October 26th, 2012

Economics & Finance

Venezuela cut gold holdings by 3.7 metric tons in August; more gold sales expected in December

Venezuela cut its gold holdings by 3.733 tons in August, data from the International Monetary Fund showed on Thursday, while Brazil added just under two tons of bullion to its reserves the following month. UBS expects tjhe nation will sell more gold in December, and says in a report that "Venezuela is a net seller of gold, 119000 ounces were sold in July and a larger sale is expected in December", (Reuters, 10-25-2012; http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/25/us-gold-central-banks-idUSBRE89O10L20121025; El Universal; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121025/imf-confirms-gold-sales-made-by-venezuelas-central-bank-in-august; and more in Spanish: El Universal; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121026/afirman-que-venezuela-preve-vender-mas-oro-en-diciembre)

2013 indebtedness estimated at U$D 27.1 billion

Planning and Finance Minister Jorge Giordani presented the National Assembly with both a draft Indebtedness Law and a draft Budget Law for fiscal year 2013, both of which aim at "furthering the transition towards the socialist productive model." Expenditure for next year was estimated at U$D 92.1 billion, while indebtedness was calculated at U$D 27.1 billion. Such estimates are based on "prudent and rational" macroeconomic premises, according to Giordani. The oil average price was calculated at U$D 55 per barrel; inflation at 14-16%; and economic growth at 6% of GDP. The foreign exchange rate will remain unchanged at VEB 4.30 per US dollar, the minister explained. (El Universal, 10-24-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121024/venezuelas-indebtedness-estimated-at-usd-271-billion-in-2013)

An estimated 50% exchange adjustment is envisioned for 2013, according to Barclays and ECOANALÍTICA. Both firms anticipate a devaluation of at least 46% during the first quarter 2013. José Luis Saboin, Senior Economist with ECOANALÍTICA says "there is a fiscal deficit that is 15% of GDP, which is around U$D 40 billion, around half of oil income" He says an enlarged government role, along with patronage lead to spending more than comes in, we are referring to the "missions" and the housing programs". More in Spanish: (El Universal, 10-26-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121026/pronostican-ajuste-cambiario-cercano-a-50-para-2013)

Over VEB 3.13 billion to keep prices down

The proposed 2013 fiscal budget, the resources allocated to the Ministry of Food 10% increase, from VEB 4.05 billion in 2012 to VEB 4.45 billion. More in Spanish: (El Nacional, 10-25-2012; http://www.el-nacional.com/)

Venezuela among nations placing most obstacles on investment

Venezuela is among the countries that place the most obstacles for opening a business, according to a study prepared by the World Bank entitled "Doing Business 2013." The survey measured indicators concerning the businesses environment. Venezuela ranks 180 out of 185 countries, just ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and the Central African Republic. Venezuela ranked 179 in 2011. The study measured several indicators, namely: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, and trading across borders. (El Universal, 10-24-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121024/venezuela-among-the-countries-with-more-obstacles-to-investments)

Banks’ non-performing loans stood at 1.08% at the close of September, down 0.8 percentage points over the past 12 months, announced the Banking Superintendent's office SUDEBAN. It pointed out that since 1994 (the year of the banking crisis), the sector’s non-performing loans have been diminishing, going from 20% at the end of that year to 1.4% at the end of 2011. (Veneconomy, 10-24-2012; http://www.veneconomy.com/site/index.asp?ids=44&idt=32515&idc=2)

Dividend repatriation backlog reported; companies expect exchange rate adjustment

According to a yearly poll by the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VenAmCham) 80% out of 238 respondents expect an exchange rate adjustment. 62% of those polled say they are enrolled with the Exchange Board (CADIVI) and 70% say they operate within international markets. Companies polled reported backed up dividend repatriation applications, on the order of U$$ 8 to 9 billion dollars. More in Spanish: (El Universal, 10-26-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121026/empresas-aguardan-por-repatriacion-de-dividendos)

