Venezuela's Economy Contracts by 4.5% in 3Q 2009

Venezuela's Central Bank, the BCV, announced that the country's economy fell by 4.5% in third quarter of 2009, largely due to a 9.5% contraction in the oil sector.

Colombia's Exports to Venezuela Fall 10.7% in September

In September, Colombia, a country whose currency has appreciated sharply in 2009, reported that its exports to neighboring Venezuela fell 10.7% in September to US$ 2.8 million, down from US$3.1 million a year ago.

Mexico's Cemex Announces Willingness to Reach Informal Agreement with Chavez over Cement Company Nationalization

At a press conference held for reporters in Mexico City, a representative from Mexico's Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX), Latin America's largest cement producer, announced that the company was willing to negotiate to reach an out-of-court settlement with Hugo Chavez's Venezuelan government over the nationalization of assets worth an estimated US$1.2 billion.