TLA Times | December 05, 2018
SNAPSHOT
Annual percentage of GDP growth in Belize.
Source: data.worldbank.org
Figures from Nov. 30 Source:www.xe.com
FUN IN THE SUN
COSTA RICA
Tech Data adds to its operations with new facility in Escazú.
The Costa Rica Star reports that Tech Data has opened a facility in Escazú to provide customer service. The Florida- based IT distributor began operations in Costa Rica more than a decade ago. “Tech Data’s reinvestment reaffirms that multinational companies have taken root in Costa Rica throughout time,’’ Private Sector Liaison Minister André Garnier says. “The Government of Costa Rica is committed to continue generating the required competitive conditions, so these companies keep growing hand in hand with Costa Rica’s human talent.’’ Details
BRAZIL
Total buys distributing business to get into Brazilian fuel retail sector.
Hydrocarbons Technology reports that French-based Total is buying Zema Petróleo and two subsidiaries from Grupo Zema as an entry into selling fuel at retail outlets in Brazil. The price of the deal was not disclosed. Total is acquiring 280 gas stations in the transaction. The plan is to rebrand them as well as open new stations. Total is already a player in Brazil in exploration and refining. Details
PANAMA
China’s president plans historic state visit to Panama Dec. 2-3.
Chinese President Xi Junping will make a state visit to Panama, a first, in a move that will irritate the United States, Reuters reports via Business Insider. Panama cut off relations with Taiwan last year to establish them with China. The United States is concerned about China’s growing influence in Central America. Xi is expected to sign agreements to cooperate with Panama in areas such as commerce and technology. Details
MEXICO
State oil company says aging Xachi field’s best days ahead of it.
They have been pumping oil from Xachi field in Veracruz since 1948, but in 2017 it was discovered the field still has proven reserves of about 1 billion barrels, The Associated Press reported via US News and World Report. Petroleos Mexicanos says the Xachi field is the largest onshore reserve verified in Mexico in the past 25 years. Details
Local government in Yucatan seeks help to halt building in mangrove.
Mexico News Daily reports that the municipal officials in Progreso are trying to get federal environmental authorities to stop home building in protected mangrove areas. Progreso officials say houses from nearby Chicxulub Puerto have been constructed in the protected area. “We went there last week but they welcomed us by throwing stones at us,” a Progreso official said. Details