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The article examines Venezuela's economic policies relating to the food industry and grocery trade. President Hugo Chávez has made regulation of food prices and subsidies for food for the poor a priority, but government ownership of much of the food industry and agriculture has not prevented food shortages following a currency devaluation in 2009. The operations of the government-owned supermarket chain Mercal are examined.

The article discusses economic conditions in Brazil and presents economic forecasting for that country. Brazil is forecast to be one of the first countries to emerge from the global recession, with economic growth projected to be as high as 4.5 percent in 2010. The country's willingness to embrace globalization and economic policies of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are discussed as some of the reasons for Brazil's economic resilience.

The article discusses international business enterprises in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. K. Alan Russell works with U.S. based companies with operations in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico in order to assure executives that reported violence within the city has not affected their personnel. José Reyes Ferriz, mayor of Ciudad, believes that the violence lost the city 20 foreign business projects and some 5,000 job opportunities.

This article reports on issues surrounding the possibility of the U.S. reviving its manufacturing industry instead of relying on Chinese outsourcing for production. Due to a weakened U.S. dollar, rising oil prices that affect shipping rates, and increasing wages in China, the global supply chain has been affected in a way that makes it advantageous for the U.S. to shift some of its manufacturing back to the U.S. INSET: LINKS.

The article is about the charity organization One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) and the difficulties it faces as it tries to give a laptop computer to every child in the world. The founder and chairman, Nicholas Negroponte, had difficulties making deals with computer and software companies such as Intel and Microsoft, and frequently had disagreements with other members of OLPC.

The article discusses the effect of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on U.S. manufacturing jobs, noting the allegations of U.S. Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama that NAFTA is the primary reason for the loss of these jobs. Arguments for the benefits of free-trade agreements are presented. The closure of many U.S. textile mills since the institution of NAFTA is noted. The role of the World Trade Organization is highlighted.

The article discusses Cuba's economic growth in 2007 and the ways in which Cuban citizens hope that the government will change since former Cuban President Fidel Castro's retirement and Raúl Castro's rise to the presidency. Cuban oil resources, a growing tourism industry, and Cuban doctors offering services to foreigners all could help the Cuban economy to strengthen. The U.S. embargo and other factors, though, hinder Cuba from being self-sufficient.

The article discusses immigration into the U.S. and 2008 U.S. presidential candidates' proposed solutions. There are 12 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. and half a million cross the border every year. 2008 U.S. presidential candidate John McCain says he will secure the border as do fellow candidates Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. There are 300 miles of fencing and 14,900 border patrol agents protecting the border.

The article describes how the working poor in Mexico have been exploited as a previously untapped source of revenue for big business. Micro-lending was previously seen as nonprofit service until businesses realized that poverty-stricken consumers were willing to pay higher interest rates than were wealthier consumers. The article notes that sometimes these institutions charge more than 100% interest. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has got in to the business of micro-lending in Mexico. INSETS: A BOOMING POVERTY MARKET;WAL-MART BANKS ON THE 'UNBANKED'.

The article focuses on Aditya and Lakshmi N. Mittal, the father and son team that head Arcelor Mittal Steel. The company's history and the educational background of Aditya and Lakshmi are discussed. Details related to the merger of Mittal Steel and Arcelor are presented, as well as the purchase of International Steel Group in 2004.

This article reports on the growth and importance of a number of companies, based in the developing world, that have the potential to become industry leaders in their fields, threatening the traditional hegemony of similar companies in developed countries. Third world firms are becoming prominent in telecommunications, computers and IT, construction and aerospace, areas once considered the purview of western companies. INSETS: 'We Have the Vision To Be No.1';Taking a Brand Name Higher.

Looks at how nearly eleven million undocumented immigrants in the United States are effecting the American economy. Review of how companies of all sizes are eager to do business with immigrants, regardless of their status; Summarization of how illegal aliens have been the target of national attention for the past two decades, largely for negative reasons; Reports on how the fast-growing undocumented population is coming to be seen as an untapped engine of economic growth; Author's view that U.S. consumer companies, including banks, insurers, mortgage lenders, and credit-card outfits, have decided that the population of undocumented immigrants is simply to large to ignore; Question of whether or not corporate willingness to do business with the undocumented demographic will further inflame opposition to illegal immigration. INSET: ...THAT COMPANIES ARE LINING UP TO SERVE.

Focuses on the impact of the retirement of baby boomers on the world economy. Efforts of countries world-wide to reform their retirement systems; Reasons why benefit cutbacks are likely in many nations; Impact of the rising global lifespan; Potential for crisis in China, where the pension plan is running a big deficit.

