World

China’s unexpectedly strong economic rebound may appear miraculous. In reality, it’s derived from a combination of that government’s huge economic stimulus package and increasingly strong domestic consumer demand. Our firm, InterChina Consulting, views Chinese consumer spending as an increasingly important contributor to the Middle Kingdom’s long-term economic growth. It also is offsetting continued weakness in […]

Following other Asian nations, China is moving up the technology ladder—but at an unprecedented pace. This speed is phenomenal in and of itself. However, China possesses significant advantages relative to nations that have followed this very same path. A Compelling Mix of Strengths China possesses a combination of characteristics that enable rapid and sustainable growth […]

The global economic crisis may have left many companies in China and elsewhere struggling to shore up their bottom lines, but this has not ruined their appetite for mergers and acquisitions (M&As). M&As To Remain Strong in 2009 China had a record $164.3 billion M&A deals announced in 2008, up 18 percent from a year […]

For decades, thousands of small Chinese manufacturers produced average-quality goods for local consumption. And apart from a few national brands and “newly essential” consumer goods, such as TV’s, refrigerators and bicycles, little demand existed for a national consumer goods distribution network. The logic went: if you can get what you need locally, a national distribution […]

Over the past several decades, the U.S.-China relationship has evolved significantly. During this period, both countries have come to better understand each other’s perspectives and view of the world. And both countries have come to realize that only by working closely together can we successfully address a number of pressing issues that affect us all. […]

As the global financial crisis negatively impacts growth worldwide, new opportunities are emerging for companies that position themselves to seize the long-term potential upside of the Chinese market. And there is reason for optimism since the current Chinese government has the financial ability and political means to manage a soft economic landing. More Flexible Positions […]

When conducting foreign market research, businesses tend to be overwhelmed with the amount of data they need. There’s good reason for this. Just to answer seemingly basic questions—such as whether or not to expand in a particular market, whether or not the timing is right, or how to expand—a great deal of information needs to […]

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 18 years ago, Singapore and China have developed one of the strongest and most dynamic trading relationships in the world. The signing of the Singapore-China Free Trade Agreement (SCFTA) on October 23rd, 2008 not only marked a significant milestone in the evolution of trade relations between these flourishing economic […]

American firms are entranced by China’s potential market size. In fact, its size is generally one of two main criteria considered when American firms make the decision to sell there. The other is the burgeoning disposable income of the middle class. Unfortunately, only focusing on the size and disposable income of the Chinese middle class—while […]

America’s economy is in the vanguard of one of the most significant advances in the world’s economic history. Economic globalization is integrating national markets through international trade and investment. We are witnessing unparalleled developments in microelectronics, computers, telecommunications, transportation logistics, and finance. Combined with new global realities, these developments are changing the way we live...

The most important and contentious trade vote in Congress this year will probably be the free trade agreement the United States has signed with its South American neighbor and ally, Colombia. In his January 28, 2008, State of the Union speech, President Bush called on Congress to approve the agreement this year. Calling Colombia “a […]

American small and medium-size manufacturers (SMMs) are playing an increasingly important role in our nation’s economy. They also are encountering a whole new set of challenges presented by today’s new global realities. Nevertheless, those who have adapted have boosted their level of global competitiveness, created new, more sophisticated supply-chain opportunities, and have taken big steps...

America is undergoing one of the greatest periods of transformation in history. Not unlike the powerful changes caused by the industrial revolution that shaped the 19th and 20th centuries, today, globalization is shaping the 21st century and the United States is leading the way.

America is undergoing one of the greatest periods of transformation in history. Not unlike the powerful changes caused by the industrial revolution that shaped the 19th and 20th centuries, today, globalization is shaping the 21st century and the United States is leading the way. Since economic globalization — the integration of national markets through international...

Tainted Chinese imports have become a serious problem. The Chinese government realizes this and has taken swift action, including shutting down 180 food processing plants since December and executing the former director of the its drug and safety agency for corruption. But due to economic realities beyond that government’s grasp, Chinese imports likely will continue...

Latin America is experiencing strong economic growth and its social conditions are improving at a rapid pace. Incomes are rising, the middle class is expanding and consumer demand is increasing...

The Russian Federation requested membership in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, now the World Trade Organization (WTO), in June 1993. At various points along the way, accession appeared imminent. In recent months it appeared that Russia — the largest economy not yet admitted — could be given the green light in 2008...

The era of trade liberalization is dead. Yet it could get worse still. Not only have prospects for liberalization over the next few years been dashed, but Congress is considering legislation that could precipitate a retreat from the trade policies and institutions that have served U.S. interests for 60 years...

If you’ve been considering expanding into a rapidly growing Asian market, you might investigate India, a country similar to and different from China in many ways. Goldman Sachs projects that India will become the world’s third largest economy in less than 30 years and that India’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate will average...

“Trade liberalization has a critical role to play in economic growth by directly stimulating domestic firms to become more productive,” so says the U.S. Federal Reserve. As a result, the incomes of ordinary people typically rise.