Erica A. Murray’s October Reveal

Tunisia……..A Mediterranean Goldmine!

Tunisia’s geographical location is not far from Europe. Its proximity is at the junction of the eastern and western basins of the Mediterranean which makes it a platform for investment, production, and trade. It is an excellent example of a Mediterranean country that is also part of the Arab and African worlds due to its political stability and the dynamism of its society. The main cities are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, Nabeul, Gabès, Kairouan, Jendouba, Béja, and Tunis which is the capital. The official language is Arabic, although French, English, and Italian are common languages as well. The population is roughly 10 million and growing. Opportunities for foreign investments are available in the fields of Information Communication Technology, Electric & Electronics, Mechanical, Textiles, Food, Leather and Shoes.  By its central Mediterranean position, its competitive growth and its preferential treaties with numerous countries, Tunisia offers access to a number of  markets for companies that desire to develop their activities. Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) receive FULL tax exemptions on export-derived profits for the first ten years of operations and thereafter, taxation at a low rate of 10% for the life of the company. Additionally, FDIs will receive FULL exemption on reinvested profits and income! These types of tax incentives provides an unmeasurable leveraging power to entrepreneurs and business owners alike. Investing in the Mediterraneans will allow for extreme business growth at a rapid pace, as international expansions are the way of the future.

So what’s available in what industry?

Information Communication Technologies (ICT) is a booming sector for Tunisia. It is one of the most dynamic sectors with one of the highest growth rates. This is attributed widely to the high levels of investments, nearly 3.9 billion dinars (3.3 billion U.S.). This growth can be correlated to a stronger infrastructure, especially telecommunications, involving active and motivated participation by private companies operating in this field. Tunisia has a large number of young graduates with skills and qualifications in various branches that meet the needs of businesses. In 2008 there were more than 9,500 graduates holding degrees in computer sciences and communications. The following opportunities are currently outsourced for ICT:

• Marketing Research
• Phone Sales
• Technical Support
• Remote Work
• Data Processing
• Software and Web Application Development
• Application Outsourcing
• Systems Integration
• Consulting Assistance

Additional investing industries are as follows:

Electric and Electronics

• Printed circuits, electronic cards
• Connectors
• Coils and Transformers
• Capacitors & Resistors
• Wire harnesses, wires and cables
• Lighting apparatus
• Engines
• Switches
• Cut-off Switches

Mechanical

• Equipment for large projects
• Bottled Gas
• Laser cutting of thin sheet metal
• Manufacture of mechanical parts smelted under pressure
• Tooling of mechanical parts using digital control machinery
• Manufacture and maintenance of molds
• Household items and fixtures
• Industrial faucets, parts for water distribution and hydraulic circuit connectors
• Parts for construction/public works equipment or for industrial machines
• Surface treatments
• Thermal Equipment (radiators, evaporator condenser)
• Motor Parts
• Tires and mirrors
• Exterior carriage work

Textiles

• Fabric production for clothing plants
• Modernization and upgrading of operating plants
• Fashion Garments
• Luxury Clothing
• Women lingerie
• Development of the fashion design platform

Leather

• Leisure and fashion shoes
• Shoe- Upper production
• Work shoe production
• Ladies leather hand-bags of medium and high quality
• Baggage items
• Small leather goods, of medium and high quality
• Quality leather to answer the needs of onshore and off-shore companies.

The Mediterranean is not only a place that will leave you gasping for air because of the beautiful beaches and unfathomable architecture, but a financial goldmine that will take the thriving investors breath away!  What are you waiting on? The Mediterranean is waiting for you!

This weeks challenge: Take time to research how your business or services can infiltrate the Mediterranean market and capitalize on the massive tax incentives. Exporting your services can prove to be financially beneficial.

Next Weeks Topic:  A Matter Relating to International Business

Visit my website:  www.ericaamurray.com

Stay tuned as I grow your global perspective with business nuggets on my blog. Don’t miss out on any updates, subscribe to my weekly blog now!

If you have any questions about what is written within this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Your comments are always welcomed.

Globally yours,

Dubai…….The Heart of One of the World’s Richest Regions!