Explores the impact the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has had on Mexico nearly ten years after it was first signed. Examples of Mexican workers who have jobs as a result of NAFTA; Claim that NAFTA represents one of the most radical free-trade experiments in history, ranking on par with Europe's creation of the euro and China's casting off of Marxism for capitalism; Statistics and figures on foreign investment and exports; Political impact of NAFTA on Mexico; Reasons why opposition to NAFTA is growing in Mexico; Reaction of Mexico's politicians to the growing disenchantment; Failure of NAFTA to stop illegal immigration to the United States; Failure of the Mexican government to invest adequately in infrastructure and education.

The article focuses on the effect of the U.S. attack on Afghanistan on the U.S. economy. The economic efficiency is hurt due to companies worrying about the safety of their staff and facilities leading to slowing down of the free flow of people and goods. Globalization had enabled manufacturers to increase productivity which led to lower prices of consumer goods.

Focuses on the planned meeting between Mexican President Vicente Fox and United States President George W. Bush to discuss a new framework for regulating the increasing flow of Mexican immigrants to the U.S. How the U.S. may ease restrictions for Mexican immigrants through such measures as a guest-worker program; Social and political implications; Public debate over the issue, including opposition from many conservatives; Expectation that it will be difficult to implement an agreement.

Presents a special report on the Latin American automobile industry, as of October 2000. The manufacturing revolution there, spurred by a decade of market reforms and expanding free-trade agreements; How carmakers have been centralizing production in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina; The morale of employees and their willingness to undergo intense training; The automakers' focus on selling cars in the local markets in addition to exporting them. INSETS: BIG-TICKET ITEMS;BRAZIL SHOWS HOW MUCH IT LOVES CARMAKERS, by Jonathan Wheatley.

The article discusses the impact of the election of President Vicente Fox on the economy of Mexico. According to Gustavo Gutiérrez, businessman, the election of Fox will provide a representation for the hardworking people of Mexico. Gutiérrez imports machinery for the garment industry. He rose to victory on a pledge to bring accountable governance to Mexico. According to John M. Bruton, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, they are optimistic of the governance of Fox. He added that Fox has the authority given by the election results and the charisma to address change. Emphasis will be given by Fox to the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Reports on the business enterprises of Mexican mogul Carlos Slim Helu. Control of Prodigy Inc., the pioneer of Internet service providers (ISP), since 1997; Other holdings which include a United States fiber-optic network, cellular-phone companies in Puerto Rico and Florida, and Telmex which provides telephone service to Mexico; How Slim became the richest man in Latin America; Plans to buy out Comp USA, the largest computer retailer in the US.

Discusses Coca-Cola Co. Chief Executive Officer Doug Ivester's long-term strategy for meeting the challenges facing the company as of spring 1999. Impact of global economic turmoil on the company's profitability; The 1997-1999 sales, earnings, and stock price statistics; Ivester's rationale for capital investment; His background and tenure with the company; Comparison to his predecessor. INSETS: A Case of Deja Vu;Now That's a Pepsi Challenge.

This article discusses agricultural and plant biotechnology in the U.S. Plants could be engineered to produce their own pesticides, to grow in different types of soil, and to produce food that is of high nutritional value. Farmers are scrambling to adopt the first commercially available bioengineered crops. INSETS: 'LIFE SCIENCES'?;INVESTORS, DON'T SOW YOUR SEEDS TOO SOON.

Reports on the investigation of possible money laundering practices of the Citigroup bank, Citibank in connection with several cases involving customers' Swiss bank accounts in the 1990s including that of Raul Salinas de Gortari. Swiss Authorities seizing Salinas' funds; Possible revival of the Department of Justice probe of Citibank; Details on Citibank's relations with Salinas and other wealthy customers; The problems their size presents for regulators. INSET: Citi's Litany of Slip-Ups.

Focuses on corporations in Latin America. The Latin American region's open trade markets; Expansion planned; Effect of the North American Free Trade Agreement; Comparison to the economic conditions in Southeast Asia; Comments by investors; Mention of companies Arcor, Cemex, and Enersis; Problems with corporate corruption.

Looks at the social and economic conditions of the United States-Mexico border region. The area experiencing the greatest economic growth in North America as of May 1997; Population and economic output of the area; Impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the area; American and other foreign investment in the Mexican border region; Culture of the US-Mexico border area; Various bordering US-Mexican cities; Reasons for the area's economic boom.

Focuses on the private banking industry with reference to the investigation of Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari's brother for spiriting out of Mexico some $120 million to foreign banks through Citibank's money network. Information that J.P. Morgan & Co., the private banking business, has spent the last year and a half bolstering its franchises in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East; Significance of private banking in the essential network of pipelines in the global economy. INSET: PRIVATE BANKING'S TOP GLOBAL PLAYERS.

