Afghan-Sino Relations
September 19th, 2011
Via Afghan Lord, a detailed review of Afghan-Chinese relations: “…It is said that the Afghan-Chinese relationship goes back to the seventh century when Chinese monks traveled through Silk Road to visit the Buddha statues in Bamyian, blown up by Taliban in 2001. The Silk Road was not only used for a pilgrimage purpose, but also […]
Read more »Russia Uses Energy to Elicit Tajik Security Concessions
September 15th, 2011
Courtesy of STRATFOR (subscription required), an interesting report on how Russia continues to use energy prices to pressure Tajikistan to become more compliant in security matters. As the article notes: “…Gas stations run by a Gazprom affiliate that operates in Tajikistan only have two to three days’ worth of high-octane fuel left, Asia-Plus reported Sept. […]
Read more »Venecuba
September 14th, 2011
Via The Financial Times, an interesting article on the tight relationship between Cuba and Venezuela” “…When Hugo Chávez recently took his third round of chemotherapy, the Venezuelan president opted to do so in Caracas rather than in Havana, where he had received previous treatments for his undisclosed type of cancer. For some, this was a […]
Read more »Pipeline Politics: Russia’s Nord Stream Blows Cold Air On Ukraine’s Negotiating Position
September 8th, 2011
Via STRATFOR (subscription required), thoughtful analysis on the impact that Russia’s now operational Nord Stream natural gas pipeline will have upon ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia over natural gas prices. As the article notes: Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yuri Boyko stated Sept. 7 that Ukraine opposes a merger between its state energy […]
Read more »Provincial China: Growing Up
September 8th, 2011
Via The Emerging Markets Insight blog, a detailed look at forecasted GDP growth rates for provincial China: China’s underground financial market has grown at an exponential rate to meet demand from credit-hungry small & medium enterprises. Unlicensed loan companies have mushroomed across the country with a high concentration in the Yangtze and Pearl Delta areas, […]
Read more »Indonesia: Fastest-Growing Rich List
September 8th, 2011
Courtesy of The Financial Times, an interesting report on rise of high net worth individuals in Indonesia in the short term: “…The sight of a bright red Ferrari being delivered in Jakarta is still something that attracts attention. But not for long. The number of high net worth individuals will triple in Indonesia to nearly 100,000 […]
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.