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boast of more than 200 nationalities and cultures, living and learning from each other and creating natural vibrancy and globalization. Dubai is strategically located between the great continents of Europe, Asia and Africa and attracts approximately 5 million investors and tourists on an annual basis. Dubai has emerged as a leading regional commercial hub with state-of-the art infrastructure and a world-class business environment. It has now become the logical place to do business in the Middle East, providing investors with a unique and comprehensive value added platform. This country is a ripe haven for entrepreneurs and business owners who have ever considered expanding their business. Dubai boasts of a wide range of opportunities for different activities and operations including trade, industry, and export. There are many reasons why it is worthwhile to invest in Dubai. As one of the safest cities in the world with a very low crime-rate, Dubai has a fair judicial system, a liberal economy, no income tax or corporate tax, no trade barriers, quotas or foreign exchange controls, 100% repatriation of capital and profits and strong investor incentives from the government of Dubai. Its strategic location (at the heart of one of the world’s richest regions), tax-free living and strong economic outlook, makes Dubai the ideal base for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and other companies targeting markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Asian Subcontinent and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Advantages for Investing in Dubai

Dubai offers incoming business all the advantages of a highly developed economy. Its infrastructure and services match the highest international standards, facilitating efficiency, quality and service. Among the benefits are:

• Free enterprise system
• Highly developed transport infrastructure
• State-of-the-art telecommunications
• Sophisticated financial and services sector
• Top international exhibition and conference venue
• High quality office and residential accommodation
• Reliable power, utilities etc.
• First class hotels, hospitals, schools and shops

Foreign Investor Incentives for Investing in the UAE (Dubai)

Dubai’s highly successful Jebel Ali Free Zone (a free economic zone located in the Jebel Ali area at the far western end of Dubai) and the Airport Free Zone provide all the advantages available elsewhere in the emirate, with the following additional benefits:

• 100% foreign ownership and control (unique and added benefit)
• Renewable 15-year guarantee of no taxation
• No customs duties
• Flexible investment options
• Efficient transport and distribution facilities
• Full administrative and recruitment support.

What Does it Cost to do Business in The UAE (Dubai)

Overseas companies setting up in Dubai can secure cost advantages not generally available internationally.  The reasons are:

• No corporate taxes
• No income taxes
• No foreign exchange controls
• No trade barriers
• Competitive import duties (4% with many exemptions)
• Competitive labour costs
• Competitive energy costs
• Competitive real estate costs

For more information about doing business in Dubai, foreign investors can contact the Dubai Export Development Corporation, the Dubai Chamber, or visit DubaiBizMatch.com.

Global business is overtaking the business marketplace and so should entrepreneurs and business owners!

If there are any regions in the country that you would like for me to include in my blog, please forward a message to me and I will consider your request.

This weeks challenge: Take time to research how your business or services can make an impact in The UAE (Dubai). Next, take positive steps to capitalize on the opportunities that are available in that region!

Next Weeks Topic:  A Matter Relating to International Business

Visit my website:  www.ericaamurray.com

Stay tuned as I grow your global perspective with business nuggets on my blog. Don’t miss out on any updates, subscribe to my weekly blog now!

If you have any questions about what is written within this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Your comments are always welcomed.

Globally yours,

Brazil……More than Beaches…An Investors Dream!

The Brazilian economy is one of the most rapidly growing economies in South America and it is the only Portuguese-speaking country on the continent. It is the world’s 8th largest economy in terms of its GDP and the 9th in terms of purchasing power of its nationals. There are many reasons responsible for the growth of Brazil, inclusive of the progressive transformative economic policies that were implemented by former President Lula. As a result, Brazil has quickly developed into a sound economy with a political and fiscal environment conducive to growth. Brazil has an excellent mix of older and younger generations, which adds experience and energy to its workforce. With a population of around 180 million people, their population growth rate is positive. This atmospheric climate is ripe for a business owner or entrepreneur seeking expansions because its economy attract huge foreign direct investments. Brazil offers attractive business opportunities in the Agricultural sector, Information and Communication Technology, Mining, Food & Beverage, Private Education and Logistics.

Investors investing in Brazil stand a great chance to gain significant returns due to the following reasons:

• It provides a GREAT customer base, as it is the  fifth largest country in the world.

• It is a democratic society.

• The currency (Real = R$) is stable.

• Investors investing in Brazil not only would see tremendous gain, but can also consider becoming a Brazilian resident as the cost of living is about 20-25% less than any European country.

• The locals are very hospitable, and very receptive and appreciative towards immigrants and their beliefs.

• The government provides several incentives to the investors and allows the investors to have 100% ownership of land and property.

• Brazil has trade relationships with more than 100 foreign countries.

• Brazil is one of the leading exporting countries in the world. It ranks among the top 20 exporting countries.

• Brazil is the fourth largest commercial aircraft manufacturing country in the world.

