This month marks the fifth anniversary of the globalEDGE newsletter. It has come a long way since we first started it and we will continue to strive to make it better. Here is a link to the first newsletter we had in February 2002. We would greatly appreciate any feedback you have to enhance both the newsletter and our website.
Perhaps Kenya can best be described as a safari through time. Home to proto-humans some 20 million years ago, the East African nation has played host to a myriad of visitors since then. From Persian settlers to European imperialism, Kenya's history is a rich melting pot that has also seen the development of the Swahili language. The country achieved independence in 1963, and is now taking strides towards greater economic freedom.
Between 1963 and 1973, Kenya saw an annual average GDP growth of 6.6%. Since then, the nation has experienced snags in its governmental policies, and subsequently, in international aid. However, signs are pointing towards a return to its heyday. Boasting the best infrastructure in East Africa, the Kenyan capital of Nairobi remains a vital communication and financial hub for the region. Economic reforms, while slow, have also contributed to renewed confidence in Kenya, generating almost $4.5 billion in international aid.
Learn more about Kenya on globalEDGE Country Insights.
This month's poll question is:
"Kenyan authorities have ordered all bars and night clubs in Nyeri to close at 11:00pm in order to curb rising criminality. How do you interpret this situation?"
Please view our homepage to vote on this month's poll question.
East Africa: Kenya Best for Business in EA
allAfrica.com, by Odhiambo Orlale (January 30, 2007)
http://allafrica.com/stories/200701291805.html
Kenya
might be the jewel of East Africa, but falls short in the global
picture. The Kenya Association of Manufactuers ranked Kenya to be the
best country to do business in East Africa. However, crime in the nation
has meant that it remains relatively unattractive on the international
stage.
China: Boom Today, Bust Tomorrow
BusinessWeek (February 5, 2007)
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/feb2007/gb20070205_061323.htm
The Chinese picture might be less peachy than it looks. While GDP growth has been consistent at about 10%, this enviable number could be masking a much darker
side. Pollution has been rife in China, leading to both environmental and public health issues. In addition, while the investment rate remains relatively high, returns on them have not been as stellar, indicating potentially poor use of investment capital.
View more News on globalEDGE.
Kenya: Where Youth Risk Life And Limb to Harvest Sand Inside a River
allAfrica.com, by Nicholas Okeya (February 8, 2007)
http://allafrica.com/stories/200702071088.html?viewall=1
At the River Nzoia
in Kenya, youths are in a routine race against time. Armed with only strong
lungs and the urge to survive, the teenage sand harvesters brave long
periods in snake-infested waters for a meager 300 Kenyan Shillings ($4.37 US
dollars) each day. An important economic activity along the Nzoia, sand
harvesting has drawn countless youths from the region. And, while advice
about education and personal well-being regularly rings through their ears,
all the children want is to earn that much-needed buck for the family.
Kia Investment Boosts Slovakian Growth
BBC News, by Jorn Madslien (February 6, 2007)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6298651.stm
In Slovakia,
assembly lines are churning and lives are changing. Generating thousands of
jobs and sparking the creation of better infrastructure, the seeds of
economic growth are being sowed by Kia Motors' new plant in Zilina. And,
with other foreign investors close behind the Korean automaker, Slovakia is
slowly but surely becoming a major player in Europe.
View more In Depth Look articles on globalEDGE.
A sample of some of our recently added sites:
Kenya: Kenya Investment Authority
http://www.investmentkenya.com/
The Kenya Investment Authority was established by the government of Kenya in 2004 to promote and facilitate investment in Kenya. Their website provides information on why one should invest in Kenya, and also how to do business, where to invest, sector profiles, and living in the East African nation. The how to do business section content includes a step-by-step guide, business environment and expenses information, and other economic and financial information.
Country: Kenya
Kenya: Export Promotion Council - Promoting Kenya Worldwide
http://www.epckenya.org/
EPCKenya provides comprehensive information about Kenya and its economic activities. The country profile includes information such as Economic Overview, Market Access, Export Statistics, and Key Economic Sectors, with most of the subjects breaking down into greater detail. The site also provides a business directory, trade news and events, and other trade related resources.
Country: Kenya
Lonely Planet Travel Guides
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
The Lonely Planet provides a plethora of information regarding travel to just about any destination you can think of. In addition to a broad base of general information covering the largest country to the smallest remote islands, this resource offers accommodation planning, in depth articles, chat forums, and a blog for people to share their travel experiences.
Category: Reference: Travel/Living Abroad
View more recently added sites on globalEDGE.
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