EIU Country Analysis

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE When Bernard Van Goethem told a neighbour that he works as a veterinarian at the European Commission, the neighbour assumed his job involved vaccinating Commission officials#; pets. It is a misconception some distance from reality. As director

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE Jim Brunsden The development of a single euro payments area (SEPA) presents a paradox for the European Commission. Whereas developing the EU#;s single market is usually seen as good for competition, both the Commission and the

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE French President Nicolas Sarkozy has his critics - there are those who complain about his attempts to hijack the EU agenda with back-of-envelope projects, and still more who object to his bouts of nationalist posturing and

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE Veronika Szente Goldston In a move that defies logic, EU foreign ministers this week scrapped the EU#;s one remaining sanction against Uzbekistan - a purely symbolic embargo on arms sales - despite Tashkent#;s defiance of the human

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE Toby Vogel European Union leaders will meet US President Barack Obama and senior members of his administration in Washington next week to discuss Iran#;s nuclear ambitions and the fight against global warming. Fredrik Reinfeldt, the prime

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE Jim Brunsden MEPs will meet representatives of the EU#;s national governments next week in a bid to salvage legislative proposals to reform the regulation of telecoms. After two readings of the proposed reforms, the European Parliament

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso#;s call last week for governments to nominate women to the next Commission has fuelled speculation that Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, currently an Irish member of the European Court of Auditors, is about

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE Toby Vogel Croatia has less of a culture of corruption than some old EU member states, according to its justice minister. "At the moment there is no one in Croatia who could feel safe being involved in

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE Jim Brunsden The European Commission this week signalled its determination to demand tough restructuring measures from banks that have received large amounts of state aid during the financial crisis. The Commission announced yesterday (## October) that it

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE When Bernard Van Goethem told a neighbour that he works as a veterinarian at the European Commission, the neighbour assumed his job involved vaccinating Commission officials#; pets. It is a misconception some distance from reality. As director

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE MEPs will meet representatives of the EU#;s national governments next week in a bid to salvage legislative proposals to reform the regulation of telecoms. After two readings of the proposed reforms, the European Parliament and the

FROM EUROPEAN VOICE Simon Taylor The leaders of the EU#;s national governments are to endorse the broad outlines of the future EU diplomatic service during a summit in Brussels today and tomorrow (##-## October). They are also expected

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The following is an extract from our full Consumer Goods and Retail Report for this country Exports of goods and services accounted for an estimated ##% of GDP in ####, and imports of goods and

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The following is an extract from our full Consumer Goods and Retail Report for this country Despite several years of rapid growth and some signs of greater consolidation, the retail market in Ukraine remains highly

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The following is an extract from our full Consumer Goods and Retail Report for this country The agricultural sector contributed an estimated #.#% to GDP in #### and employs around one-third of the

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT With a population of ##m in ####, Ukraine boasts the second-largest population among the former Eastern bloc states after Russia. It is one of the largest markets in the region, with the overall retail

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The following is an extract from our full Consumer Goods and Retail Report for this country Most consumer goods industries are underdeveloped, having attracted little substantial foreign direct investment (FDI). Few major foreign companies have

Industry Report Consumer goods and retail Ukraine October #### Economist Intelligence Unit ## Red Lion Square London WC#R #HQ United Kingdom Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit is a specialist publisher serving companies establishing and managing operations across national

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The Egyptian government is conducting a quasi-military mobilisation of resources to address the threat posed by the swine flu pandemic, caused by the H#N# virus. The measures taken have included delaying the start of

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The US economy emerged from a deep recession in the third quarter of ####, with GDP rising by an annualised #.#% after four consecutive quarters of contraction. Personal consumption expenditure rose by #.#

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Mexico#;s merchandise trade deficit declined to US$#.#bn in September from US$#.#bn a year earlier, as exports posted their smallest drop for ten months. However, the contraction remains sharp, with merchandise

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Mexico#;s recession appears to be bottoming out: economic activity fell by #.#% year on year in August, matching the rate of contraction seen in July. Unadjusted data from INEGI, the national statistics institute

