WHesterN Hemisphere
Annette Hester's Blog
The Americas and the Financial Crisis
Summary:At the onset of the financial meltdown some thought that the whole play would be taking place in the markets of the OECD countries. It didn’t take more than a few days for everyone to realize that we are all connected, and there is no escaping from this downturn. Too bad that many leaders in the Americas haven’t figured this out yet.
On Monday, September 29 th I found myself in the most interesting of places – at a morning meeting at the headquarters of Oxford Analytica where scholars and analysts gather to discuss the current events before they go about their daily business. We all listened intently to a well known financial markets expert as he outlined the bombshells hitting the US and Europe financial markets and pondered consequences and the possible future scenarios.
I was rather taken aback by the fact that no mention [...]Sister Supplier: Brazil steps forward to share the spotlight with Alberta as a naturally well-endowed candidate to take care of U.S. energy appetites
Summary:Check the article on the Brazilian energy sector by clicking on the magazine cover. And then, you can tell me what you think. cheers Annette
BRAZIL: Doubts over Petroleum Law revisions intensify
Summary:An Oxford Analytica Brief from August 18, 2008
EVENT: Reports on August 14 suggested imminent changes to the legal and regulatory frameworks for the exploration and production of new offshore oil reserves.
SIGNIFICANCE: The recent discoveries, which could boost Brazil's petroleum reserves by upwards of 50 billion barrels, led the government to order the withdrawal of 'pre-salt fields' from the last licensing round. Since then, vigorous debate has ensued on the best model for efficient and profitable exploration and production [...]Crisis in Bolivia opens a space for Chavez to polarize the debate. Too bad Canada is asleep…..
Summary:As Bolivia implodes, other countries in the Americas are dragged into the fray. Venezuela jumps first breaking diplomatic relations with the US – who Chavez insists is the culprit. Brazil tries to intervene, but Chile’s Bachelet brings everyone together in her country’s capital, Santiago, for a discussion of how to defuse the crisis. The OAS is involved, the Union of South American Countries is involved, but in Canada, not one word from the government, media, or anyone…. Yes, we are in the middle of an election campaign….but didn’t the Harper government declare the Americas as “the” strategic region after Afghanistan? One can only wonder what he meant by that…
The
situation in Bolivia is chaotic and worrisome. Since last week
almost 30 people have been reported dead in clashes between
government forces and protesters, a state of siege has been
declared in two provinces, and tensions continue to escalate
between Morales and provincial governments. Natural gas exports to
Argentina and Brazil were cut, then reinstated, but are at peril.
At issue are the distribution of revenues from natural gas and the
encroachment of federal jurisdiction in all [...]
BRAZIL: String of pre-salt finds boosts oil optimism
Summary:The news of Brazilian oil finds have taken the oil and gas sector by storm. As I mentioned in some of my earlier postings, I do write the occasional piece for the UK Consultancy Group - Oxford Analytica. We agreed on a two month hold on wide distribution of their material - hence, the July publishing date.. Still, it might not be immediate, but for general analysis this should be helpful. At least, this is what I hope.
An Oxford Analytica In-depth Analysis published on July 4,
2008
EVENT: Indications of further large offshore hydrocarbons deposits have been found near the giant offshore Tupi field, Petrobras CEO Jose Sergio Gabrielli announced on July 2.
SIGNIFICANCE: A string of significant oil discoveries and a buoyant agriculture sector -- capable of delivering food and bioenergy -- solidifies Brazil's position as an emerging global powerhouse. [...]
EVENT: Indications of further large offshore hydrocarbons deposits have been found near the giant offshore Tupi field, Petrobras CEO Jose Sergio Gabrielli announced on July 2.
SIGNIFICANCE: A string of significant oil discoveries and a buoyant agriculture sector -- capable of delivering food and bioenergy -- solidifies Brazil's position as an emerging global powerhouse. [...]
