On February 1, 2007, the globalEDGE team will be unveiling a completely new website design. In an effort to make globalEDGE more visually appealing and even easier to use, the website has been reorganized and additions have been made. For example, an extensive amount of time has gone into creating an industry section that will keep users up-to-date on the largest industries worldwide. Also, the country insights section has emerged from the shadow of the resource desk, and will now have its own category. As always, the user is the main concern of the globalEDGE team, and we hope that the new web design makes navigation around the site much easier. We look forward to your feedback, and we hope you enjoy the new site design!
Since its birth as a mere principality, the history of Russia is an illustrious one. Emancipated from Mongol domination in the 12th century, it quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Gradual conquest led to the building of a vast empire that spanned much of Asia and Europe. Following a tumultuous period of communist rule that ended in 1991, Russia is now a democracy, as well as a major exporter of oil and natural gases.
The economic shift in the 1990s proved trying for Russia. The transition- from central planning to a system of free markets- resulted in the nation having to brave two financial crises and stiff fiscal reforms. Now emerging from this development, Russia has exhibited stable growth, averaging 7% in the new millennium. Exchange rates and inflation have also been reined in by strong fiscal policies. These have created fertile conditions for foreign investments, which have seen significant growth in recent years and hit an impressive $14.6 billion in 2005.
Learn more about Russia on globalEDGE Country Insights.
This month's poll question is:
"What do you believe may be the cause of Russia's decision to cutoff European oil supplies?"
Please view our homepage to vote on this month's poll question.
Russian-Belarus Oil Row Rattles EU Nerves
The Guardian, by Tom Parfitt and Agencies (January 8, 2007)
http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1985681,00.html
An oil dispute between Russia and Belarus is proving to have far-reaching effects in Europe. The row, sparked by a disagreement over oil tariffs, has prompted Moscow to freeze a vital supply line running through Belarus. As both sides continue to throw accusations at each other, the altercation has caused the EU to ponder its potentially grave reliance on Russian energy.
Namibia Begins to Look as if its Resources Future is in Uranium Mining
Mineweb, by Rodrick Mukumbira (January 16, 2007)
http://www.mineweb.net/african_renaissance/589494.htm
Namibia is quickly becoming a major producer of uranium. A recent discovery of a new source of the mineral increases the count of uranium deposits in the country to eight. The discovery has attracted the attention of Australian investors, and has also sparked Namibian ambitions for nuclear energy.
View more News on globalEDGE.
Russia's Progress and Regress
Japan Times, by Charles Wolf (January 11, 2007)
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20070111a1.html
Throughout the past decades, Russia has undergone many changes in the business world. The country has opened its doors to many other areas of the world and other policies, but where is the market now? As a transitional market, Russia's economy has yet to find stable ground for itself. (Free registration required to view this article)
ASEAN Pursues EU-style Regional Integration
International Herald Tribune, by Carlos H. Conde (January 12, 2007)
http://iht.com/articles/2007/01/12/news/asean.php
A cousin could soon be on the way for the EU, in the form of a "new" ASEAN. Members of the association are toying with the idea of an integrated Southeast Asia, a concept not unlike that of the EU. The proposition was put forward as a much needed evolution of the 40-year-old organization, which many feel has been weakened by inaction. Supporters believe that a more homogeneous community would lend greater weight to the regional body and its actions.
View more In Depth Look articles on globalEDGE.
A sample of some of our recently added sites:
Russia: Business Guide to Russia
http://www.waytorussia.net/business/
The 'Business Guide to Russia' provides information about establishing companies in Russia and Russia's tax system. Also, it discusses the standing of foreign workers in the country and Residence Permits. In addition to information on Internet access in the country, the guide provides a business directory containing a series of links to banks, organizations, and business centers.
Country: Russia
Russia: Voice of Russia
http://www.vor.ru/index_eng.phtml
Voice of Russia is a news broadcast that has been around since 1929. This site broadcasts live news events of interest to the international community about developments in Russia. The purpose of Voice of Russia is to present an accurate picture of life and happenings in Russia to promote a better understanding of the country. Other features include topics of discussion, quizzes and cultural information. The site is available in 32 languages, and is updated daily.
Country: Russia
Category: News & Periodicals: Regional News
United States: National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
http://www.nam.org/s_nam/index.asp
NAM includes a Manufacturing Institute giving reasons for the significance of manufacturing, and various reports on topics such as "The Future Success of Small and Medium Manufacturers." The institute also has news articles, manufacturing indicators, information on trade deficits, and data from the global to the state level. In addition, NAM provides synopses on various issues ranging from human resources to legislation and from trade to energy.
Category: Research: Organizations
View more recently added sites on globalEDGE.
Business Language Guides
http://globaledge.msu.edu/academy/Languages/index.asp
The business language guides in the globalEDGE Academy Section are a really great resource; they feature a large variety of information on many of the world's major languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, etc.). The guides also have information on the various business practices in different countries and the languages' connection to international business.
View more Academy Resources on globalEDGE.
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