A round-up of public finance news stories from Latin America & the Caribbean you might have missed.
Mexico awards first oil blocks in historic auction
Mexican government’s initial auction to open the oil and gas industry to private and foreign investment for the first time in almost eight decades came up short of expectations, with successful bids made for just two of the 14 blocks tendered. (Wall Street Journal)
Brazil set to sell state bank stock as part of fiscal plan
Brazil’s sovereign wealth fund has started reducing its stake in Banco do Brasil SA as the government prepares to possibly tap the fund to help meet its fiscal target, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter. (Bloomberg)
Caricom considering ECLAC proposal to write-off its multilateral debt
The Caribbean Community, Caricom is considering a proposal for the region to pursue gradual write-off of its multilateral debt as a means of economic prosperity. (MercoPress)
Catholic Church confirms 28.7% of Argentines live in poverty
The Social Observatory from the Argentine Catholic University, UCA, has reported that poverty in Argentina during 2014, included 28,7% of the population, which is equivalent to 11.5 million people, and higher than in the previous report. (MercoPress)
Bolivia upgraded as economic growth quickens
Bolivia's President Evo Morales, arguably the world's most successful socialist, seems to be getting along with credit rating agencies. (Financial Times)
Jamaica: JET questions government's commitment to transparency
Diana McCaulay, chief executive officer of the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), is questioning the government's commitment to accountability and transparency in light of its latest legal setback in the three-year struggle to get information on the terms and conditions of the developments at the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier. (Jamaica Gleaner)
Brazil government preparing measures to boost vehicle exports
Brazil's government is preparing measures to increase vehicle exports, part of a plan to bolster its faltering automobile industry, the country's most important manufacturer, the head of the country's automakers association said. (Reuters)
Bolivia's President Evo Morales, arguably the world's most successful socialist, seems to be getting along with credit rating agencies. (Financial Times)
