The World Bank last week announced the approval of two loans totaling USD 450 million to improve agriculture and technological innovation in Argentina. The loan to encourage the development of agricultural areas outside the area of the Pampas in Argentina totaled USD 300 million, while the remaining USD 150 million will be allocated to technological innovation projects. The new loan brings the total lending to Argentina approved under a three-year program earmarked in 2006 to USD 2.65 billion. The Bank expects to grant an additional USD 650 million before the program ends in March next year. (AFP, Dow Jones)