From the globalEDGE Team

The Michigan State University International Business Center (MSU-CIBER) has recently released the 2009 Market Potential Index for Emerging Markets (MPI).

The study focuses primarily on emerging markets, designated by The Economist magazine. This year saw a return to the top spot by Singapore, usurping Hong Kong. The global financial crisis has had a significant effect on the rankings, with more drastic shifts than in recent years. Check out the MPI listings for 2009 and see what's changed!

Fact of the Month

South African diamond-producing states developed the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003, which certifies the origin of rough diamonds to determine whether or not they have come from areas of conflict and can possibly be used to finance rebel groups.

Feature of the Month: South African Mining Industry

South Africa owes much of its rise to the position of most advanced and richest economy in Africa to its mining industry. The first discovery of any sort of precious metals occurred in 1867, with the discovery of diamonds on the banks of the Orange River. Following the 1867 discovery, gold was discovered a year later, and the rush was on. Increased discoveries of goldfields and diamond deposits led to a large influx of immigrants, namely from Great Britain. The Witwatersrand Gold Rush established the colony which would eventually become Johannesburg, currently South Africa’s largest city and the wealthiest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. While diamonds primarily come to mind when discussing South Africa’s mining industry, it was actually gold exports which provided South Africa with the capital it needed to expand its economy. The revenue from gold allowed for the purchase of machinery and petroleum products to promote an expanding manufacturing base and diversification of the South African economy. On the world stage, South Africa currently leads the world in diamond and gold production, and is also the world leader in the output of other precious metals such as chrome and platinum, all of which comprise roughly 18 percent of its GDP. Although South Africa has transitioned to a service economy, like many other developed nations, the mining industry will remain the origin of South Africa’s rise to the global economic stage.

From the globalEDGE Blog

To Nationalize or Not? The Pros and Cons of South Africa Nationalizing Its Mines

Recent calls by the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League to nationalize South Africa's mining industry have resurrected a seemingly never-ending debate: to nationalize or not. What implications would nationalization have on the global mining economy as a whole?

• Read more on the globalEDGE Blog!

Featured Resources

World Bank: Governance and Anti-Corruption
World Bank governance and anti-corruption initiatives focus on organizational integrity, minimizing corruption in World Bank projects and assisting countries in improving governance. The site includes a calendar of events, information on governance programs, research, and publications. A wealth of compiled governance-related information can be found on the site's resource center. The site is also available in Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
Category: Corporate Governance

World Trade Center Association
The World Trade Center Association (WTCA) offers links to external international trade web sites for affiliated businesses. WTCA also offers a library that contains links to external international trade websites including resources on trade laws, logistics resources, FDI information and government organizations. In addition, users can add their company information to the website. Free registration is required.
Category: Organizations

For a more comprehensive list of resources, check out globalEDGE's Resource Desk!

Featured Academy

An Introduction to Microfinance
An Introduction to Microfinance discusses the basics and beginnings of the microfinance industry and provides those looking to invest in microfinance with some basic information for commencing such endeavors. The module will address: The beginnings of micro-credit; investing in microfinance; the ideal client and money practices of the poor; microfinance worldwide: agents of social change and a case study on the microfinance institution, BRAC, is also included.
Category: Online Course Modules

Academy of International Business (AIB)
AIB is the leading association of scholars and specialists in the field of international business. Established in 1959, AIB has nearly 3000 members from 65 different countries. Members include scholars from the leading academic institutions as well consultants and researchers. The organization also publishes the Journal of International Business Studies, the leading international business journal.
Category: Professional Organizations

For more links to academy resources, check out our Academy Page on globalEDGE!

globalEDGE Business Review

"Globaloganization of Renault Development Strategy"
By: Said Cherkaoui
This article presents the drive of Renault from the edge of bankruptcy to the rise of its model Logan to international preeminence, fame and success. At the same time, Renault concentrated its production in countries that have been considered by the major car manufacturers as solely a marketplace and not the location of their production.

If you wish to share your expertise on an issue in international business, visit our gBR Homepage to see how and where to submit your entry.

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