Global demand for Ukraine's natural resources has fueled an economic boom.
Financial turmoil clouds the short-term outlook, but a strong industrial base,
confident consumers and infrastructure investments will help weather the storm.
Since its inception in 2001, the BusinessWeek European
Leadership Forum (ELF) has fi rmly established itself as the premier
opportunity to hear directly from the most successful and
infl uential opinion-shapers in Europe.
Wal-Mart is China's biggest export client, so when the
giant retailer recently summoned 1,000 of its vendors
to an environmental summit in Beijing, the invitation was
taken seriously.
Innovations in digital technology are
staples of modern science fiction.
From the Jetsons' automated home
to the video walls of "Total Recall" to
the painting-sized touch screens of
"Minority Report," outlandish technological
advances are presented in TV
shows and film with such verisimilitude
that one could swear--albeit with a wink
and crossed fingers--that they were
right around the corner.
Record economic growth and rising investor confidence are threatened by an
infrastructure that is not yet fit for purpose. A massive government spending
program will create the basis for sustained economic expansion.
Indonesia is reaping the benefits of surging global prices for its abundant natural
resources. At 6.3%, Economic growth last year was the strongest in a decade.
To maintain momentum, resource suppliers are moving up the value chain.
And the government is focused on ambitious infrastructure development.
The Dutch island territory of Sint Maarten may soon achieve autonomous status,
marking a new chapter and a host of new opportunities for the Caribbean destination.
Across america, companies are finding innovative ways
to turn green technology ideas into greenbacks. Some
rely on new and mind-blowing technologies, others on sheer
common sense.
Record tourist arrivals owe much to savvy marketing. A shift in focus toward
lucrative niche markets and promotion closer to home have paid dividends.
And multibillion-dollar developments hint at the sector's potential.
Buildings are monuments to progress. We're now at
the point where how to build a structure is no longer
the question. So it is no wonder that excitement in
the building sector has less to do with building big
than with the big idea of environmental sustainability.
The Czech economy continues to be among the region's most buoyant, boasting
rising investment and robust growth. Sweeter still, investors have rediscovered the
country's appeal as a hub for innovation and R&D.
A decade after the Asian financial crisis brought Indonesia to its knees, the
economy is resurgent. Indonesians opted for democratic government, painful
reforms and sound economic policies, and are reaping the rewards. While
challenges remain, Southeast Asia's biggest economy is booming.
With dozens of magazine covers and news
features, television shows, books, products,
feature films, and even a Nobel
Peace Prize, climate change was undoubtedly
the topic of the moment in 2007.
Sustained growth and sound fundamentals are prompting investors to look
anew at the Philippines. What's more, economic expansion is seemingly immune
to the country's lively politics. Is lasting prosperity now a reality?
Copyright 2005 - 2008, by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
