08 Jan
Mexico takes urgent economy steps
The Mexican government has unveiled emergency measures to protect its economy from the global financial crisis and US recession.
President Felipe Calderon said Mexico was facing a period of great difficulty and rising unemployment.
He promised nearly $150m (£100m) to struggling industries in a bid to save hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The measure is part of a 25-point plan that includes freezing petrol prices and increasing unemployment benefits.
Mexico sends 80% of its exports to the US and also depends heavily on remittances from Mexican workers in the US so has been hit by the downturn in its neighbour’s economy.
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