FROM KNOWLEDGE@WHARTON In this audio, recorded in October ####, Wharton faculty say Netflix is successfully embracing the future as the movie industry faces turmoil. Play audio To listen to this audio download Audio summary In a year when DVD

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT OVERALL ASSESSMENT Some economic reforms since the early ####s have reduced operating risks. However, the reforms have often been piecemeal or diluted, and major areas of weaknesses remain. The main ones are government effectiveness, the

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The annual rate of inflation in South Africa hit a two-year low of #.#% in September, easing from #.#% a month earlier. The goods index rose by #% year on year, matching

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT India#;s wholesale prices rose by #.#% year on year in the week to October ##th, which is faster than the #.#% increase of the preceding week. Wholesale prices have now risen for

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Economic events and changing industry trends have caused many companies (and even entire industries) to rethink their business models and strategic plans. But too often, strategic planning lapses into meaningless goal setting, getting better at

FROM RICHARD IVEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Building an enduring trust is arguably a leader#;s most delicate and complicated task. And task is more important. Unlikely as it seems, the example of how trust was created between an economist and

FROM KNOWLEDGE@SMU The deal was supposed to be a high point for foreign capital investing in China. On one hand was The Carlyle Group, the world#;s largest private equity firm, eager to put its billions in capital to

FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS How Customers Influence the Evolution of New Products Paying attention to how customers use a new product can help companies become more successful in the marketplace. How customers use a technology

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT OVERALL ASSESSMENT The rule of the Al Saud family is likely to continue in the absence of strong opposition movements. Nonetheless, there are risks stemming from what is believed to be widespread public discontent with

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT OVERALL ASSESSMENT Hungary#;s low operations risk reflects a secure environment for business and continued efforts to harmonise the operating environment with that of Western Europe. However, Hungary was the first country in eastern Europe

FROM KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT Much like an architectural blueprint, a firm#;s organizational chart can reveal important insights into the inner workings of the firm. Managers, analysts, and consultants can easily glean information about the structure--and even draw

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Although the latest US GDP reading is encouraging, the positive underlying trends may not be sustained unless the government introduces further stimulus measures. But because the government cannot go on spending indefinitely, the economy is

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Mexico#;s recession appears to be bottoming out: economic activity fell by #.#% year on year in August, matching the rate of contraction seen in July. Unadjusted data from INEGI, the national statistics institute

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The Russian Central Bank (RCB) decided to lower its refinancing rate by ## basis points to #.##% on October ##th. The bank is continuing its efforts to stimulate lending and so boost the faltering

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT China#;s largest listed banks logged strong profits in the third quarter. Moreover, asset quality held up following the lending boom of the first half of ####. Busts always follow booms - that is the lesson

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The annual rate of inflation in South Africa hit a two-year low of #.#% in September, easing from #.#% a month earlier. The goods index rose by #% year on year, matching

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The US economy emerged from a deep recession in the third quarter of ####, with GDP rising by an annualised #.#% after four consecutive quarters of contraction. Personal consumption expenditure rose by #.#

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY Most of the military elite have probably been convinced of the value of foreign investment (as long as it does not impinge on their own retail operations or import concessions). In sectors such as

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Official name Republique du Cameroun Form of state Unitary republic Legal system Based on English common law and the Napoleonic Code National legislature National Assembly with ### members; elected by universal suffrage; members sit three

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Sigma stands accused of overpaying for Coppergate and highlighting Israel#;s failure to build large tech companies with sustainable growth. As the stakes for a piece of the home-networking market start to look serious

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Land area: ###,### sq km Population: ##.#m (UN estimate for mid-####) Main towns: Population in #;### (####; World Gazetteer estimates) Douala: #,### Yaounde (capital): #,### Garoua: ### Bamenda: ### Maroua

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Tensions in labour relations have increased in both public and private enterprises in Venezuela since mid-####, the result of the downturn in the local economy and a fall in real wages. The unemployment rate

