China’s Demand for Durian Is Creating Fortunes in Southeast Asia
June 17th, 2024
Courtesy of the New York Times, a report on how demand for durian – known for its rich taste and intense smell – has reshaped parts of Southeast Asia, where it has long been a staple: Before he started a company 15 years ago selling the world’s smelliest fruit, Eric Chan had a well-paying job […]
Read more »As China Scrambles for Zimbabwe’s Lithium, Small Miners Are Left Behind
June 16th, 2024
Via Al Jazeera, an article on how small miners in Zimbabwe are impacted by China’s growing role in the market: On a winter’s morning in Shamva, in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland Central province, Brenda, a single mother of three, is on the hunt for lithium ore. The 39-year-old, who asked that only her first name be used, […]
Read more »Uganda Doubles Oil-Industry Budget as Start of Production Nears
June 16th, 2024
Via Bloomberg, an article on Uganda’s decision to increase its oil industry budget: Uganda more than doubled its annual budget for the oil and gas industry as it moves closer to the start of production, targeted for the next financial year. The government allocated 920.9 billion shillings ($246 million) to the sector for the year […]
Read more »Qatar Airways To Take Control Of RwandAir
June 16th, 2024
Prior to the pandemic Qatar Airways was looking at taking a 49% stake in RwandAir after already having invested in and taken control of the Kigali airport. The plan was to improve RwandAir’s systems and quality, and bring them into oneworld although it was not clear at the time whether the airline would become a full or ‘connect’ […]
Read more »China’s Dependency On Potash Imports Could Give Tiny Laos Rare Leverage
June 16th, 2024
Via Eurasia Review, commentary that China’s dependency on potash imports could give Laos rare leverage: Let’s start with the good news – potentially great news, in fact – for Southeast Asia: Laos could be sitting on 10 billion tons of potash, one of the three main fertilizers used in global agriculture. In 2022, a subsidiary […]
Read more »China Eyes Sea of Japan Access via Russia-North Korea Border River
June 14th, 2024
Via Nikkei Asia, a report on a proposal that China could access the Sea of Japan via a Russia-North Korea border river: China, Russia and North Korea are expected to start discussions soon about allowing ships to navigate a border river into the Sea of Japan, which could have major security implications for Tokyo. The […]
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.