Commodities

Curacao wants PDVSA to invest U$D1.5 billion in Isla refinery

Curacao could extend or renegotiate a lease of its Isla refinery to Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA if the latter agrees to invest U$D1.5 billion to upgrade the World War One-era facility, one of the Caribbean island's top politicians said. The 335,000 barrel per day (bpd) Isla refinery, which is crucial to the Dutch island nation's economy, has faced years of complaints from residents and environmental activists over pollution, but PDVSA has been reluctant to invest in it. "It is important to extend PDVSA's contract, but under certain conditions," Helmin Wiels, leader of the Sovereign People party which won the largest block at last week's parliamentary elections, told Reuters on Wednesday. (Reuters, 10-24-2012; http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/24/us-curacao-refinery-idUSBRE89N1GZ20121024)

VENALUM alumina inventory down to 8 days

The drop in alumina production by state CVG BAUXILUM company has lowered delivery of material to state owned aluminum processing companies, ALCASA and VENALUM. VENALUM has inventory available for just 8 days, according to members of the Workers Council, and this could lead to an even greater drop in the company's production levels, which are currently at 30% of capacity. More in Spanish: (El Universal, 10-26-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121026/venalum-tiene-inventarios-de-alumina-solo-para-8-dias)

International Trade

Colombia-Venezuela border integration on hold

The agenda on Colombia-Venezuela border issues remains on hold after two meetings between both countries' foreign ministers were called off in the past few months. The appointment has been rescheduled for early November 2012. The electricity interconnection between Apure state (southwest Venezuela) and the Arauca department (Colombia), binational security, health and economy, and the construction of the National Border Assistance Center are the pending topics on the agenda, as stated in August by the governor of the Arauca department, José Facundo Castillo Cisneros. (El Universal, 10-25-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/121025/colombia-venezuela-border-integration-put-on-hold)

Logistics & Transport

Expropriated La Guaira port machinery lies idle

After the Government took over the assets of 26 private companies that operated the La Guaira Port Terminal it has yet to pay compensation and machinery remains idle. Port sources report this includes high value equipment from HYSTER, KALMAR and CATERPILLAR, which was used to offload vessels, as well as small pay loaders, trucks, and other equipment used to carry merchandise from the port to warehouses, all remain idle. More in Spanish: (El Nacional, 10-26-2012; http://www.el-nacional.com/)

Politics

In Latin America, incumbents winning and dominating as term limits are increasingly loosened

After four election wins, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is on track to completing at least 20 years in power, and supporters say they’re glad to have him in charge. City streets are still lined with campaign posters emblazoned with the president’s image. In a region where military dictators ruled by force for decades, millions of Latin Americans are backing a new crop of leaders extending their rule and dominating power through the ballot box. (The Washington Post, 10-24-2012; http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/in-latin-america-incumbents-winning-and-dominating-as-term-limits-are-increasingly-loosened/2012/10/24/525e4106-1e01-11e2-8817-41b9a7aaabc7_story.html)



The following brief is a synthesis of the news as reported by a variety of media sources. As such, the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Duarte Vivas & Asociados and The Selinger Group.

October 23th, 2012

Economics & Finance

World Bank ranks Venezuela among the most difficult nations for business

In its report on "Doing Business 2013: Smart regulations for small and medium business", prepared jointly with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank underlines "encouraging" and "important" efforts to improve business regulation in Latin America, headed by Chile, Perú, Colombia, México and Panama, and points to worsened conditions in other countries such as Argentina and Venezuela. Chile is 37th on the global rating, followed by Perú (43), Colombia (45), México (48) and Panama (61). Venezuela ranks 180th out of 185. More in Spanish: (Ultimas Noticias, 10-23-2012; http://www.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/noticias/actualidad/economia/venezuela-entre-los-paises-mas-complicados-para-ha.aspx)

Minister says there are no plans to devalue currency

Venezuela isn’t studying a devaluation of its currency next year and the government will maintain levels of spending similar to those in 2012, El Nacional reported, citing central bank President Nelson Merentes. The central bank is allowing foreign currency reserves to fluctuate between U$D2 billion and U$F 5 billion, the Caracas-based daily cited Merentes as saying. (Bloomberg, 10-19-2012; http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-19/venezuela-doesn-t-plan-to-devalue-currency-el-nacional-says.html)

