...investment prospects and fiscal growth. A rise in the budget deficit of the U.S. government causes a rise in actual interest rates. Capital inflows affect such trade balances for example, if the U.S. economy offers better investment opportunities than other nations, the country’s capital flow will increase significantly. With flexible exchange system, the capital inflow tends to increase the value of the U.S dollar in correlation to other currencies. This rise in value of the dollar consequently makes U.S. exports rather less appealing to foreigners and U.S. imports become relatively less expensive; thus, net exports go down. Since 2008, the global economy has gone through significant changes influencing crosscutting growth in all the regions. However, Africa has been resilient in the face adverse challenges such as domestic conflict, worldwide headwinds, and internal supply shocks. Thus, Africa has experienced robust economical growth over the past decade. Africa’s fiscal growth has drastically increased over the past decade. This robust economic growth has seen the continent become a hub of new commercial vibrancy. Figure 1.0 below illustrates Africa’s GDP trends between the years 2001 and 2012, with projections for 2013-2014. The figure illustrates an average growth of Africa’s economic performance since the year 2001, averaging above 5%. It also approximates the growth of North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa averaging at 4.5% and 5.6% respectively. 1n 2011, Africa experienced...
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...1. Introduction Rural development is South Africa’s priority to achieving the millennium development goals (MDGs). The millennium development goals aim at cutting poverty by 50% by the year 2015. In South Africa about 40% of the country’s population resides in rural areas and they directly or indirectly depend on the land that they live in. Agriculture plays a significant role in the country’s economy, contributing in 2000 about 2.9% of GDP, 10% of formal employment and 10% of the total value of exports. Agriculture as a percentage of GDP has decreased over past four decades, currently contributing around 2%. This implies that the economy is maturing, moving towards the secondary and tertiary sectors. However, farming remains vitally important to the economy with 638 000 people formally employed (Statistics SA, 2012 Q2) – although it’s estimated that around 8,5-million people are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture for their employment and income. However, global climate change will affect the government’s efforts to alleviate poverty and fast-track development in rural areas. Definition of terms Global warming: refers to the increased temperature of Earth's surface, including land, water and near-surface air. Climate change: means a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods (UNFCCC)...
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...Global Employment Trends 2012 Preventing a deeper jobs crisis INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE • GENEVA Copyright © International Labour Organization 2012 First published 2012 Publications of the International Labour Office enjoy copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless, short excerpts from them may be reproduced without authorization, on condition that the source is indicated. For rights of reproduction or translation, application should be made to ILO Publications (Rights and Permissions), International Labour Office, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland, or by email: pubdroit@ilo.org. The International Labour Office welcomes such applications. Libraries, institutions and other users registered with reproduction rights organizations may make copies in accordance with the licences issued to them for this purpose. Visit www.ifrro.org to find the reproduction rights organization in your country. Global Employment Trends 2012 / International Labour Office – Geneva: ILO, 2012 1 v. ISBN 978-92-2-124924-5 (print) ISBN 978-92-2-124925-2 (web pdf) International Labour Office employment / unemployment / labour force participation / economic recession / developed countries / developing countries 13.01.3 Also available in French, Tendances mondiales de l’emploi 2012 (978-92-2-224924-4), Geneva, 2012, and Spanish, Tendencias Mundiales del Empleo 2012 (978-92-2-324924-3), Geneva, 2012. ILO Cataloguing in Publication Data The designations employed...
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...into a global happening or product. According to the governing body of football, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, “The FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa is an international event with great historic importance to the African continent. It will be the first FIFA World Cup ever to be hosted in Africa since the competition began in 1934, and I am convinced that Africa is ready to welcome this momentous FIFA World Cup with open arms. I am also convinced that the host nation, South Africa, will be up to the task, not least because it has abundant potential and resources (#1)” Given all of this information, one cannot deny that the World Cup is an obvious example of globalization, and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be Africa’s greatest display of Globalization to date. In order to accurately access South Africa as a site for a huge international event such as the World Cup 2010, one must first look at the various social problems that are existent in South Africa. When looking at any African country, the fact that most African countries have only been independent for less than a century must be factored into any assessment. The majority of African countries have a number of social problems caused by cultural conflicts between ethnic groups that were drawn into the same country, lack of governmental organization, and a number of other factors. Although a number of African countries have had conflicts that have resulted in civil war, South Africa’s...
