Country Risk

Australia

12/14/2005 - Australia offers a favorable business climate, an A-1 credit rating, and an economy among the best performing in the industrialized world.

Bangladesh

1/28/08 - Formerly East Pakistan, Bangladesh only came into being as a separate country in 1971 when the two parts of Pakistan split after a bitter civil war. How has this small but densely populated Asian country fared since?

Belgium

10/25/06 - Located at the heart of one of the world's most highly industrialized regions and boasting a highly developed market economy, Belgium does 75% of its trade with EU members and is seeking to diversify and expand trade opportunities with non-EC countries.

Republic of Botswana

2/21/2006 - Since attaining independence from Britain in 1966, Botswana’s economic progress has been one of the greatest success stories of the African continent.

Brazil

11/17/2004 - For those willing to wade through the intricacies and risks of doing business in Brazil, this South American giant may prove a profitable venue for international trade.

Canada

9/23/2004 - Canada enjoys solid economic prospects due to its skilled labor force, modern capital plant and abundant natural resources. Two shadows do, however, loom on the horizon.

Chile

3/28/2007 - A look at Chile, one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations.

China

04/25/08 - China’s vast potential as a growing market and supplier has attracted notice at all levels of business, both import and export. This report features valuable information from ABC-Amega’s experience and expertise in doing business in China. A ‘must-read’ for anyone considering expanding to or already involved in trade with China.

Credit and Collection Challenges in China

6/29/2005 - China has always provided intriguing puzzles to be solved. Credit and collection management is one of them.

Doing Business in China

09/25/2006 - Highlights from the Q&A section of a webinar on doing business in China presented to the members of the Association of Executives in Credit and International Business (FCIB) in August 2006 by Julian Chen, COO for FCIB-China.

Colombia

7/23/2007 - Columbia, Latin America’s oldest and most stable democracy, has a growing economy and an abundance of natural resources.

Costa Rica

4/22/2004 - As Costa Rica begins to integrate into the modern world economy, a number of factors favor its consideration as an attractive business opportunity.

Historic Referendum Sets Stage for Costa Rican Ratificaton of CAFTA

10/22/2007 - As the result of an unprecedented move by its government, Costa Rica, the only hold out to ratification of the Central American Free Trade Agreement with the US, is finally on course for implementation of the pact.

Czech Republic

1/11/2005 - The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states, with a growing consumer class providing plenty of opportunity.

Ecuador

9/28/2005 - There are difficulties to overcome in doing business in Ecuador. However, many companies have found success engaging in commerce with this Latin American country.

Egypt

7/25/2006 - Egypt has one of Africa’s most prosperous economies. Aside from economics, however, there is an approach to doing business, as well as a number of social customs, you need to be aware of if you're going to transact successfully here.

European Union 101

The European Union has ability to influence both the global economy and international policy. Here's the basics that will give you a better understanding of what this economic entity is and how it operates.

France

3/22/2006 - France is the second largest trading nation in Western Europe. Find out what types of products are particularly attractive to French importers.

Germany

7/22/2004 - The largest but slowest growing European economy, Germany faces some serious economic issues. Nevertheless, the German market is considered an important component of any comprehensive European export strategy.

Ghana

2/29/2008 - A well-administered country by regional standards, Ghana is challenged on a number of levels including infrastructure, human resource development, and establishing a business environment that encourages private sector led growth.

Hungary

1/24/2006 - Since it's accession to the European Union in 2004, Hungary has bolstered its political and economic stability. Nevertheless, this geographically well-positioned central European country continues to struggle with a number of fiscal and external problems.

Hong Kong

2/23/2005 - The structure of Hong Kong’s economy has changed dramatically over the past ten years. No longer a low-cost, labor intensive manufacturing base, it has grown into a successful services and trading center with attractive opportunities for those interested.

India

6/22/2006 - India has emerged as a major power and one of the world’s fast growing economies. Further reform is needed, however, if the world's largest democracy is to continue to build upon its recent successes.

Indonesia

07/30/08 - Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation, currently appears to be holding its own despite a deteriorating global environment.

Ireland

6/22/08 - The Republic of Ireland – economy, business climate, risk factors, and more.

Legal Procedures for Collecting Debts in Ireland

06/26/08 - Ireland, like other jurisdictions, has its own legal procedures and enforcement options allowing creditors to pursue outstanding debtors through the Courts. These are discussed here in an article by the Irish law firm of Mason Hayes+Curran.

Israel

12/28/2006 - Israel’s economy is strong, open, and shows a robust potential for growth.

Italy

4/26/2005 - It's apparent that commerce in Rome has increased this month. But how is the Italian economy doing as a whole? Here we take a look at Europe's fourth largest economy - Italy.

Japan

9/25/2006 - An awareness of cultural formalities and business practices are as important to doing business in Japan as are economic factors, business climate and risk. This country report provides an overview of both.

Korea (South)

The Republic of Korea has enjoyed phenomenal economic growth over the past 30 years, but due to several factors things are beginning to slow down. Included in this report is an informative section on dispute resolution that is a must-read.

Kuwait

6/16/2004 - Although not without its challenges, this oil-rich country Kuwait has become an attractive business venue for a number of reasons.

Malaysia

03-30-2008 - A country which has sustained strong economic growth, a stable currency and low inflation for the past three decades, Malaysia is an emerging multi-sector economy.

Mexico

11/29/2006 - Mexico’s trade regime is among the most open in the world. But unless you understand the cultural side of approaching business in this relationship-oriented country, you may find the doors to Mexican business opportunity are closed.

