MERCOPRESS/ In a surprize showing, Uruguay grew its economy by 2.9% in 2009, outperforming ALL Latin American countries. It was followed by 1.2% growth in Peru and 0.9% in Argentina. Bolivian President Evo Morales claims his nation grew 3.7% in 2009, but that has not yet been confirmed by other sources. Colombia also has not reported its results. Contrary to conventional opinion and despite a stimulus plan, Brasil actually delivered NEGATIVE growth, contracting 0.2%, its first negative performance in 18 years of sustained growth.