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...SPENDING INTENTIONS AROUND THE WORLD 91 Global consumer confidence index declined three points to 91 • Discretionary spending and saving decreased globally across all sectors • More than two-thirds (67%) of respondents changed spending habits to save on expenses • Concern for the economy and job security remained Global consumer confidence declined three index points to 91 in Q2 2012 amid a worsening Euro zone crisis, lackluster U.S. job growth and China’s downward GDP revision for 2012, according to consumer confidence findings from Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy. “Consumers are clearly proceeding with caution in relation to their spending intentions,” said Dr. Venkatesh Bala, chief economist at The Cambridge Group, a part of Nielsen. “Consumer confidence lost momentum in the second quarter as global events, including a worsening Euro zone crisis coupled with slowing growth rates in China and India, impacted financial markets and consumer sentiment in many parts of the world. As renewed volatility entered global markets, consumers reacted by reining in spending and consumption intentions.” In the latest round of the survey, conducted between May 4 and May 21, 2012, consumer confidence declined three points to 100 in Asia Pacific, four points to 88 in North America, and two points to 96 in Latin America. An increase of one point each in Middle East/Africa (98) and Europe (73) was reported. Overall...
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...------------------------------------------------- Top of Form Bottom of Form * UK Essays * Services * Instant Price * Order Now * Essays * Dissertations * Guarantees * Contact * ECONOMICS The economics essay below has been submitted to us by a student in order to help you with your studies. ------------------------------------------------- Top of Form Bottom of Form Back to Subject Index 1. UKEssays 2. Essays 3. Economics 4. Analysis Of The Emerging Country South Africa Economics Essay Print Reference This Reddit This Tweet Analysis Of The Emerging Country South Africa Economics Essay In the following pages we will analyze the place of South Africa in International Trade. In order to do so we will analyze the background of the country, develop PESTLE analysis, look at the balance of payments as well as trade balance, examine exchange trade policy and growth rate of the economy. In conclusion we will provide forecast for country's development. Today South Africa's trade and industrial policy is moving away from a highly protected, inward looking economy towards an internationally competitive economy, capitalizing on its competitive and comparative advantages. From the period of apartheid, it has made great progress in dismantling its old economic system, which was based on import substitution, high tariffs and subsidies, anticompetitive behavior, and extensive government intervention in the economy. The leadership has moved to reduce the...
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...weak levels in Europe Inflation and unemployment trends are on divergent paths across major economies Net capital flows and net financial exposures (width of arrows proportional to amounts in billions of U.S. dollars) Developing country activity is strengthening but at a modest pace Manufacturing surveys are pointing to continued expansion in East Asia and South Asia Output gaps remain small in most developing regions Capital flows have recovered strongly after a steep fall in February Currency depreciations were more modest during the winter turmoil among countries that reduced external imbalances Distribution of changes in developing country bilateral exchange rates with the US$ Most developing country equity markets have fully recouped losses since mid-2013 Borrowing costs have fallen since the start of the year for developing countries Metal prices have extended their falls while food prices have turned up Commodity exporters have suffered significant terms of trade losses over the past year If 2014 is an El Niño year, global grain yields could suffer, pushing up prices The contribution of high income countries to global trade volumes will more than double China is a major export destination for many developing countries Growth in East Asia has remained robust despite a slowing in China, its main trading partner Default...
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...Full Report can be downloaded at: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/wesp/index.shtml World Economic Situation and Prospects Executive Summary 2012 1 Executive Summary Global economic prospects for 2012 and 2013 The world economy is on the brink of another major downturn The world economy is teetering on the brink of another major downturn. Output growth has already slowed considerably during 2011 and anaemic growth is expected during 2012 and 2013. The problems stalking the global economy are multiple and interconnected. The most pressing challenges lie in addressing the continued jobs crisis and declining prospects for economic growth, especially in the developed countries. As unemployment remains high, at nearly 9 per cent, and incomes stagnate, the recovery is stalling in the short run owing to the lack of aggregate demand. But, as more and more workers are out of a job for a long period, especially young workers, medium-term growth prospects will also suffer because of the detrimental effect on workers’ skills and experience. The rapidly cooling economy has been both a cause and an effect of the sovereign debt crisis in the euro area, and of fiscal problems elsewhere. The sovereign debt crises in a number of European countries worsened further in 2011 and aggravated weaknesses in the banking sector. Even bold steps by the Governments of the euro area countries to reach an orderly sovereign debt workout for Greece have been met with continued financial...