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Mexico#;s recession appears to be bottoming out: economic activity fell by #.#% year on year in August, matching the rate of contraction seen in July. Unadjusted data from INEGI, the national statistics institute

COUNTRY VIEW FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY Discriminatory taxes have largely been eliminated. Indeed, the government insists that it is committed to attracting foreign investment and tax breaks for foreign investors are available. The government cut the corporate tax rate in

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY This country is published by Risk Briefing on a #;ratings-only#; basis. Risk Briefing covers ### countries. For ### major and mid-size markets our reports include extensive textual analysis and background. For an

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Outlook for ####-## Monthly review

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Outlook for ####-## Monthly review

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Land area: ###,### sq km Population: #.##m (mid-####; IMF estimate) Main towns: Population (#### estimates) Gaborone (capital): ###,### Francistown: ##,### Molepolole: ##,### Selebi-Phikwe: ##,### Climate: Subtropical Weather

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY This country is published by Risk Briefing on a #;ratings-only#; basis. Risk Briefing covers ### countries. For ### major and mid-size markets our reports include extensive textual analysis and background. For an

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SOURCE: Country Report SOURCE: Country Report

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT OVERALL ASSESSMENT Algeria#;s security risk will remain high. Social unrest is a threat given high levels of youth unemployment and growing dissatisfaction with the political domination of Mr Bouteflika. Islamist insurgents, though weakened in

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY This country is published by Risk Briefing on a #;ratings-only#; basis. Risk Briefing covers ### countries. For ### major and mid-size markets our reports include extensive textual analysis and background. For an

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT NEW SCENARIOS Risk Briefing#;s risk scenarios are potential developments that might substantially change the business operating environment over the coming two years. We analyse the drivers, provide the context and conclude with recommended action

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Sinopec is undertaking an ambitious drilling programme that could revive the fortunes of the JDZ, which have been clouded since Chevron#;s disappointing results from drilling in Block #. In July Sinopec started drilling on

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT As a result, the government will remain heavily dependent on donor aid, which will account for around ##% of revenue. After the highly expansionary budget in ####-which was criticised by donors, given the severe

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY This country is published by Risk Briefing on a #;ratings-only#; basis. Risk Briefing covers ### countries. For ### major and mid-size markets our reports include extensive textual analysis and background. For an

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The sources for global and domestic data refer to historical data; the source for all forecast data, unless otherwise stated, is the Economist Intelligence Unit Global data US & OECD GDP growth: OECD World trade growth

COUNTRY VIEW FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The Russian Central Bank (RCB) decided to lower its refinancing rate by ## basis points to #.##% on October ##th. The bank is continuing its efforts to stimulate lending and so boost the faltering

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Real GDP expanded by #.#% year on year in April-June ####, compared with #% in the previous quarter. Moreover, the high base of comparison (the second quarter of #### posted the highest growth

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Please see graphic below Please see graphic below

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT NEW SCENARIOS Risk Briefing#;s risk scenarios are potential developments that might substantially change the business operating environment over the coming two years. We analyse the drivers, provide the context and conclude with recommended action

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT NEW SCENARIOS Risk Briefing#;s risk scenarios are potential developments that might substantially change the business operating environment over the coming two years. We analyse the drivers, provide the context and conclude with recommended action

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Outlook for ####-## Monthly review

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Please see graphic below Please see graphic below

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY Algeria signed an Association Accord with the EU in December #### and has officially stated its commitment to join the World Trade Organisation (though necessary legislation--on intellectual property rights for example--has not

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Land area: ### sq km Population: ###,### (end-####), of whom ###,### are Bahraini nationals, according to the Central Bank of Bahrain Main towns: Population (April ####, official census) Manama (capital): ###,###

FROM ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT ConocoPhillips is hoping a leaner-meaner oil company emerges from restructuring. When ConocoPhillips chief executive Jim Mulva told delegates at a conference earlier this month that oil companies should be free to "do what they do

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The constitution guarantees the right to private property, but Article ### allows expropriation for the public good, and Article ### permits confiscation of property for crimes against the state, corruption and drug-trafficking. In recent

