On Tuesday, April 10, 2007, the globalEDGE team unveiled 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 new sections added. For example, a new industry section 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, our users are the main concern of the globalEDGE team, and we hope that the new web design makes navigation around the site much easier. The following is a sample of features in the new globalEDGE. We look forward to your feedback, and we hope you enjoy the new site design!
New Features
Features Coming in Fall 2007
http://ciber.msu.edu/Events/AnnualReports/annualreport06.pdf
The 2006 Annual Report of the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research (MSU-CIBER) is now available for viewing online. As most users know, MSU-CIBER is the developer of globalEDGE. It features 2006 in review, chronicling the milestones achieved by the MSU International Business Center during the past year. The report also showcases the continued success of globalEDGE, as well as notable events such as the Academy of International Business Conference in Beijing, China. For a more in-depth look at the various accomplishments of MSU-CIBER, and its future direction, users can access the 2006 Annual Report through the above link, or at the MSU-CIBER webpage.
Panama - a bridge of cultures and continents. Straddling the Americas, and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, much of its history and economy has been molded by its strategic position. Pre-Panama Canal times saw the isthmus as the heart of the vast Spanish Empire in the New World. Modern Panama emerged with the completion of its famed waterway in 1914. Built by American army engineers, the construction marvel is a Pacific-Atlantic link that remains a vital driving force of the Panamanian economy to this day.
Touting the highest GDP per capita in Central America, much of Panama is fueled by a strong service industry. Accounting for about 80% of its GDP, the Panama Canal is a major player in this sector, followed by others, such as financial services and the Colon Free Zone. Panama also has several free-trade agreements in the works, most notably with the United States and Singapore. And, with its world-renowned waterway expected to garner $6 billion annually after a pending expansion, tiny Panama is a rising star in Central America.
Learn more about Panama on globalEDGE Country Insights.
This month's poll question is:
"How do you think Panama's $5.25 billion canal expansion project will affect Panama's economy?"
Please visit our homepage to vote on this month's poll question.
Singapore's PSA to Build Container Terminal in Panama
NASDAQ, by Costas Paris (March 12, 2007)
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20070312%5cACQDJON200703122137DOWJONESDJONLINE000591.htm
The Panama Canal is getting a new container port, along with its long awaited overhaul. Set to be built by Singapore's Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) International, the new facility is expected to double the port capacity of Panama over the next eight years. It will also be able to handle 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of containers annually.
Shipping Industry Complains About PanCanal Toll Hikes
The Panama News, by Eric Jackson (March 27, 2007)
http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_13/issue_06/business_03.html
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced a hike in rates for ships that utilize the waterway of about 3.5% for the next 20 years. The shipping industry has publicly complained about the decision and threatens to cross with the Suez Canal. The ACP defends the increased rates for paying off the third locks system and contends that even with rates increases ranging from 26-34%, it is still cheaper to use the Panama Canal.
The Next Silicon Valley: Siberia
Forbes, by Brett Forrest (March 26, 2007)
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/04/02/8403482/index.htm
California's Silicon Valley and Siberia's Akademgorodok have completely opposing climates but equally competitive minds. Russia's academic town has seen its share of ups and downs but is rising again in the technology sector. Russia produces many science and technology graduates, a number comparable to that of India. Although this renovated tech-town may not be a huge force today, big IT companies have invested in putting Akademgorodok on the map.
View more News on globalEDGE.
Is Panama City the Next South Beach?
Special to The Washington Post (February 18, 2007)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/16/AR2007021600623.html
The Latin metropolis of Panama City is that of a posh and urban-chic vibe, yet embraces you with the warm and friendly gestures of the South American culture. Tourists from all over the world are drawn to this unique city for more than its charm. And, it is also a wallet-friendly place to visit, for now, at least. The eyes of the business world have also noticed Panama City with the likes of Donald Trump building his own skyscraper. Prices will soon soar, especially when the Panama Canal locks project is finished. Either way, Panama City is fast becoming a hot destination for travelers and businesses.
Panama: A Bubble Waiting to Burst
Latin Business Chronicle, by Walter Molano (September 26, 2006)
http://www.latinbusinesschronicle.com/app/article.aspx?id=411
A country most associated with its famed canal, Panama is bursting at the seams. The economy of the country is surging, led largely by the construction boom. Many big, international businesses are investing in Panama, and people around the world are migrating to this small country for retirement. Panama City has given birth to skyscrapers and high-rise housing complexes that glam up the skyline. The country still has hurdles to jump in the face of problems with infrastructure and healthcare, but Panama has set foot in the right direction and is trying with all its might to keep walking tall.
Sierra Leone's Cool Entrepreneurs
BBC News, by Katrina Manson and James Knight (March 26, 2007)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6453103.stm
Fishermen in Sierra Leone are getting a cool uplifting - literally. They are now better able to keep their catch fresh, with a steady supply of ice from a new factory in town. Named Ice Ice Baby, after the popular rap, the business opened its doors to the rainy season and lukewarm reception. However, as receding clouds led to the casting of nets, demand finally came in for the company's product. The income of fishermen has doubled, even with the additional cost in ice, revealing a golden opportunity for development. However, while foreign investments stream into the growing nation, local money continues to flow outwards due to a lack of confidence in the government.
View more In Depth Look articles on globalEDGE.
A sample of some of our recently added sites:
Panama: Panama Information Online Guide
http://panama-information.executivehotel-panama.com/
This guide provides general, travel, and business information for Panama. Sections include business practices, security and service, economy, history, Internet, and much more. Although last revised in 2003, the guide still contains a lot of useful information.
Country: Panama
Category: Reference: Culture
Panama: go4PanamaBusiness
http://go4panamabusiness.com/
go4PanamaBusiness provides a series of trade leads on topics like construction, agriculture, automotive, and others. The site also contains Panama-based suppliers, buyers, and products as well as foreign-based suppliers, buyers and products. Trade leads can be posted after a free registration.
Country: Panama
Category: Trade: Trade Leads
EUROPE: Your Europe: Business
http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/nav/en/business/index.html
Aside from information about starting or closing a business in Europe,
this website is a resource on topics like taxation, human resources,
intellectual property, trade regulations, funding opportunities, and
public procurement; country-specific information on these topics is also
available. In addition, there is a directory of organizations and
businesses, arranged either by topic or country. This is a multi-lingual
site covering the following European countries: Austria, Belgium,
Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and
the UK.
Category: Research: Organizations
View more recently added sites on globalEDGE.
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