Resources are now ranked on both usability and content in order to make it easier to utilize the Resource Desk. This is just one of the many improvements planned for globalEDGE this year as numerous site enhancement projects are currently under way. Please continue to visit globalEDGE to see the improvements that we are making to the site this year.
All eyes are focused on Europe’s largest economy and second most populous nation, as Germany hosts the 2006 FIFA World Cup Tournament. In recent years, the German economy has become one of the slowest growing economies in the euro zone with a real growth rate of 0.9 percent in 2005. The country continues its process of modernization and integration of the eastern German economy, but the expensive process will continue for years to come. Germany possesses a very technologically powerful economy with one of the world’s most advanced telecommunication systems. Problems still plague the country, even though tremendous progress has been made since the reunification in 1990. In eastern Germany, the standard of living is rising, a market economy has been introduced, and the infrastructure is improving. Current indications show that the German economy is on the rebound, as government officials hope to reduce its double-digit unemployment rate in the near future.
Learn more about Germany on globalEDGE Country Insights.
This month's poll question is:
Will the 2006 FIFA World Cup Tournament bring a net-economic benefit to Germany?
Please view our homepage to vote on this month's poll question.
A Global Assault on Inflation
BusinessWeek, by Marc Hogan (June 9, 2006)
http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/jun2006/pi20060609_835871.htm?chan=globalbiz_asia_more+of+today%27s+top+stories
Central banks from across the world raised interest rates on June 8th in an attempt to combat inflation. Central banks in Denmark, India, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey all raised interest rates. In addition, the European Central Bank raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points.
Independence for Montenegro: Break-up of Yugoslavia Complete
Reuters: AlterNet (June 6, 2006)
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/wvmeero/533ad9b94c5f2122b89381997939460e.htm
The country formerly known as Serbia & Montenegro has recently been split into two countries. A 55.5 percent vote in favor of Montenegro declaring independence was decided in a special session of parliament, as this measure continues the break-up of former Yugoslavia.
For Venezuela, a Treasure in Oil Sludge
The New York Times, by Juan Forero (June 1, 2006)
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/01/business/worldbusiness/01oil.html
The Chevron Corporation has invested in technology that will turn sludge, which was once called liquid coal, into oil. Within Venezuela, the Orinocco Belt is estimated to have 235 billion barrels of recoverable oil with the new technology by the Chevron Corporation, which would rival the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. (Free registration is required to view the article.)
View more News on globalEDGE.
The FIFA World Cup 2006
Forbes, by Paul Maidment (June 5, 2006)
http://www.forbes.com/2006/06/05/soccer-football-fifa-world-cup-2006_cx_pm_0605land.html
Forbes.com has compiled a number of articles pertaining to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany from multiple viewpoints. Special focus is given to corporations involved with the tournament, in addition to the effects of modern technology on the tournament. The implications of corporate marketing are also investigated, as is the player’s motivation to play well in the tournament.
Russia Through the Vodka Glass
theGlobalist, by Alexi Bayer (June 1, 2006)
http://www.theglobalist.com/DBWeb/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=3030
Published by theGlobalist, this three part story provides analysis of how “vodka economics” could have contributed to the Soviet Union’s demise. The article analyzes on how the three ruble price tag on a bottle of vodka became the common price for many goods and services. The series is completed by Vodka Part II: Sobering Up the USSR and Vodka, Part III: Market Riches After Communism.
How Sturdy Are BRICs?
BusinessWeek, by Sonja Ryst (May 31, 2006)
http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/may2006/pi20060531_214570.htm?chan=globalbiz_europe_more+of+today%27s+top+stories
Many analysts are starting to have doubts in BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) Investments. While the BRIC nations are growing in global prominence, so is their volatile. Some analysts are comparing BRIC Investments to previous emerging market investments, which include the failures of the Tequila Crisis of 1994, the Asian crisis of 1997, and the Russian crisis of 1998. The source of this volatility stems from the doubt that BRIC nations can continue to experience growth while maintaining a current-account surplus.
View more In Depth Look articles on globalEDGE.
A sample of some of our recently added sites:
Germany: Tips for Business Professionals Visiting Germany
http://www.german-business-etiquette.com/
This site products a vast amount of German cultural information with a simple guide of what to and what not to do while conducting business in Germany. A list of blunders that a business professional should avoid and a comprehensive list of basic etiquette is provided.
Category: Reference: Culture
Singapore: Singapore Tradenet
http://www.tradenet.gov.sg
Singapore Tradenet is published by the Singapore Customs Department of the Singaporean government. It is the world's first nationwide electronic trade documentation system that approves permit applications almost instantaneously. Contributing to Singapore's pro-business environment, this revolutionary system increases efficiency while lowering business costs for the trading community.
Country: Singapore
Category: Research: Government Resources
World Bank: Enterprise Surveys
http://rru.worldbank.org/EnterpriseSurveys/
The site contains data on the investment climate in 68 countries, based on surveys of almost 38,000 firms. Enterprise surveys measure business perceptions of the investment climate and can be used to analyze the link between job creation and productivity growth. Data featured covers 150 indicators on topics such as bureaucracy, corruption, court systems, crime, finance, infrastructure, innovation, jobs, productivity, taxation, and trade.
Category: Research: Statistical Data Sources
View more recently added sites on globalEDGE.
Featured Discussion: A German Rebound
Preliminary indications show that Europe’s largest economy is improving after a period of slow growth. Consumer confidence is up, while the unemployment rate is slightly down. It is forecasted that unemployment will drop in the foreseeable future as the FIFA World Cup will offer numerous job opportunities. At present, corporate restructuring and growing capital markets are setting the groundwork necessary for Germany to become fully economically integrated in the European Community. Over the past couple of years, German officials have seen revenues decline as expenses have risen, together have raised the deficit above the European Union’s (EU) 3 percent debt limit.
What are your thoughts on Germany’s economic position? Do you believe that the current German economy improvements will last long-term? Do you believe that Germany can remain competitive in the global economy? Will unemployment rise after the World Cup ends? When, do you think, will Germany’s deficit fit within the EU’s debt limits?
Join our online community to discuss this and many other current business topics!
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