2013 budget premises to be presented to National Assembly, oil projections probably unchanged

Planning and Finance Minister Jorge Giordani is to present the premises for the 2013 Annual Budget and the Special Indebtedness Tax, along with the Annual Operational Plan before the National Assembly today, says Finance Committee Chairman Ricardo Sanguino. According to economist Luis Oliveros premises used for the oil industry will remain basically unchanged, estimating average oil prices at U$D 50 per barrel and production around 3.1 million BPD. (Veneconomy, 10-22-2012; http://www.veneconomy.com/site/index.asp?ids=44&idt=32489&idc=2 and more in Spanish: El Mundo; http://www.elmundo.com.ve/)

Economist says Venezuela will have no income problems in 2013

Economist Carlos Quenan estimates that due to tension in the Middle East and China's economic recovery oil prices will remain around U$D 100 per barrel and Venezuela will continue to sail untroubled. More in Spanish: (El Mundo, 10-23-2012; http://www.elmundo.com.ve/noticias/economia/mercados/proyectan-un-2013-sin-problemas-de-ingresos-para-l.aspx)

Public spending estimated at VEB 528.8 billion by year end

According to ECOANALÍTICA, public spending will continue to grow and close 2012 around VEB 528.8 billion. Original estimates for 2012 were VEB 297.8 billion, but due to special authorizations it will rise by 77.6%, More in Spanish: (El Universal, 10-23-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121023/calculan-que-el-gasto-de-2012-terminara-en-bs-5288-millardos)

Gov't seeks stronger State presence in Venezuelan economy

Just a few months before reelected President Hugo Chávez begins his next term, clear signals are being sent that further steps will be taken to deepen the socialist model in Venezuela. The Government's goal is to reinforce the presence of the State in all sectors of Venezuelan economy. As soon as Juan Carlos Loyo was reappointed as minister of Agriculture and Lands, he stressed that he would continue the lands "recovery" policy currently in place. "Moving forward, continuing the lands recovery policy. Thus, it is not expropriation; it is recovery; it is about going back to the very beginning, to the lands of the people and the indigenous tribes. However, this time we are incorporating efficient production and efficient trade. We do not want to see agriculture products ending up in the hands of speculators but in the hands of Venezuelan families," Loyo said recently after being appointed. (El Universal, 10-22-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121022/govt-seeks-stronger-state-presence-in-venezuelan-economy)

Venezuelan bonds are good business

Alexis Mena, f the SOFTLINE economic consultant firm says that at first sight taking a position in Venezuelan bonds appears sensible as the nation has never once defaulted on its debt payments. He says prices have held firm and some are even overvalued. More in Spanish: (Tal Cual, 22-10-2012; http://www.talcualdigital.com/index.html)

Unemployment rate in September at 7.3%

Unemployment rate in September stood at 7.3%, a reduction of 1.0% versus September 2011 (8.3%), according to the monthly report on the workforce issued by the government´s National Statistics Institute (INE). In absolute terms, this means 1,010,510 jobless last month. Out of them, 897,417 were laid off and the other 113,093 unsuccessfully looked for their first job. In September 12,795,897 people were working, most of them in the formal sector of the economy (59%). (El Universal, 10-19-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121019/unemployment-rate-in-september-at-73)

Commodities

CVG BAUXILUM stops operations due to lack of inputs

The shortage of polymers used for alumina refining has forced the shutdown of the last operational stage at CVG BAUXILUM, which is the first link in aluminum industry production process. Workers say this is the first time that the plant has been paralyzed by shortages of any of the inputs. In addition, workers at BAUXILUM mines have gone on strike due to delays in wage payments. More in Spanish: (El Nacional, 10-22-2012; http://www.el-nacional.com/; El Universal, 10-23-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121023/trabajadores-de-minas-de-bauxilum-inician-paro)