Discusses the initiatives of investment bank Morgan Stanley Group to penetrate the market in Third World countries such as India in 1996. Business risks faced by Morgan Stanley in Third World countries; Rivals of Morgan Stanley in the Third World; Implications for banks and banking.

Evaluates the economic condition of Mexico as of November 13, 1995 under President Ernesto Zedillo. Labor group strikes demonstrating let-up on harsh fiscal and monetary controls; Peso devaluation; Increase in banking interests; Increase in export trade; Poor performance of domestic market; Threat from the business community to channel investments to Brazil.

Profiles former Mexican president Carlos Salinas de Gortari. Modernization of Mexico's economy; Development of Mexico's relationship with the United States; Biographical information; Political background; Drug-related corruption among Salinas' associates; Salinas' fall from popularity; Mexico's economic decline; Issue of the assassination of presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio in March 1994.

Reports on the economic plan of Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon, the new president of Mexico. Austerity measures; Effects of devaluation on wages; Deregulation and modernization; Technocratic program; Stabilization package; Privatization of banks; Lower living standards.

Focuses on the presidential elections in Mexico on August 21, 1994. Presence of international observers to spot fraud by the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI); Presidential candidates and their platforms; Outline of economic agenda for winning candidate.

Reports on the economic and political turmoil surrounding Mexico. Assassination of presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio; Revelation of Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) candidate Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon; Mexico under President Carlos Salinas; Pressure on Salinas to deliver economic relief before elections; `El pacto' as the anti-inflation weapon of Mexico; Decentralization; Electoral reform. INSET: What Mexico's next president might do..

This article discusses the relationship between democracy and growth. People in the U.S. have always believed that democracy is good for growth. Two centuries of steady development fed that belief, and only the Great Depression shook the faith for a time. Since World War II, though, democracy and prosperity have seemed of a piece. Only democracy offers freedom of choice, everywhere from the polling place to the supermarket. But that freedom of choice is hardly a prerequisite for economic growth. On the contrary, it often seems to hinder it. Nor does democracy ensure growth for the world's leading industrialized nations. Just what is the relationship between democracy and growth? Economist John F. Helliwell compared economic results for nearly 100 nations from 1960 to 1985 and concluded that there was a slight downdraft for democracies compared with nondemocracies or authoritarian regimes.

Describes how the Mexican worker is smart, motivated, cheap, and a potent new economic force to be reckoned with. Leap in Mexican productivity; Wages moving up; Mexicans earning less than Asians; Only a fraction of American wages; President Carlos Salinas de Gortari running an economy closer to the Asian model than any in the West; Many Mexican workers still can't afford to buy the products they turn out; American corporations taking advantage of lower wages.

The article discusses that Chile's middle class citizens feel dissatisfied with their government and community, despite economic growth. The author reports that Chileans worry about education and lack of innovation. Public schools suffer from poorly trained teachers, frequent teacher strikes, and understaffed classrooms. The Chilean government is trying to increase innovations by promoting biotechnology and green energy.

The article discusses Costa Rica as a retirement destination. The country has attracted many able-bodied, adventurous retirees from the U.S. The climate is warm and lifestyle affordable. Both rural and urban ways of life are available, depending on where one lives. Land speculators have driven prices up some, and it would be useful to know Spanish.

This article explains that Intel Corp. donated Classmate laptops to students in Malinalco, Mexico. Intel hopes to cooperate with One Laptop per Child (OLPC) foundation, started by professor Nicholas Negroponte, which aims to build affordable computers for students in third world countries. The article examines whether Intel is only merging with OLPC to keep from losing profit. INSETS: A Tale of Two Laptops;No Child Left Online.

The article looks at the relationship between Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and businesses who either operate in or export to the country. Chávez's government has enacted laws that make business difficult in Venezuela, and foreign direct investment has dropped. But, the article states, business is better than ever; the Venezuelan economy has grown and oil revenues are high. Consumer goods, including vehicles, are selling at a high rate in Venezuela.

This article looks at the allegations against Coca-Cola Co. for its mistreatment of union employees in it Colombian facilities. Union activist Ray Rogers tries to expose Coca-Cola tactics and drum up anti-Coke support on college campuses. Some students at different colleges have formed groups and some schools have banned Coke sales on campus. Union supporters cite violence at a bottling plant at Carepa as an example. INSET: Coca-Cola in Columbia: A Timeline.

Focuses on the efforts of the border patrol units in Laredo, Texas, to stop terrorism while keeping the trade flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border. Indication of the level of trade activity occurring on the border, noting the challenges faced by the United States Department of Homeland Security in keeping the borders secure; Cooperation established between the U.S. and Mexico governments in an effort to track every truck crossing the border; Technological advancements that make checking trucks and cargo possible without significantly slowing down the process; Value of goods that cross the border at the Laredo part of the border. INSET: Beefing Up Border Security.

