Venezuela’s Socialists Embrace Business
February 26th, 2020
Courtesy of The New York Times, a look at how, after decades of socialist-style control devastated the economy, capitalism is back in Venezuela, helping keep the country afloat — and Nicolás Maduro in power: As Venezuela tumbled deeper into economic crisis in 2017 and its people searched for a way out, one name kept coming up: […]
Read more »How Iran and Turkey Compete in Central Asian Trade
February 26th, 2020
Via The Diplomat, an article on how Iran and Turkey Compete in Central Asian trade: Since 2014, Iran has pivoted toward Eurasia in an obvious shift in strategy. Signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) was the first serious step in this shift of focus. Two Central Asian states, Kazakhstan […]
Read more »China’s Belt and Road Detours Downstream in Myanmar
February 23rd, 2020
Via The Asia Times, a report that China is looking to the Irrawaddy River as alternative trade route as its high-speed rail plan stalls: Ethnic wars, security concerns and official foot-dragging have all conspired to stall China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) plan to build a high-speed railroad from its southwest down through Myanmar’s volatile northern […]
Read more »Promising Emerging Markets For 2020
February 16th, 2020
Via Atradius, a report on the most promising emerging market opportunities in 2020: Summary Despite ongoing trade disputes and increased geopolitical uncertainty, there remain several bright spots for export opportunities in emerging markets Brazil, Colombia, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Senegal and Vietnam shine in 2020 as markets with strong growth prospects and limited vulnerability […]
Read more »U.S. Faces Tough ‘Great Game’ Against China in Central Asia and Beyond
February 14th, 2020
Via The New York Times, commentary on how the Trump administration sees former Soviet republics in the heart of Asia as critical battlegrounds in the struggle with China over global influence: Inside the ancient walls of the Silk Road oasis town of Khiva, China has put down a marker of its geopolitical ambitions. A sign promotes a […]
Read more »Bangladesh: Will Congested Ports Choke Its Economy?
February 14th, 2020
Courtesy of STRAFOR (subscription required), a look at how Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain the country’s explosive economic growth will require updating its overburdened trade infrastructure — opening opportunities for China, India and Japan: To maintain its status as one of Asia’s most promising emerging markets, Bangladesh is pursuing an ambitious infrastructure overhaul — and its […]
Read more »Focusing primarily on The New Seven Sisters - the largely state owned petroleum companies from the emerging world that have become key players in the oil & gas industry as identified by Carola Hoyos, Chief Energy Correspondent for The Financial Times - but spanning other nascent opportunities around the globe that may hold potential in the years ahead, Wildcats & Black Sheep is a place for the adventurous to contemplate & evaluate the emerging markets of tomorrow.