It seems impossible to raise oil production by 522,000 barrels per day (bpd) as planned by PDVSA in its work schedule for the Orinoco Oil Belt for this year, say sources in the local oil industry. Current production is 1.2 million bpd. There is no other known additional pumping besides early production announced last September by joint ventures PETROMIRANDA and PETROMACAREO in the Junín 6 and 2 blocs. (Veneconomy, 10-22-2012; http://www.veneconomy.com/site/index.asp?ids=44&idt=32486&idc=4)

Venezuelan oil basket climbs to U$D 102.47

Venezuelan oil prices slightly surged during the week of October 15-19, ending at U$D 102.47 per barrel on average, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining reported. This means a hike of U$D 0.35 in the value of the Venezuelan oil basket over its price last week. The Ministry explained that "the hikes recorded ending last week allowed the average prices of crude oils to finish this period on the rise, backed by the concern about the supplies due to geopolitical tension in the Middle East and maintenance work in the North Sea." (El Universal, 10-19-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121019/venezuelan-oil-basket-climbs-to-usd-10247)

International Trade

Venezuela-Colombia trade agreement enters info force

Trade relations between Colombia and Venezuela have entered a new stage, following the entry into force of the Partial Scope Agreement (AAP), which will regulate bilateral trade, according to the Colombian Ministry of Trade.

The AAP will allow the entry of Colombian exports into the Venezuelan market free from tariffs, the ministry explained. The Agreement contains about 4,921 product lines for Colombia and 4,713 product lines for Venezuela, AFP cited. However, the Binational Chamber of Commerce says application of the agreement will be delayed at several customs offices that have not yet adapted to the new system. (El Universal, 10-19-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/121019/venezuela-colombia-trade-agreement-enters-info-force; and more in Spanish: El Mundo, http://www.elmundo.com.ve/)

Meat imports from Brazil up 25% this year

Venezuela bought 188,000 tons of meat from Brazil for a total of U$D 590 million, as the volume of beef imports rose 25% year to date, above the same period last year. More in Spanish: (El Mundo, 10-22-2012; http://www.elmundo.com.ve/noticias/economia/banca/importacion--de-carne-desde-brasil-sube-25--este-a.aspx)

Rules for Venezuela's adjustment to MERCOSUR will be completed before year-end, according to Isabel Delgado, Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission for the accession of Venezuela to the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), who announced the new rules "will be largely completed by the end of the year." More in Spanish: (AVN, 10-22-2012; http://www.avn.info.ve/contenido/adecuación-normativa-sobre-ingreso-venezuela-al-mercosur-concluirá-antes-fin-año)

Colombia is an ally in supplying local market, according to statements by the Agriculture and Land Ministers of both nations, Juan Carlos Loyo y Carlos Osorio, who say the doors are open for broader integration. More in Spanish: (Últimas Noticias, 10-22-2012; http://www.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/noticias/actualidad/economia/colombia-es-aliada-para-el-abastecimiento-local.aspx)

Logistics & Transport

Venezuela may invest U$D 300 Million to start flights to Beijing and Moscow

Venezuela is considering investments of up to U$D 300 million for the purchase of long-range aircraft to begin intercontinental flights to “allied” countries like China and Russia, according to Elsa Gutiérrez, Minister for Aquatic and Air Transport. She said that after strengthening national and regional connections with the purchase of six Brazilian EMBRAER aircraft at a cost of U$D 270 million, state airline CONVIASA is now working on buying aircraft “to serve different international destinations with direct flights.”“When we say Russia and China, we’re not talking just about Russia and China and nothing else – we want to be able to offer Venezuelans and businessmen access and connection facilities in a competitive but not an unregulated way,” she said in stressing the importance of connecting Caracas with the capitals of those two countries. (Latin American Herald Tribune, 10-19-2012; http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=613896&CategoryId=10717)

Politics

Gubernatorial election campaign starts on November 1

Sandra Oblitas, the Vice-President of the National Electoral Council (CNE), reported on Friday that the election campaign for state governors starts on December 16. She explained that the regulations have been endorsed and the whole election process is being assessed.