Considers the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Outlook for U.S. Senate hearings on the trade pact; How concern over job losses and aggressive anti-CAFTA campaigns by U.S. sugar farmers threaten to derail the agreement; Perception of CAFTA by President George W. Bush as a key component of his international political and economic strategy; Why CAFTA is important to Central America's struggling regimes; Views of analysts on CAFTA and the Central American and Caribbean textile and apparel industries; U.S. free-market reforms; Importance of the continued growth of export manufacturing; Arguments of CAFTA backers; Debate over the agreement.

Reports on the problems faced by the Catholic Church. Difficulty in electing a pope following the death of Pope John Paul II in April 2005; The need for reforms within the church; How the church is facing a shortage of priests; Amount of money the church abuse scandals have cost the Catholic Church. INSET: The State of The Catholic Church.

Profiles Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim Helú who has built an empire spanning telecom, retail, manufacturing and financial services. How he uses the cash made by his businesses to invest in a variety of American companies such as MCI, Saks, Global Crossing, Altria Group and more; His rating as the fourth wealthiest man in the world with a net worth of $23.8 billion; His status as the biggest single investor in MCI and how he is pressuring the board to hold our for richer buyout offers from Quest Communications International and Verizon Communications; Background on the son of Lebanese merchant; What companies attract his attention for investment purposes; Examples of his business acumen. INSET: Mundo Slim.

Profiles Andrew Jerrold "Jerry" Perenchio, a boxing promoter turned media mogul who owns and runs Univision Communications Inc. which is the media giant specializing in Hispanic programming. How the non-Spanish speaking talent agent became the head of one of the most valuable media properties; Company which owns two broadcast networks, a cable channel, a radio network and three music labels in the fast growing Hispanic market; How Univision nearly doubled profits in 2003; Perenchio's management style and employee rules; Battles the company has had with advertisers, rivals, unions and Grupo Televisa; Background on Perenchio and how he made his way to the ownership of a media conglomerate. INSETS: Jerry's Growing Turf;Andrew Jerrold Perenchio.

The paper focuses on the economic crisis facing Argentina in 2002. On January 6 2002, Argentina finally let go of its decade-long embrace of the U.S. dollar and devalued the peso, ending one of the world's boldest experiments in economic reengineering. The new government also confirmed that Argentina cannot go on servicing its $141 billion public debt. Both Wall Street and Argentine business leaders are skeptical that President Eduardo Duhalde can even pull off a controlled devaluation. Indeed, in a post-devaluation report, J. P. Morgan predicted that the free-floating peso will be worth a mere 37¢ by year-end. Duhalde is also courting controversy with his treatment of the nation's banks, most of which are foreign-owned. Still, one casualty of Argentina's meltdown might be the Bush administration's plan to push for a Free Trade Area of the Americas by 2005.

Speculates on the political elections in Mexico on July 2, 2000. How the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) could lose the presidency for the first time in 71 years; Contest between presidential candidates Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN) and PRI candidate, Francisco Labastida; Influence of electoral reforms in Mexico.

Reports on the urgency that is evident in Latin America over its war on poverty. Why its huge pool of cheap labor is becoming a liability; Moves that policymakers are making away from blanket subsidies to experimental programs that teach skills to the poor; The alliances that are being formed between businesses; The wide gap that exists between the rich and the poor; Reasons for Latin America's boom-bust business cycles.

Discusses the tendency of Mexico's presidential elections to create economic crises in the country, focusing on the potential of the 2000 elections to create another such crisis. The candidates for 2000; Potential for political violence; Preparations of Mexican companies and investors; Why the outcome of the 2000 election may determine Mexico's economic growth for the next few years.

This article reports on the emergence of Mexico as an industrial power with a sophisticated workforce, five years after the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the U.S. and Canada. Manufactured goods comprise nearly 90 percent of exports. Mexico was protected by NAFTA from both the plunge in petroleum prices and the fallout from the global economic crisis.

This article reports on the business practices of banker Marc Harris. A sophisticated marketer Harris has positioned himself at the intersection of two major trends. The huge popularity of the Internet is allowing aggressive offshore operators to reach a whole new universe of gullible U. S. investors. Sitting in his fifth-floor offices in a Panama City high-rise, Harris, an immaculately groomed 33-year-old ex-American citizen, says that 80% of his "several thousand" clients are Americans or Canadians. Harris claims his firm has $35 million in capital and $1 billion under management in various trusts and investments.

Interviews Mexico's former president, Carlos Salinas, about his life in exile. His decision to stay in Ireland; Accusations that he is to blame for everything from crushing economic crisis to massive corruption scandals; His brother Raul's criminal activities, which are damaging to Salinas' reputation; Reason why Salinas will not speak about the Mexico's economic and political situation in 1996.