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT A wave of nationalisations in #### and #### triggered rising tensions between the government and foreign investors in Venezuela. The president, Hugo Chavez, expanded his nationalisation campaign to include petroleum, financial services, steel and cement

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Policy towards private enterprise and competition ####-##: The government opens up opportunities for private firms to participate in building affordable housing, as well as in power generation, waste disposal and some other state services

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY Finance is limited and is likely to remain that way in ####-##. The banking sector is dominated by six state-owned banks, which account for over ##% of total assets and whose asset

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Despite these and other minor tax changes, there is no major change in fiscal stance from a macroeconomic standpoint. For the state budget (essentially comprising central government and the Treasury#;s "special accounts"), the PLF

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The domestic banking system#;s outstanding loans to the private sector stood at BsF###.#bn at end-June #### (US$##.#bn at the official exchange rate of BsF#.##:US$#), up by ##

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY This country is published by Risk Briefing on a #;ratings-only#; basis. Risk Briefing covers ### countries. For ### major and mid-size markets our reports include extensive textual analysis and background. For an

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Mexico#;s merchandise trade deficit declined to US$#.#bn in September from US$#.#bn a year earlier, as exports posted their smallest drop for ten months. However, the contraction remains sharp, with merchandise

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Sovereign risk Stable. Improvements in the public solvency ratio will reverse in the remainder of #### and #### as the fiscal deficit widens, but barring larger than expected slippage and assuming the incipient international financial

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Please see graphic below Please see graphic below

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY This country is published by Risk Briefing on a #;ratings-only#; basis. Risk Briefing covers ### countries. For ### major and mid-size markets our reports include extensive textual analysis and background. For an

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SOURCE: Country Report SOURCE: Country Report

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SOURCE: Country Report SOURCE: Country Report

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Risk Briefing#;s risk scenarios are potential developments that might substantially change the business operating environment over the coming two years. This is the latest in a series of risk scenarios looking at threats with

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY The macroeconomic position is strong. The balance of payments outlook is for a healthy surplus and management of the exchange rate is appropriate, although substantive capital controls remain. Real growth prospects are good and

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY This country is published by Risk Briefing on a #;ratings-only#; basis. Risk Briefing covers ### countries. For ### major and mid-size markets our reports include extensive textual analysis and background. For an

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Official name Republic of Guatemala Form of state Unitary republic Legal system US-style Supreme Court system National legislature Unicameral Congress, with ### members, elected every four years; re-election possible for members and leader

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The annual rate of inflation in South Africa hit a two-year low of #.#% in September, easing from #.#% a month earlier. The goods index rose by #% year on year, matching

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT After a year of implementing fiscal stimulus measures to support domestic demand in the face of the global downturn, Malaysia#;s government has announced a range of spending cuts for ####. This is a bold

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT The Clearstream affair relates to the sale of six French frigates to Taiwan in ####, the contracts for which may have included covert kickbacks paid into accounts held at a Luxembourg-based financial institution, Clearstream

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY Algeria#;s infrastructure risk is high--reflecting a hiatus of investment during the civil war ravaged ####s--though the government is investing in improvements. The road network is sparse and in disrepair in many

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT SUMMARY This country is published by Risk Briefing on a #;ratings-only#; basis. Risk Briefing covers ### countries. For ### major and mid-size markets our reports include extensive textual analysis and background. For an

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Sovereign risk Stable. Although the public finances are expected to remain in deficit, there is little prospect of the sovereign facing financing difficulties. Public debt/GDP levels remain modest, allowing room for increased borrowing to

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Official name Kingdom of Bahrain (known as the State of Bahrain until February ##th ####) Form of state Constitutional monarchy Legal system Based on the #### amended constitution. The previous constitution was drawn up in

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Official name Republic of Botswana Form of state Unitary republic Legal system Roman-Dutch law; cases in rural areas are heard by customary courts National legislature National Assembly consisting of ## members elected by universal

FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT