavaca, in the state of Morelos, who moved as much as MXN 491 million through bank accounts
for the Zetas drug gang, the armed wing of the Gulf cartel. Prosecutors seized 37 bank accounts and four properties
in the case.
Mexican Marijuana Trafficking Gangs Infiltrate Indian Reservations In U.S.
November 5, 2009
U.S. Authorities said they identified several large marijuana plantations during raids on the Warm Springs Indian
Reservation in central Oregon. These "grows," as police call them, had a harvest of 12,000 adult plants, with an
estimated street value of USD 10 million. Cultivating marijuana in Indian country represents a new twist in the
decades-old illicit drug trade between Mexico and the U.S., the world's largest drug-consuming market. For decades,
Mexican drug gangs grew marijuana in Mexico, smuggled it across the border, and sold it in the U.S. But in the past
few years, they have moved closer to their customers. Illicit pot farms, the vast majority run by gangs with ties to
Mexico, are growing fast across the country. The U.S. Forest Service has discovered pot farms in 61 national forests
across 16 states this year, up from 49 forests in 10 states last year. New territories include public land in Colorado,
Wisconsin, Michigan, Alabama and Virginia. The area where Mexican gangs seem to be expanding the fastest is on
Indian reservations.
SEDENA: Army Seizes Large Opium Shipment
November 5, 2009
The National Defense Ministry (SEDENA) announced that the army seized a shipment of almost a quarter-ton of
opium in the country's northern mountains, one of the largest such seizures made in Mexico. SEDENA specified that
the 448 pounds of opium paste was found hidden in nine plastic containers in the township of Guadalupe y Calvo, in
the border state of Chihuahua. Seven rifles, three pistols and nearly 10,000 rounds of ammunition were found along
with the opium, which can be refined to make heroin. The army said it could have yielded 200,000 doses of heroin or
similar drugs.
Mayor Promises To ‘Clean Up’ Organized Crime And Announces Death Before Body Is Found
November 5, 2009
Mexico's war on drugs took a grim twist this week, as Mauricio Fernandez, the prominent mayor of the San Pedro
Garza Garcia municipality in the state of Nuevo Leon said he had created an undercover group of operatives to
"clean up" criminal elements—even if it had to act outside the law. The mayor’s comments were made during his
swearing-in ceremony also included the announcement of the death in Mexico City of Hector "El Negro" Saldaña, who
had threatened Fernandez, hours before the body was discovered, raising doubts and several questions amongst
authorities, analysts and public opinion. Meanwhile, in the northern town of García, near the industrial hub of
Monterrey, the town's new police chief, retired Brig. Gen. Juan Arturo Esparza, was gunned down in an attack by
some 30 assailants believed to be working for a drug cartel.
Leader Of Peasant Union Is Killed In Mexico
November 1, 2009
Authorities announced that gunmen ambushed peasant union leader Margarito Montes Parra and his family in the
state of Sonora, killing him and 14 others in an attack that bore the hallmarks of a hit by drug cartels, but one that his
organization said might have been related to his union work. The victims, who included four children, were leaving a
ranch in Sonora when the gunmen opened fire with AK-47s on a convoy of three trucks, according to one of the three
survivors. Margarito Montes Parra, 56, had built up a powerful organization spanning several states to demand land
rights and press for government support of peasants. The group, the Worker, Peasant and Popular General Union, is
based in the southern state of Oaxaca, and a leader there said Mr. Montes's killing was linked to his work.
U.S. Soldier Is Killed In Drug Attack In Mexico Strip Club
November 4, 2009
Authorities said that gunmen with automatic weapons burst into a Mexican strip club on the U.S. border, opened fire
on patrons and killed six people including U.S. service member Staff Sergeant David Booher, assigned to a base near
Alamogordo, New Mexico. The hooded gunmen stormed into the bar in Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, as
strippers were dancing for customers, sought out the six men and shot them each several times. Authorities say the
killings were linked to drug trade.
