globalEDGE Resource Desk - New and Updated Sites

Logistics Performance Index

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Provided by the World Bank, the Logistics Performance Index is an interactive benchmarking tool to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance. The index consists of both perception and objective measures and helps build profiles of logistics friendliness across 150 countries. The tool is available in three different modes: country scorecard, global LPI ranking, and cross-country comparison.

India: India Competitiveness Review

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The India Competitiveness Review, published by the World Economic Forum, provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s current competitiveness landscape, highlighting strengths and problematic areas, and shedding light on India’s future economic prospects. It also compares India's performance with that of other major emerging economies. Report and executive summary are available in PDF format.

Brazil: Brazil Competitiveness Report

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Brazil Competitiveness Report, published by the World Economic Forum, provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s current competitiveness landscape, highlighting strengths and problematic areas. The 2009 issue explores issues such as infrastructure, public institutions, environmental sustainability, business sophistication, foreign direct investment, and innovations in the agribusiness sector.

Mexico: Mexico Competitiveness Report

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Mexico Competitiveness Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s current competitiveness landscape, highlighting strengths and problematic areas. A collaboration between the World Economic Forum and Harvard University, the 2009 report explores several key issues relating to Mexico's competitiveness including: growth diagnostics, climate change impact, NAFTA, lending, and education.

AFRICA: World Economic Forum's African Competitiveness Report

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The African Competitiveness Report identifies and measures the competitive strength of 29 African countries. Competitiveness and Investment Climate Profiles are available for each country. The website provides access only to selected issues and country profiles (available in Adobe Acrobat format).

globalEDGE Country Insights

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Current information on the business climate, news, history, political structure, economic landscape, and relevant statistical data are provided in a region and country-specific format, covering 197 countries. A rich collection of country and region specific international business links adds to the vast collection of information.

United States: American Management Association

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The American Management Association (AMA) is a membership-based non-profit organization that provides resources, workshops and seminars for individuals and companies to improve their management skills. Targeted skills include writing skills, administrative support, leadership development, interpersonal skills and more. Membership is required for attending AMA's seminars and training workshops. AMA is also available in different regions in the world, including Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Europe-Middle East-Africa.

United States: AgExporter

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

AgExporter is a partial electronic version of the monthly magazine published by the United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agriculture Service. AgExporter has a dedicated database for businesses to sell farm products overseas and provide tips on exporting, descriptions of markets with the greatest sales potential, and information on export assistance available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Challenges of Dual Career Households in a Global Economy

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Executive Briefing: The global economy, growing numbers of dual income households, and the increase of international assignments are producing pressure on American multinationals and the Federal Government to provide career transition assistance to spouses/partners worldwide. New support programs emphasizing entrepreneurial skills training and internet savvy show promise to boost employment opportunities abroad.

The U.S. - Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Executive Briefing: The U.S.–Colombia Free Trade Agreement has received significant attention in the U.S. news media this year. Therefore, it is important to understand what the U.S.-Colombia agreement is designed to do, why U.S. businesses support it, why there is opposition to it, and how it relates to other trade agreements involving the U.S. and other Latin American countries.

Peru & United States: U.S.- Peru Trade Promotion Agreement.

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This is a sub-section within the official U.S. Commercial Service website. It provides information on doing business in Peru, such as how to find business partners, legal framework, market research, and business relationship between U.S. and Peru.

Bolivia & United States: Bolivian-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Bolivian-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a non-profit organization designed to foster trade and commercial agreements between the Republic of Bolivia and the U.S. The site contains updated economic and social information as well as potential investment opportunities and legal framework regarding investments.

CAFTA: Its Origins and Its Provisions

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Executive Briefing: The Dominican Republic–Central American Free Trade Agreement (DRCAFTA, commonly known as CAFTA) took effect on January 1, 2006, for all but one signatory. CAFTA's purpose is to "eliminate tariffs and trade barriers and expand regional opportunities." Paralleled to NAFTA, CAFTA is based on a paradigm that promotes growth of corporations.

EUROPE: Monetos European Information Portal

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Monetos is an international research and information portal aiming to create a communicative platform within the European arena for the social and private financial sectors. The site provides information on insurance, investment, financing, and pensions for the following countries: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain. Also included in the service section are professional and practical guides on steps to take when moving to a country in the European Union.

Netherlands Antilles: Taxation and Offshore Companies in Netherlands Antilles

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This site includes information related to the government, investments, employment, and taxation in Netherlands Antilles. An economic profile is included as well as information on the various types of business entities in the country.

Netherlands Antilles: Netherlands Antilles Information: Business, Taxation and Offshore

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This site provides information on e-commerce, domestic corporate taxes, personal taxes, labor regulation, double tax treaties etc. related to Netherlands Antilles. Also included is information on the country's relationship with the European Union and their overall business environment.

Netherlands Antilles: Doing Business in Netherlands Antilles

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This document provides answers to commonly asked questions related to doing business in Netherlands Antilles on topics such as the legal system, foreign investment, employees, data protection, product liability, marketing agreements, etc.

Kosovo: Starting a Business in Kosovo

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This resource provides an 8-step guideline for starting a business in Kosovo. It provides an overview of some of the costs that will be associated with starting up the business. In addition, an estimated timeline is provided for each step of the way.

Kosovo: ECIKS � Economic Initiative for Kosovo

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

There are a wide range of benefits of starting up a business in Kosovo including low taxes, abundant resources, and a stimulating investment environment. The website of the Economic Initiative for Kosovo (ECIKS)provides information on the services and projects of ECIKS, investing in Kosovo and links to various brochures and publications.

Kosovo: Business Law Attorneys, Lawyers & Law Firms in Kosovo

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This worldwide legal directory is a great resource to find an attorney, lawyer, and/or law firm specializing in business law in Kosovo.