It is from the specific request of President Bush that the Finance Ministers of the G7 will discuss this topic today. These funds, which aim at increasing the currency reserves of countries of the Near East and Asia, are on one’s way to becoming major actors of capital markets and in the middle of the financial disequilibrium touching the global economy. Rodrigo de Rato, the IMF director, is to give an evaluation of the importance of these funds which are nothing less than “the States’ assets in foreign currency”. Whereas these assets were invested in State obligations they are now seeking more offensive investments, confirmed by the new participation of the Chinese into Blackstone. Some twenty countries have created a Sovereign Wealth Fund until today and another half are thinking about it. According to Simon Johnson, the economist in chief of the IMF, “in 1990, these funds had a value of maximum 500 billion dollars, they are estimated at 3000 billion dollars and could reach 10 000 billion dollar by 2012, considering the probable evolution of checking accounts”.
Posted in Uncategorized | Author: Henry | Date: October, 19 2007| No Comments »
The landscape of social networks is currently dominated by Facebook. Apart from its predominant position (and its exponential growth), Facebook is, in theory, sheltered from its other rivals (MySpace, Hi5). In theory because new social networks are emerging on the market proposing new meeting and exchange areas whose targets are much more precise. New vertical social networks are appearing, bumping into networks such as Linkedin, Xing or Viadeo. The reason? They are aiming at jobs not or quasi not covered by these networks reputed to be elitist. Hairflix is aimed at hairdressing and beauty professionals, MilitaryNetworks at soldiers, Sermo at health professionals and researchers, Zolve to real estate… But it is the most obvious that the total number of members of these vertical social networks does not exceed the number of members of Facebook.
Posted in Community | Author: Henry | Date: October, 18 2007| No Comments »
Italians have the record for exhibitions subsidies. The italian governement provides its companies with 76 millions euros to participate to trade fairs.
Second place for Germans with 40 millions euros, followed by UK with a 28 millions euros envelop.
France gets around 10 millions euros…
Posted in Uncategorized | Author: Henry | Date: July, 16 2007| No Comments »
The World Bank released on May 29, 2007 its report on Global Development Finance (go to site). World growth is expected to slowdown in 2007 (3.3%) as compared to 2006 (4%). Net private capital flows to developing countries reached a record $647 billion in 2006. For the coming three years, expected growth is estimated at: 8.2% for East Asia, 7.5% for South Asia, 5.8% for Developing Europe as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, 4.6% for Middle East, and North Africa and 4.3% for Latin America.
Posted in Analysis | Author: Matthieu | Date: June, 18 2007| No Comments »
“The second phase of the Internet is how collaboration and Web 2.0 tools will forever change business… We see the next wave of productivity re-accelerating around the world… Our world’s ability to collaborate will determine the future of companies or countries”, proclaimed Mr. Chambers, CEO of Cisco, on May 22nd. We share the same vision and this goes in particular for international business, where Swensee is positioned.
Posted in Community | Author: Matthieu | Date: June, 11 2007| No Comments »
WORLD TRADE 2006, PROSPECTS FOR 2007
Risks lie ahead following stronger trade in 2006, WTO reports
Risks in financial and property markets and large trade imbalances in goods and services mean increased uncertainty in 2007 and raise the prospect of weaker economic and trade expansion in the coming year, according to WTO economists. “A successful conclusion to the Doha Round holds great potential for boosting growth and alleviating poverty,” Director-General Pascal Lamy said. “An agreement would also deliver more relevant trade rules, helping to establish a more stable and certain foundation for today’s dynamic global marketplace.”
Posted in Analysis | Author: Henry | Date: June, 3 2007| No Comments »
Thalys and the Regus Group announce the signing of a partnership that enables members of Thalys’ Cybelys program to access Regus’ 950 business centers located in 70 countries throughout the world.
Posted in Events | Author: Matthieu | Date: May, 22 2007| No Comments »
Swensee is launching a worldwide survey to analyse the geographical trends in international trade and measure precisely the collaborative potential within a business community.
After processing the data, the Global Trade Trends Report will be issued and made available on this site or sent to you if you leave your mail address.
You can answer to the survey down below or here. Do not hesitate to transmit this information to your business network.
Go to Global Trade Trends Report
Posted in Events | Author: Matthieu | Date: May, 15 2007| No Comments »
The EU has decided to allocate €11 billion for the next 5 years under the IPA program in favor of candidates and potential candidates for membership to the EU. Will benefit from this technical assistance program the following countries: Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo.
Get more info…
Posted in Analysis | Author: Matthieu | Date: May, 12 2007| No Comments »
According to the British Office of National Statistics, 2006 was a record year for British-Polish trade which grew by over 72% compared to 2005.
The fastest-growing categories of Polish exports were electric and electronic products, food and cars.
Posted in Analysis | Author: Matthieu | Date: May, 8 2007| No Comments »