eBay courts Latin America with Spanish, Portuguese websites

NEW YORK - US online giant eBay announced Thursday the launch of Spanish and Portuguese versions of its popular auction and shopping website, hoping to boost its presence in growing Latin American markets.

English-language eBay.com is already accessed by two million people across Latin America who will now be able to search and browse in their native language and view items in local currencies, the company said in a statement.

"Latin America is one of the fastest-growing commerce markets," said Wendy Jones, eBay vice president of global expansion and cross border trade.

"We are innovating the eBay experience for our customers there, delivering more relevant, engaging experiences - in their local language and currency." The move comes amid a push by eBay to grow its presence in the world's emerging markets. The company launched a Russian version of its website last year.