Reducing Risks on Credit Sales into Mexico - 1

12/27/2006 - Every credit sale into Mexico should be treated as if it may end up in litigation. Developing a game plan will help guarantee your chances of winning should legal action be required.

Reducing Risks on Credit Sales into Mexico - 2

2/15/2007 - When you're selling into Mexico, running a credit report and checking trade references is just the tip of the iceberg. Part 2 of this series reveals important elements that should be part of your game plan if you don't want to get sunk by bad debt.

Reducing Risks on Credit Sales into Mexico - 3

3/26/2007 - Part 3 of this series covers the various legal remedies available in Mexico, which are most creditor-friendly, and the pros and cons of arbitration or legal action in Mexico.

Reducing Risks on Credit Sales into Mexico - 4

4/23/2007 - In this final installment of our four-part series on Reducing Risks on Credit Sales Into Mexico, you'll find out about selecting the country venue for legal action against a debtor and procedures for enforcing awards in Mexico.

Morocco

10/23/2007 - Morocco has been a gateway to trade with Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for more than a thousand years. It enjoys significant assets including proximity to the European market, natural resources, vast tourist potential, and political stability.

An Overview of Collections in Morocco and North Africa

11/28/2007 - Effective international collections requires more than a well-defined process. Nowhere is this more important then when doing business in Morocco and other countries in North Africa.

Netherlands

12/17/2007 - One of the world's most densely populated nations, The Netherlands boasts an open trade and investment policy that places the Dutch economy among the most internationally oriented in the world.

Nigeria

05-30-2008 -- Although the government has taken a few preliminary steps, a number of serious difficulties continue to create obstacles to formal business in Nigeria, the most populous African country.

Pakistan

08/27/08 - Pakistan has emerged in prominence for a number of reasons over the past several years. But what do you really know about this country from an economic and business standpoint? We’ll bring you up to date.

Peru

6/19/2003 - Peru seems to be a country on the brink. Lurking below the surface of relative economic stability lie political, social and economic issues that threaten continued growth.

Philippines

8/29/2007 - Information on the economy and business climate of the Republic of the Philippines.

Poland

11/27/2007 - Fifteen years after the end of communist rule, Poland stands out as a success story among transition economies. Located at the crossroads between eastern and western Europe, it is a large potential market in the region.

Portugal

5/22/2007 - Portugal, a nation with a rich history of exploration and trade, is the focus of this issue's country report.

Romania

10/21/2004 - According to legend, the fictional vampire, Count Dracula, has been doing business in Romania for decades. Aside from this well-known resident, what else does this fascinating Eastern European country have to offer those interested in international trade?

Russia

4/25/2007 - Years of economic crisis followed Russia's transition from a centrally planned system under communism to a free market system. Ending 2006 with its eighth straight year of growth, the country seems to be rounding a corner.

Saudi Arabia

7/17/2003 - How is the world's leading exporter of oil faring economically? Vulnerable to developments in the oil market, a lack of diversification, and the instability in the region, the Kingdom has had to look for solutions.

Singapore

8/21/2003 - The island of Singapore's free trade policy allows most goods to enter the country duty free. This openness to foreign trade is both an economic strength and a vulnerability for this intriguing, Southeast Asian country.

South Africa

4/24/2006 - The government of South Africa, Africa's economic leader, has a demonstrated commitment to open markets, privatization and a favorable investment climate.

Spain

8/25/2006 - Spain is one of the most dynamic economies in Europe. Since 1986, it has opened its economy, modernized its industrial base, improved infrastructure and revised its economic legislation.

A Spanish Law Firm Looks at Collections

12/17/2007 - An ABC-Amega affiliate law firm provides valuable insights into handling commercial debt collection in Spain.

Taiwan

3/18/2004 - Having undergone transformation from an underdeveloped, agricultural economy, Taiwan is establishing itself as an economic power.

Turkey - Credit and Collections

10/24/2005 - Turkey's legal system was developed to maintain the secular nature of the country that emerged as a distinct entity in the aftermath of World War I. This article provides an overview with a focus on important areas of commercial law.

Poland

Fifteen years after the end of communist rule, Poland stands out as a success story among transition economies. Located at the crossroads between eastern and western Europe, it is a large potential market in the region.

Turkey

10/25/2005 - Turkey is a curious blend of the modern and the traditional. This avowedly secular country faces a number of challenges as it moves toward its over-arching goal of full membership in the European Union.

United Arab Emirates

6/25/2007 - Since the discovery of oil more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region to a modern state with a high standard of living.

United Kingdom

7/26/2005 - The fourth largest economy in the world, the United Kingdom is Europe’s leading business center and has the least restricted business environment within the European Union.

United States of America

8/29/2005 - Most are used to taking the largest economy in the world as a given when considering desirable opportunities for markets and investment. But what does the USA really look like from a country profile standpoint?

Venezuela

9/27/2007 - Venezuela's tentative political and economic environment suggests that organizations looking to do business in this Latin American country exercise caution as well as due diligence.

Venezuela Issues New Legal Requirements for Imports

08-29-08 - Sources indicate that recent legislation includes new requirements for packing products sold into Venezuela.

Whither the Yuan?

12/18/2003 - Could allowing the yuan to float be a key to stimulating US economic recovery by making US companies more competitive internationally? Hans Belcsak looks at how a floating yuan would effect the US, China and all of Asia.