SCJN Orders Other 9 Suspects In Mexico Indian Village Massacre Freed
November 4, 2009
The Supreme Court (SCJN) ordered the release of nine more people convicted in a 1997 massacre of Indians, ruling
their convictions were based on illegally obtained evidence. New trials were ordered for 16 others. It was the second
time this year the SCJN overturned the sentences of people convicted for the slaying of 45 people at Acteal, a village
in the southern state of Chiapas. SCJN released 20 people in August and ordered new trials for six. The court cited
irregularities including failure to provide interpreters for suspects who speak the Tzotzil language.
Three Mexican Doctors Are Accused Of Selling Newborns
November 4, 2009
Three doctors, a nurse and a receptionist have been arrested for allegedly selling newborns after telling mothers their
babies had died at a private hospital in Mexico City. Police uncovered the scheme after one of the women learned her
baby was alive and had been sold to another woman for MXN 15,000. The woman accused of buying the newborn
has also been arrested. The accused face charges of trafficking with minors, organized crime and falsifying
documents. A married couple has also been arrested for allegedly paying the hospital to falsify a birth certificate for a
baby that the pair had been given. In a report this year, the U.S. State Department described Mexico as "a large
source, transit and destination country" for human trafficking.
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Health & Science
President Calderon Readies Decree To Annul Patent For Two A/H1N1 Drugs
November 4, 2009
President Calderon administration’s health authorities said they have prepared a presidential decree to annul the
patent for the oseltamivir and zanamivir medicines in case of an eventual larger-than-expected A/H1N1 influenza
virus outbreak this winter that might lead the country to a sanitary emergency. In addition, the two medicines will be
sold in drugstores and pharmacies with a prescription. Meanwhile, the Federal Commission for Protection Against
Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) expanded the expiration date of some medicines from the national strategic reserve to
treat patients in case of the stronger than foreseen A/H1N1 outbreak.
SSA: Dengue Fever Affects 27 States In Mexico
November 3, 2009
The Health Ministry (SSA) informed that a dengue fever has spread to 27 states, including some that had been
declared dengue-free. SSA said that the most affected state is Nayarit, where cases increased from 185 last year to
3331 this year.
UNESCO International Meeting On Bioethics To Take Place In Mexico
November 3, 2009
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced that its Bioethics
International Committee (CIB) will hold its XVI meeting in Mexico later this month. Main issues to be discussed
include the position of bioethics in Latin America and the Caribbean; social responsibility and health; the principle of
respect for human dignity and personal integrity and human cloning and international governance.
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Environment
Environmentalists Denounce Beach Ruling
November 6, 2009
Environmentalists expressed outrage after a Mexican judge upheld a requirement that they post a USD 1.1 million
bond to pursue a suit against a project to rebuild Cancun beaches with tons of sand extracted from the Caribbean.
Nonprofit groups said the ruling will make it hard or impossible for them to defend environmental causes in court. The
Mexican Center for Environmental Law said that this means that only people with money will have access to
environmental justice. The activist group Sky, Land and Sea said a judge in Cancun denied their request for an
injunction against the requirement that they post a MXN 15 million peso bond, something they could not afford to do.
Such bonds are intended to guarantee any damages caused to the defendant if a plaintiff loses a suit.
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Other
Floods Force 44,000 People Out Of Their Homes In Mexico
November 3, 2009
Flooding after days of heavy rain along Mexico's Gulf Coast has forced more than 44,000 people out of their homes.
Andres Granier, Governor of the state of Tabasco said several rivers jumped their banks, flooding homes in more
than 90 communities. The federal government declared a state of emergency, and troops were helping rescue
people.
Google Launches Google Maps Tool For Mexico
November 5, 2009
Google announced it launched the Google Maps tool for Mexico with street-view imagery that has been added for
seven cities in the country. Google Maps will allow people to find any registered business’s address in Mexico and will
allow stores to be displayed on the maps by answering some questions on the companies’ characteristics.
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