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...As gasoline prices increase and the environment becomes unstable, people will begin to look for other modes to power their automobiles. One of those modes is know as hybrid power. A vehicle is considered a hybrid when it combines two or more sources of power. For example, a mo-ped (a motorized pedal bike) is a type of hybrid because it combines the power of a gasoline engines with the pedal power of the rider. Hybrid vehicles are an alternative being used to decrease the emissions of vehicles and to decrease the amount of fossil fuels being used. Hybrid vehicles also cost less to operate because of the decreased fuel usage. The gasoline-electric hybrid car is a cross between a gasoline-powered car and an electric car. Hybrid vehicles are all around us. Most of the locomotives we see pulling trains are diesel-electric hybrids. According too How Cars Work, Cities like Seattle have diesel-electric buses these can draw electric power from overhead wires or run on diesel when they are away from the wires. There are two kinds of hybrids. The parallel hybrid has a fuel tank which supplies gasoline to the engine. But it also has a set of batteries that supplies power to an electric motor. Both the engine and the electric motor can turn the transmission at the same time, and the transmission then turns the wheels. In a parallel hybrid, both the electric motor and the gas engine can provide propulsion power. The other type is a series hybrid. In the series hybrid the gasoline engine turns...
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...Into Africa Institutional investor intentions to 2016 An Invest AD report written by the Economist Intelligence Unit Into Africa Institutional investor intentions to 2016 Contents Foreword 2 Preface 3 About this research 4 Key findings 5 I. Introduction: a North-South role reversal 6 II. A hopeful decade: Africa’s changing image 8 III. Barriers to investment 11 IV. The new investment case for Africa 15 V. Investor perceptions versus market reality in key markets 18 Conclusion 20 Appendix: survey results 21 1 © Economist Intelligence Unit Limited 2012 Into Africa Institutional investor intentions to 2016 Foreword Africa is no longer a leap of faith Even well informed observers have written off Africa as riven by war, corruption and poverty, but since the emergence of China and India as economic growth engines, many are now asking whether this continent of one billion people can also achieve its own “economic miracle” . These are still early days but there is no doubting the promising signs, politically and economically. At a time of huge change, societies are showing that they can adapt, on the whole, peacefully. In the last year, Nigeria, Tunisia, Zambia and Rwanda have held elections hailed as free and fair by international observers, while a referendum created the new nation of South Sudan. Along with greater political stability, has come policy continuity and improved ...
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...| International Business Strategy Report | Mac’s in South Africa | | 4/2/2012 | | Introduction Mac’s Convenience Store Inc. is the largest operator in all of Canada. They offer popular food products and are operated by Couche-Tard. After dominating the Canadian market, Couche-Tard decided to further their market expansion into the United States market and became the second largest convenience chain in North America. Mac’s is such a successful operator simply because they are able to tailor their products and services to the local tastes and needs of the market. Also, Mac’s strong financial position and ability to create value for its shareholders, has increased its feasibility of expanding into the global market. International expansion into South Africa is a promising opportunity for Mac’s. However, South Africa has encountered numerous political barriers from the development of the Apartheid System in 1948 to1994, where non-white inhabitants were stripped of their rights. This unstable environment inhibited their ability to remain competitive and attractive on a global scale. A revolution occurred, as South Africans currently reside in a democracy, and business affairs are expanding through the current development of the Grand Free Trade Area (seeking to improve trade relations). International business can be conducted in a similar manner to Canadian business exchanges due to the newly established legal system, minimized corruption, and strictly regulated...