She informed that the CNE system got a positive score of the "highest turnout" in the presidential election of October 7. The senior officer remembered that around 15 million voters cast their ballots on October 7. (El Universal, 10-19-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/121019/gubernatorial-election-campaign-starts-on-november-1)

Mitt Romney charges Obama with weakness toward Chavez

During the last of three debates, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney charged that President Barack Obama showed weakness internationally by coming closer to Hugo Chávez, Fidel Castro and Mahmud Ahmadinejad. More in Spanish: (El Universal, 10-23-2012; http://www.eluniversal.com/internacional/estados-unidos-2012/121023/mitt-romney-obama-mostro-debilidad-al-acercarse-a-chavez)

August 05th, 2011

Economics & Finance

Debt service is smothering the economy

According to Caracas daily TAL CUAL, the Chavez-Giordani model will end in total failure. Although proponents of new indebtedness claim Venezuela has one of the lowest debt/GDP ratios in Latin America, the publication says nationalizations have generated unprecedented fiscal deficits, which have overwhelmed and distorted state finances. According to economist Alejandro Grisanti, of Barclays Capital, Venezuela has 17 outstanding bond issues, of which 15 were placed during the past 12 years, for a total of U$D 31.3 billion. They generate yearly interest payments of U$D 3 billion. In addition, since 2007 PDVSA has issued 8 bonds for U$D 18.5 billion, and yearly interest payments of U$D 1.5 billion. More information in Spanish. (Tal Cual, 08-03-2011; http://www.talcualdigital.com/Avances/Viewer.aspx?id=56484&secid=3 and El Nacional; http://www.el-nacional.com/www/site/p_contenido.php)

The public sector absorbed 60% of the 2031 bond; JP Morgan terms it “unattractive”

As some analysts expected, most of the 2031 Sovereign Bonds went to the public sector. Minister of Planning and Finance, Jorge Giordani, reports that 60% of the issue was taken by government entities. Of the U$D 4.2 billion issued, U$D 2,520 million are in the hands of official entities. Further, although specifications indicated 40% (U$D 1.68 billion) were earmarked for priorities in health, food and capital goods, only 33% went to these areas, according to a detailed note of the ministerial portfolio. JP Morgan has reported that the newly issued 2031 Sovereign Bond is not "too attractive" to the market despite its high yield since it seems designed to meet the import demands. More information in Spanish. (Tal Cual; 08-04-2011; http://www.talcualdigital.com/index.html and El Nacional; 08-04-2011; http://www.el-nacional.com/www/site/p_contenido.php)

Venezuela's annual inflation tops 25%

Venezuelan officials say the country's annual inflation rate has risen to 25.1%. The Central Bank and the National Statistics Institute record a 2.7% rise in prices during July. That's up from the annualized rate of 23.6% in June. Food prices rose especially quickly, increasing 4.8% last month alone. The oil-exporting country has consistently had Latin America's highest inflation in recent years. Prices rose 27.2% during 2010. (Forbes, 08-04-2011; http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/08/04/business-lt-venezuela-inflation_8601126.html)

BCV president considers inflation troublesome

Nelson Merentes, the president of the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV), acknowledged on Thursday that inflation continues being the country's problem. Accumulated inflation in seven months totals 16% and it is expected to end 2011 at 23%-25%. "It is a problem to turn three decades around. All of us should focus our creative capabilities, our work and our knowledge and try to find a way to reach one digit in the short term, in two or three years at the very latest". (El Universal, 08-04-2011; http://www.eluniversal.com/2011/08/04/for-the-bcv-president-inflation-is-still-troublesome.shtml)

Jaua admits that the U.S. recession will affect Venezuela, but not as much as before

