Posts:
Cuenca’s Mayor Marcelo Cabrera acknowledged on Monday that the city faces serious economic challenges and could have difficulty meeting all of its 2009 budget obligations. “We are faring better than most municipalities in Ecuador but we are not immune from...
U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday that Ecuador would continue to enjoy trade preferences, while extending Bolivia's suspension from the program. In reviewing the countries' eligibility for the two countries' Andean Trade Promotion and Drug...
The cost of banking is about to get cheaper. Ecuador’s National Bank Board reported Thursday that 32 banks will lower their service costs by between 20% and 80% beginning July 1. "Bank customers will see charges reduced all over the country,” said...
Ecuador’s armed forces last week began transferring responsibility for the permitting of firearms to the national police. In addition to the change of authority, the new system will establish an up-graded computerized database of gun ownership....
Calle Large is getting overloaded with bars and night clubs, according to Cuenca officials, and the government intends to do something about it. Many of the establishments in the area lack proper permits, officials say, and efforts are underway to shut down those...
Ever wondered about the story behind those large, adhesive “Clausurado” signs plastered on the doors of closed-down businesses? Most of us know they’re the result of a business failing to pay taxes or violating other government regulations. Few...
Since I moved to Ecuador a dozen years ago, I’ve made a point of visiting my friends in Vilcabamba at least once a year. I was enchanted with this peaceful, isolated valley the first time I saw it in 1998 and even considered settling there until business...
Lessons in how the world works and portraits of the never-ending struggles in places around the globe where power is challenged by populist resistance: such matters are a concern of the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival, which this year celebrates its...
Sunday’s national parliamentary election means sales of alcoholic beverages, either in bars and restaurants or, in stores, are suspended from noon on Friday, June 12, until after polls close on Sunday, June 14. The idea behind the dry period, as defined in...
World Trade Organization members agreed on Thursday to allow Ecuador to impose temporary import restrictions because of balance of payments problems. The move was hailed by rich and developing countries as proof that the rules-based trading system umpired by the WTO...
Although Cuenca is generally considered the most progressive Ecuadorian city for respecting gay rights, this has not always been the case. The catalyst, many say, was the mass detention of more than a hundred homosexuals in September, 1997. The arrests sparked a quick...
If you’re considering starting a business in Cuenca, or anywhere else in Ecuador, and need an overview of the business climate, there’s a new website that can help. InfoEmpreses, www.supercias.gov.ec, a service of the office of Ecuador’s...
If the political demonstrations in downtown Cuenca have disturbed your walking or driving routes in recent weeks, you have President Rafeal Correa to thank. The administration has angered some of the countries largest labor unions, whose members are taking to...
Through the first four months of 2009, real estate construction and sales continue to be a strong point of Cuenca’s economy. During that period, more than 250 building projects were permitted in the city’s central area and thousands of sales were...
U.S. citizens living in Ecuador are invited to an informal meeting with the U.S. Consul General, Friday, May 29, 11 a.m., at the Abraham Lincoln Culture Center, 5 - 18 Calle Borrero. Consul General Douglas Griffiths will present information about U.S. Embassy and...
Cuenca’s taxi cooperatives and the city government continue to squabble over new inspection rules and the over-charging of customers. Although the Taxi Transport Cooperative Union has agreed to comply with the city’s new vehicle inspection rules, the...
The University of Cuenca has asked the cantonal council for permission to build a bar or coffee shop next to the Casa de los Arcos on the Tomebamba River. The university owns the renovated Arcos and says the new addition will bring more people to the...
LAN Ecuador has announced that it will begin Cuenca - Guayaquil air service Monday, May 18. The first flight will leave Guayaquil at 12:05 p.m. and arrive in Cuenca at 12:40 p.m. In addition to general travelers, the inaugural flight will transport Lan officials,...
If you want to be sure the fruits and vegetables you buy are pesticide-free, show up on Sunday mornings, shopping basket in hand, at Cuenca’s Paradise Park. It’s a good idea to get there early. According to vendors, most of the produce is gone by early...
For the second time in four years, Cuenca has been recognized for having the best drinking water in Latin America. The only difference in the survey conducted in 2008 and the previous survey is that Cuenca stands alone in number one position. The Hamburg,...