• The country has excellent infrastructural facilities. It has well-connected roads, rail and airways.

Moreover, the Brazilian government is committed to growth and diversity! If reading about Brazil has sparked you to curiosity and you want to invest in this region, it’s easy. To conduct business in Brazil, an investor needs to have approximately $85,000 on deposit in a Brazilian bank. In addition, the investor also needs to have a natural Brazilian citizen as a partner. By following these simple procedures, the investor can conduct a business in the same way as a native Brazilian (this is rare in the global marketplace).

With these advantages, the investors would be in a win-win situation. Both the geographical conditions and the government’s continuous growth initiatives make Brazil a heaven for business owners and entrepreneurs who desire to expand globally.

This weeks challenge: Evaluate how your current business can make an impact on Brazil or consider starting a new business. Thereafter, take positive steps to capitalize on the opportunities that are available!

Next Weeks Topic:  A Matter Relating to International Business

Visit my website:  www.ericaamurray.com

Stay tuned as I grow your global perspective with business nuggets on my blog. Don’t miss out on any updates, subscribe to my weekly blog now!

If you have any questions about what is written within this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Your comments are always welcomed.

Globally yours,

Australia……a Competitive Marketplace

Australia’s reputation as a highly competitive economy continues to strengthen. For many years Australia has outperformed OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) economies in both growth and resilience of the economy. They have been ranked in the top three countries in the Asia-Pacific region for their overall competitiveness. There is a strong and independent financial sector and an effective and proven regulatory financial system, which means the Australian economy provides a sound platform for foreign direct investment and business growth.

Australia has also been seen as an attractive destination investing. The country’s political and regulatory environment is stable, open and progressive, providing investors with a high degree of confidence and certainty. Australia’s population is a diverse and rich multicultural workforce with highly educated individuals. They offer multilingual and cross-cultural capabilities at relatively low-cost, and is characterized by a strong work ethic and positive approach to change.

Available investment opportunities are in the following sectors: Financial Services, Green Energy, Biotechnology, Advance Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Food and Beverages, Information and Communication Technology, and Agribusiness. With all of the opportunities in Australia, you must take a moment to ask yourself, “Why am I not conducting business in Australia?”

Austrade has a network of investment specialists around the world. They can help you identify potential projects, strategic alliance partners and provide advice on the investment approval process. They offer comprehensive and confidential assistance that will save you time and money and help you make the right investment decisions.

This weeks challenge: Contact Austrade and investigate business opportunities within your industry of specialization.

Next Weeks Topic:  A Matter Relating to International Business

Visit my website:  www.ericaamurray.com

Stay tuned as I grow your global perspective with business nuggets on my blog. Don’t miss out on any updates, subscribe to my weekly blog now!

If you have any questions about what is written within this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Your comments are always welcomed.

Globally you

The Global Channel…….What’s going on in Asia?

Practical and proven strategies for successful global market distribution is a must for expanding your business internationally. It is vitally important that as a business owner or entrepreneur you acknowledge the tools that are available to you and implement them. You must obtain information that will allow you to compete globally! Being aware of business conferences internationally is a plus and very necessary. So you think that you want to do business in Asia? Have you sought out the various business conferences that are available in that country? If not, consider the upcoming conference entitled “The Global Channel Management” being held in Singapore (July 14-15, 2011) and then Hong Kong(July 21-22, 2011). Today with all of the natural disasters and debt crisis worldwide it is important to mitigate one’s business from these vicissitudes of both man-made and natural disasters. You must spread out one’s markets to even out any overwhelming dependence on a specific market. It is imperative to achieve a global market footprint!  It is no more an option! It is “sustainability” itself!  Competing with the world players! Think about the following questions for a moment:

• Are you constantly finding it a daunting challenge establishing markets across the world?
• Are you frustrated with working so hard but not getting the results or worse, not getting the expected result owing to geopolitical reasons beyond your control influencing the markets?