Venezuela's government admits that recession in the U.S. economy affects this country, but not as much as before, due to a policy that has become independent of the "bankrupt" U.S. Venezuelan Vice President Elias Jaua says "Venezuela has spent twelve years separating itself from that ship" and the crisis has "an effect on us ... but we are not dependent on funding and on the failed banks in the United States". He adds that this "allows you to navigate through a crisis with some comfort, without resorting to layoffs, or regressive policies in social rights." More information in Spanish. (El Mundo, 08-03-2011; http://www.elmundo.com.ve/noticias/economia/politicas-publicas/jaua-admite-que-la-recesion-de-eeuu-afecta-a-venez.aspx)

Economist expects only partial enforcement of the new Cost-Price Law

Economist José Guerra says enforcement of the new Law on Fair Costs and Prices could bring the Venezuelan economy to a standstill. He adds “my impression is that the law will be implemented only partially. If the law is implemented as it is, the economy will be paralyzed" (El Universal, 08-04-2011; http://www.eluniversal.com/2011/08/04/cost-law-expected-to-be-partially-enforced.shtml)

World Bank tribunal dismisses BRANDES case against Venezuela

An international arbitration panel dismissed a claim by BRANDES Investment Partners against Venezuela seeking damages for the forced sale of its stock in the nationalization of the country’s phone company. CANTV. The panel sided with Venezuela, saying it lacked jurisdiction to resolve the dispute, and put an end to a case filed in 2008.  (Bloomberg, 08-03-2011; http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-03/world-bank-tribunal-dismisses-brandes-case-against-venezuela.html and Noticiero Digital, 08-03-2011; http://www.noticierodigital.com/2011/08/tribunal-internacional-rechaza-reclamo-de-empresa-estadounidense-por-nacionalizacion-de-cantv/)

Commodities

PDVSA commits almost 350,000 bpd of oil yearly to China

Eulogio del Pino, Exploration and Production Vice-President for the state-owned oil holding Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) says Venezuela is supplying around 350,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and byproducts to China under agreements for the repayment of the Chinese Fund. (El Universal, 08-04-2011; http://www.eluniversal.com/2011/08/04/pdvsa-sends-near-350000-bpd-of-oil-to-china.shtml)

Oil shipments to Iran, Belarus and Portugal increased drastically in 2010

The latest yearly management report by state-run Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) shows it provided Portugal, Iran and Belarus around 88,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and byproducts during 2010. No further details as to individual destination were provided. This was an exponential increase in volume for last year, as compared to 5,000 bpd annually in 2008 and 2009. (El Universal, 08-03-2011; http://www.eluniversal.com/2011/08/03/pdvsa-has-given-iran-belarus-and-portugal-88000-bpd-of-oil.shtml)

Venezuela increased oil dispatches to the United States during the last week of July PDVSA was shipping 882,000 barrels a day, up 65.1% from the previous month, according to a report from the US Department of Energy. Venezuelan imports average around one million barrels a day so far this year, 900,000 of which correspond exclusively to oil and the remaining 100,000 barrels to by-products. (Veneconomy, 08-04-2011; http://www.veneconomy.com/site/index.asp?ids=44&idt=27043&idc=4)

Fire affects operations at Venezuela oil dock

A fire affected operations on Thursday at one of Venezuela's main docks used for shipping petroleum byproducts like coke and sulfur from the state oil company PDVSA, a union representative told Reuters. Many of the oil terminals in the South American OPEC nation suffer frequent disruptions because of poor maintenance, hurting oil industry exports. (Reuters, 08-04-2011; http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFN1E7731UA20110804)

CVG BAUXILUM production in the hands of GLENCORE through 2018

According to Correo del Caroni newspaper, GLENCORE will advance U$D 120 million in installments in exchange for 1 million 380 thousand tons of alumina, to be delivered from 2014 to 2018. This is 69% of the plant’s annual installed capacity. In 2009, the company signed a similar contract with GLENCORE, engaging part of its production until 2013. According to José Luis Morocoima, Secretary General of SUTRALIMINA, the Aluminium Workers Union, the multinational company will make a first installment of U$D 40 million in order to solve production problems. More information in Spanish. (Correo del Caroni, 08-04-2011; http://www.correodelcaroni.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=184212:cvg-bauxilum-en-manos-de-glencore-hasta-2018&catid=75:laboral&Itemid=114; La Patilla, 08-04-2011; http://www.lapatilla.com/site/2011/08/04/cvg-bauxilum-en-manos-de-transnacional-glencore-hasta-2018/)

