| Dear Cindy Hsu,
Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian, beset by corruption scandals concerning his family, is under growing popular pressure to step down. As we argue in this week's feature article, a lack of viable alternatives may prevent his ouster. But if he stays, Taiwan will be saddled with a lame-duck president with nearly two years left to serve.
Shinzo Abe is virtually guaranteed to succeed Junichiro Koizumi as Japan's prime minister when the ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds its leadership election later this month. It is also clear that he will have difficulty keeping up the reformist momentum that characterised Mr Koizumi's tenure--not least because of the busy election schedule facing the country over the next two years.
Also this week, we analyse the bizarre collapse of the government in Cote d'Ivoire, over a toxic waste scandal; and we examine the political and economic context behind plans to widen the Panama Canal. In addition, we assess Georgia's claim to be the world's most-improved business environment; decode the messages behind the bombing of the US embassy in Damascus; and look forward to Sweden's parliamentary election.
How do these issues effect you business? Please let me know at: Editoria...@eiu.com
Best regards,
Robin Bew
Editorial Director and Chief Economist & Director, Risk Services
Editoria...@eiu.com
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Taiwan: Lamer duck |
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Reuters | Even if protests against Chen Shui-bian do not force him from office, the president won't be able to get much done.
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Japan: Abe's challenge |
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Reuters | Shinzo Abe is a shoo-in to replace Junichiro Koizumi in this month's leadership election for the governing LDP, but taking his job is not the same as taking his mantle.
Risk overview
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Cote d'Ivoire: Toxic shock |
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UN | Cote d'Ivoire is minus a government at present. It doesn't seem to be making much difference.
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Panama: Canal plan |
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PanCanal | President Martin Torrijos's high approval ratings could help secure the go-ahead for a major expansion of the Panama Canal
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Georgia: Top marks |
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The World Bank says Georgia is the world's most improved business environment. But in reality, not everything is rosy.
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Syria: Whose martyrs? |
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The US embassy attack shows Syria's relevance in the war on terror, but what conclusions should be drawn?
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Sweden: Close call |
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Despite a Watergate-style scandal, the main parties are neck and neck ahead of the September 17th election.
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Special Notice
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World Investment Prospects to 2010: Boom or backlash?
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Will the recent upward trend in global foreign direct investment flows continue in the medium-term? What will be the impact of increasing geopolitical uncertainties on FDI? Which countries will offer the most attractive business environments over the medium term?
You'll find the answers to these and other key questions in World investment prospects to 2010: Boom or backlash?, the latest edition of the biannual executive report from the Economist Intelligence Unit available now. The report allows you to compare the environment for FDI in the world's 82 leading economies that account for more than 95% of the world's GDP and FDI flows. with concise, forward-looking country profiles.
Or download a free special edition of the report (without the detailed country specific analysis)
here
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The Next Generation: Progress in core banking technology
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At many large banks, core banking systems have aged, raising questions about the ability of these systems to support growth plans. In this webcast, you'll hear how the world's most sophisticated banks are looking to re-develop core systems to improve customer service, roll out new products quickly and comply with regulations.
Join two industry-leading panelists - Simon McNamara, Group CIO at Westpac Banking Corporation, and Aubrey Hawes, Manager at Oracle's Financial Services Industry area as they discuss the latest developments in core banking systems.
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From Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Technology Forum
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Online and aloft: Inmarsat steps in |
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Boeing is giving up on its web access service for commercial airlines. Luckily for web-hungry travellers, Inmarsat is launching a rival service, says GTF's Danny Bradbury.
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Tell us what you think of our web-based services and win an iPod
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The internet has entered a new era of innovation, where users expect greater control in how they receive and share information and how they interact with one another. What will this mean for users and providers of business web services?
We are conducting this survey to get your feedback on our current web-based information services, and to explore areas for future development and improvement. Our goal is to provide you with the analysis you need to make cross-border decisions, in a format that meets your needs.
The survey will take no more than 5 minutes to complete and will ensure that we meet your future needs. To show our appreciation, 5 respondents will be chosen at random to receive a free iPod.
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Great Expectations: The changing role of IT in the business
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CIOs and IT managers today face no shortage of challenges, from overseeing the convergence of voice and data networks to grappling with compliance, data security and tight spending budgets. Their jobs are set to become tougher: CEOs and boards expect information technology's mission to expand from cost cutting to revenue generation, and relatively quickly. This is among the major findings of a new Economist Intelligence Unit research programme, sponsored by Capgemini, Cisco Systems and SAP, on the evolution of IT's role within the business. The study is based on a global survey of 288 senior executives in both technology and business functions as well as in-depth interviews with senior IT executives.
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World Investment Service. Essential support for all your foreign investment decisions.
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To operate across borders, you need critical support for all your foreign investment decisions. World Investment Service features a detailed database containing flows of investment by country and industry, overseas mergers and acquisitions and business costs across the world's 60 largest economies. The service provides all the data, research and analysis that you need to support your investment decisions, from planning to monitoring. You can also access detailed FDI forecasts for the next five years and build your own investment-orientated country reports.
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Country Reports - political and economic analysis for nearly 200 countries
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Country Reports show you how national, regional and global events will affect your business in the short to medium term. Each report examines and explains the issues shaping the countries in which you operate covering the political scene, economic policy, the domestic economy and foreign trade and payments. Concise 18-24-month forecasts complement the analysis.
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Banking Compliance Roundtable: Controlling risk, improving effectiveness
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September 28th 2006 :: Hong Kong
SarbOx, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, Basel II … these are tough times for chief compliance officers. In the glare of corporate and even public spotlights, they must now scrutinise not just how they achieve compliance, but how they measure the overall effectiveness of their programmes. With participation limited to just 20 senior executives, and no registration fees sought, the emphasis is on candid, peer-to-peer discussion and the frank exchange of ideas. To find out more: Call: (852) 2585 3312; E-mail:
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European Telecommunications Conference: Positioning for tomorrow's competitive environment
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October 18th 2006::The Radisson Mayfair::London
Convergence and consolidation create new opportunities for incumbents and entrants alike. But "sheer confidence" isn't enough to ensure that players spend their time, money and attention to the best effect. Explore the key issues facing telecoms today and in the future. The discussion seeded by top industry figures will thrash out the priorities and explore the myths.
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Banking Technology Roundtable: Driving the future of commerce |
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Sponsored by Oracle
Modular systems, Service-oriented Architecture, incremental improvements: these frame the new banking technology paradigm. But does this new, evolutionary approach meet business needs, from acquisitions to globalised operations? And, critically, how far do CIO opinions of IT capability align with those of their C-suite counterparts?
October 18th 2006 :: Shanghai
November 9th 2006 :: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi
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Doing business with Russia - Russia's changing place in the global economy
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October 27th 2006:: Mandarin Oriental :: London
Powerhouse Russia is open for business and rapidly shifting the centre of Europe's financial gravity. An established player with a modern business infrastructure, dynamic entrepreneurial class and abundant natural resources, Russia has quickly re-emerged as a member of the community of nations with organisations prepared to build effective working relationships. It's one of the biggest economic stories of our times. Whether that story is one of opportunity or threat depends on our strategic response - and our willingness to engage with the key issues.
Join our experts for the crucial conference on Russia. As our neighbour rejoins and revitalises the global scene, new wealth looks for new paths. Make sure you're in the right place
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Economist Intelligence Unit
26 Red Lion Square London WC1R 4HQ United Kingdom
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