If the answer to these questions are yes, I would like to urge you to resolve your curiosity and attend the upcoming Global Channel Management conference. At this conference they will discuss the following topics:

• Dealing with how to grapple with the typical EXPORT CONUNDRUM
• Appreciating the Nuances of the EXPORT CONTINUUM
• Understanding why Export is so different from Domestic Sales
• Appreciating how branding has a direct impact on channel selection and eventual success
• Understanding the Export Matrix and picking the right Channel Mix for your company
• Selecting the right Distributor / Channel Member
• Distinguishing between the different types of Channel Members needed for Industrial, Consumer and the Services sectors
• Writing a win-win Distributor Agreement
• Training and Motivating your Distributor
• Dealing with the magical “Sales Target” as a tool of Control and Motivation
• Terminating a Distributor without tears and the Permanent Loss of Goodwill
• Exploiting Cross-Cultural skills in your International Marketing endeavors
• Being sensitive to Geopolitical factors in International Business

This is a two-day conference that is certain to expand the intellectual capacity of the business owner or entrepreneur.  To learn more, visit the following website: http://www.conferences.com.sg/s1383-esdm5-20m-C.pdf

This weeks challenge: Search for upcoming conferences in a country in which you want to expand your business and devise a plan and strategy for attending.

Next Weeks Topic:  A Matter Relating to International Business

Visit my website:  www.ericaamurray.com

Stay tuned as I grow your global perspective with business nuggets on my blog. Don’t miss out on any updates, subscribe to my weekly blog now!

If you have any questions about what is written within this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Your comments are always welcomed.

Globally yours,

EMERGING MARKETS…….Think GLOBALLY!

Much of the world is seeing a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime spurt of growth. Listen to me business owners and entrepreneurs, it is time for you to connect with this growth. This growth is called “emerging markets”. This is where the elevation and additional success in your business rest! It is necessary for your vision to expand internationally, so that your existence in the business world will be spared. Emerging markets are generally considered risky because they carry additional political, economic, and currency risk. Just like stepping into the stratosphere of becoming a business owner or entrepreneur, so it is with emerging markets, it is not for the faint at heart or those who value safety and security above all things. Sure, you must minimize the risk as you do with domestic terrain. You must be willing to accept volatile returns, as there is a chance for LARGE profits at the risk of large losses! The flip side to emerging markets is that their performance is less correlated with developed markets. They can diversify your business portfolio which in turn will reduce your risk. For a better understanding of emerging markets and where this stems, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has the best known of the several systems for rating national economies. It measures an equity market performance in global “emerging” markets with four criteria. First, household incomes tend to be much lower than those in the developed world. Second, the nation’s infrastructure is being modernized and the country is transitioning from an economy based on agriculture to one based on manufacturing. Third, the country is implementing the legal, regulatory and political steps necessary to support a modern, developed economy. Finally, financial markets, such as those for stocks and bonds, aren’t as sophisticated as those in the developed world. Currently there are 26 emerging economies as ranked by MSCI:  Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Venezuela. Focus your mind to strategic positioning and get in early to avoid exorbitant cost! In an attempt to reach your goals as a business owner or entrepreneur, you must think GLOBALLY!

This weeks challenge: Align your product or service within one of the above referenced emerging markets and begin to take strides for an expansion.

Next Weeks Topic:  A Matter Relating to International Business

Visit my website:  www.ericaamurray.com

Stay tuned as I grow your global perspective with business nuggets on my blog. Don’t miss out on any updates, subscribe to my weekly blog now!

If you have any questions about what is written within this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Your comments are always welcomed.

Globally yours,

South Africa….Fertile for Growth!

The South Africa of today is one of the most sophisticated and promising emerging markets globally. The unique combination of a highly developed first-world economic infrastructure and a huge emergent market economy has given rise to a strong entrepreneurial and dynamic investment environment. South Africa should be considered a viable region for global investing by business owners and entrepreneurs. Many Chinese companies are being attracted to South Africa because of its skilled labour force and competitive costs of setting up business. The Department of Trade and Industry in Africa has committed to improving investment opportunities and strengthening the economic climate. As a result, there are opportunities in water infrastructure, agriculture, insurance, automotive and retail. The upgrading and expansion of South Africa’s infrastructure since 2005 has contributed to an enhanced environment for attracting investment and growth.  With the 10th most extensive railway network in the world, the best equipped and most efficient network of ports on the African continent, South Africa boasts the most modern and extensive infrastructure in Africa. This country is full of diversity the opportunities are immeasurable and running over. The Return on Investment (ROI) in South Africa is promising. What are you waiting on? Invest today! This weeks challenge: Research whether there are opportunities for your business in South Africa. Contact the Department of Trade and Industry for more information.  Next Weeks Topic:  International Business Visit my website:  www.ericaamurray.com Stay tuned as I grow your global perspective with business nuggets on my blog. Don’t miss out on any updates, subscribe to my weekly blog now! If you have any questions about what is written within this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Your comments are always welcomed. Globally yours,