A Chilean chemical firm has initiated arbitration proceedings at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), claiming that its Bolivian mining company was expropriated, but Bolivian Government representatives said the company had systematically withheld information related to taxes.   more »

Ecuador's president, Alfredo Palacio has urged Ecuadoreans to stand together after protests over the Andean free trade agreement brought the country to a halt. Reports say the blockades have already led to a shortage of provisions and a rise in prices in the capital, Quito, and other central provinces.   more »

The US and Colombia have concluded a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). The accord, signed after a final two-week round of negotiations in Washington, will lower tariffs and other barriers to trade in goods and services; it also contains provisions on intellectual property rights, the rights of foreign investors, and environmental protection.   more »