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...Capital Markets Consultative Group September 2003 This report reflects the views of private sector participants in a working group examining the determinants, trends and prospects of foreign direct investment (FDI) in emerging market countries. The views expressed should not be attributed to the staff and management of HSBC, members of the CMCG, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. -2- Contents Page Main Findings ..........................................................................................................................3 I. II. III. Introduction....................................................................................................................10 Overview of FDI in EMCs.............................................................................................14 Motivation, Location, and Decision-Making.................................................................15 A. Motivation ...............................................................................................................15 B. Locational Determinants of FDI..............................................................................16 C. Decision-Making .....................................................................................................19 Financing, Global Conditions, and Managing FDI Risks..............................................21 A. Financing Business Ventures in Emerging Markets ..........................................
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...Banking and Financial Systems SOUTH AFRICA [pic] | | Summary Introduction page 3 I) Executive Summary. page 4 II) The Financial System: page 4 A) The Banking System page 5 B) The Financial Market page 7 III) The Legal Side: page 7 A) Legal Framework page 7 B) Regulatory Oversight page 8 IV) Depository-Taking Institutions. page 9 V) Banking Issues and Challenges Prospect. page 10 Conclusion page 12 Sources page 12 Annexes page 13 Introduction For years ago, South Africa has been facing a lot of racial, political and demographic problems. On the first hand, this country must face these elements and on the other hand it must still working to become a powerful economic country in the world. With this report we are going to develop the Financial System of South Africa which is a key sector in the country. The South Africa Gross Domestic Product is worth 277 billion dollars or 0.45% of the world economy, according to the World Bank. While it contracted 2.80% over the last 4 quarters, the economy was expected to move back into growth in the last quarter of the year and GDP growth of 1.5% is forecast for 2010, rising to 3.2% by 2012. South Africa has a two-tiered economy; one rivaling other developed countries and the other one with only the most basic infrastructure...
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...Discussion Paper No. 2009/01 The Financial Crisis of 2008 and the Developing Countries Wim Naudé* January 2009 Abstract Following the financial crisis that broke in the US and other Western economies in late 2008, there is now serious concern about its impact on the developing countries. The world media almost daily reports scenarios of gloom and doom, with many predicting a deep global recession. This paper critically discusses this and concludes that as far as the developing countries are concerned, a bit more optimism may be warranted. Although without doubt there are particular countries that will be adversely affected, there will also be countries that may be less affected, may avoid recession, and may recover sooner than expected. Six major reasons for this conclusion are discussed. Without this resilience in the developing world, prospects for the world’s richer countries would be much bleaker. Finally, some options available to the developing countries for minimizing the impact of the crisis are discussed. The crisis accentuates the urgent need for accelerating financial development in developing countries, both through domestic financial deepening, domestic resource mobilization, and reform of the international financial system. Keywords: financial crisis, developing countries, development finance, financial development JEL classification: F34, F35, G14, O16 Copyright © UNU-WIDER 2009 * UNU-WIDER, Helsinki, Finland, email: wim@wider.unu.edu This study has been prepared...
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...RETHINKING THE (EUROPEAN) FOUNDATIONS OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION: A POLITICAL ECONOMY ESSAY by Peter Draper Research area: African Economic Outlook September 2010 Working Paper No. 293 Rethinking the (European) Foundations of Sub-Saharan African Regional Economic Integration: A Political Economy Essay DEV/DOC(2010)10 2 © OECD 2010 DEVELOPMENT CENTRE WORKING PAPERS This series of working papers is intended to disseminate the Development Centre’s research findings rapidly among specialists in the field concerned. These papers are generally available in the original English or French, with a summary in the other language. Comments on this paper would be welcome and should be sent to the OECD Development Centre, 2 rue André Pascal, 75775 PARIS CEDEX 16, France; or to dev.contact@oecd.org. Documents may be downloaded from: http://www.oecd.org/dev/wp or obtained via e-mail (dev.contact@oecd.org). THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED AND ARGUMENTS EMPLOYED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE AUTHOR AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE OECD OR OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF ITS MEMBER COUNTRIES ©OECD (2010) Applications for permission to reproduce or translate all or part of this document should be sent to rights@oecd.org CENTRE DE DÉVELOPPEMENT DOCUMENTS DE TRAVAIL Cette série de documents de travail a pour but de diffuser rapidement auprès des spécialistes dans les domaines concernés les résultats des travaux de recherche du Centre...
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