ALCASA in danger of collapsing

ALCASA President, Elio Sayago, says that due to "ineffective financial bureaucracy" the nation’s largest aluminum company – which belongs to State-owned Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana - is in a fragile state "despite funds for raw materials and requirements provided by the Government." As a consequence of delays in allocating emergency funds operating costs rose due to the absence of fluoride and other chemicals needed to maintain the operational cells. "This puts us in danger of an operational collapse." More information in Spanish. (Tal Cual; 08-04-2011;  http://www.talcualdigital.com/index.html)

Politics

Chávez to call Santos over FARC issues

President Hugo Chávez said he will cal Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos over statements by the commander of Colombia’s Armed Forces, Edgar Cely, about the presence in Venezuela of members of the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. "I asked my staff to call President Santos because I want to talk to him." He noted that the Colombian government has clarified Cely's statements on the alleged presence of FARC and ELN guerrillas in Venezuelan territory. (El Universal, 08-03-2011; http://www.eluniversal.com/2011/08/03/chavez-is-to-call-santos-to-address-farc-issue.shtml)

Santos says some are interested in damaging ties with Venezuela

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos says that "many enemies" want to damage relations between Colombia and Venezuela, but added that "mutual trust" prevails. The Colombian leader would not name the sectors trying to torpedo bilateral relationships, but says that "we began a sort of process of restoring mutual confidence with President Chavez" AP reported. (El Universal, 08-02-2011; http://www.eluniversal.com/2011/08/02/santos-there-are-sectors-interested-in-harming-ties-with-venezuela.shtml)

Analyst believes we could be on the brink of a serious diplomatic impasse

Economist and Carabobo University Professor José Ignacio Díaz Retali believes the situation could arise if Chávez government accepts Libya’s request to take over its oil production in order to have access to funds sanctioned since February 2011. He added the consequences for Venezuela could even affect its internal economy. (Veneconomy, 08-03-2011; http://www.veneconomy.com/site/index.asp?ids=44&idt=27020&idc=4)

Morales say Chavez's illness delays debate on new OAS without the U.S.

Bolivian President Evo Morales says “there is a continental issue: A new OAS without the United States, without the North. Regrettably, this debate has been postponed due to the health problems of comrade Chavez". Morales say meetings are pending in the region to discuss this issue and expressed concern over possible effects on developing countries' “unpayable debts". More information in Spanish. (El Mundo, 08-05-011;  http://www.elmundo.com.ve/noticias/economia/internacional/enfermedad-de-chavez-posterga-debate-sobre-nueva-o.aspx)

Venezuela: After Hugo, an analysis by Walter Molano of BCP Securities

In 1989, a Category 5 hurricane ripped through parts of the Caribbean and the south of the United States, killing 56 people and causing $10 billion in damages. The storm, called Hugo, left an indelible mark on the Gulf Coast. In the same way, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is leaving a permanent scar on Latin America. Venezuela was once the star of Latin America. In the early 1990s, the government privatized state-owned companies, allowing them to issue IPOs and Eurobonds. Eschewed by the investment community, thanks to the radical policies of the Bolivarian tyrant, Venezuela became one of the favorite destinations for the high beta investor—willing to take a punt regardless of the underlying risk in order to boost their returns. On paper, Venezuela has some of the best credit metrics in Latin America. Therefore, it is no surprise that some investors are lured by Venezuela’s siren song. However, there is more than meets the eye. (Latin Business Chronicle, 08-04-2011; http://www.latinbusinesschronicle.com/app/article.aspx?id=5049)

The following brief is a synthesis of the news as reported by a variety of media sources. As such, the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Duarte Vivas & Asociados and The Selinger Group.