- http://www.thomaswhite.com/ Thomas White International Copyright (C) Thomas White International. All rights reserved. Thomas White RSS Generator - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/sergio-marchionne.aspx First Sergio Marchionne altered the destiny of Swiss firm SGS for the better, and then he wielded his magic on the fortunes of Fiat. Since then, he has become something of an iconic savior in the automotive industry. With ailing Chrysler limping in June 2009, all eyes focused on the CEO of Fiat in anticipation of a miraculous rescue again. 9 March 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/postcard/2010/spain-cajas.aspx Just last year, alarm bells began ringing loud and clear in Spain when the Bank of Spain rushed to rescue Caja Castilla la Mancha with a €9 billion bailout. It marked the beginning of what has been a turbulent period for Spain’s traditional savings banks, known as cajas de ahorro. 5 March 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/green-report/2010/bloom-boxes-create-a-flutter.aspx When the tiny fuel cell driven power plant named Bloom Box was revealed for the first time on CBS news 60 Minutes, it tickled the curious nerve in everyone, sending search engine servers whirring overtime. 3 March 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/europe.aspx Economic activity in the Euro-zone virtually came to a standstill in the fourth quarter of 2009, as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the 16-member bloc as well as the 27-member European Union (EU), expanded by 0.1% compared to a 0.4% growth in the previous quarter. 2 March 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/george-papandreou.aspx The chief protagonist in a Greek drama that has been unfolding over the last several months, George Papandreou, Prime Minister of Greece, has been at the helm of an economy fast sinking in the quicksand of debt, expected to reach 120% of its GDP in 2010. 2 March 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/BRIC-spotlight/2010/russia-metals-and-mining.aspx The metals and mining sector in Russia is the country’s biggest private enterprise, and a bellwether for its economy. Though the industry’s fortunes depend much on the wild swings in commodity prices, raw-materials based exports remain the key to country’s economic growth. 27 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/postcard/2010/china-ebikes.aspx What do you do if your country is on the way to becoming one of the most polluted places on earth? Do you reek in the smoke of a million cars or do you search for alternatives? The Chinese, it seems, prefer to search for alternatives, turning to electric bicycles for a green salvation. 26 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/americas.aspx Even as the global recovery continues to gain strength, attention has shifted to some of the key long-term risks to growth. The most alarming is the worsening public debt in several economies, including the U.S. 25 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/asia-pacific.aspx In a new report titled the Global Economic Prospects 2010, the World Bank forecasts global gross domestic product (GDP), which fell by 2.2% in 2009, to grow 2.7% this year and 3.2% in 2011 on a purchasing power basis. China is expected to expand 9% this year, leading growth in East Asia and the Pacific. 24 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/middle-east-africa.aspx Economies of the Middle East performed well in the fourth quarter, particularly Israel and Egypt while South Africa continued on its path of growth, which began in December 2009. 24 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/postcard/2010/canada-real-estate.aspx Is Canada on the verge of a housing bubble? That is the question uppermost on the minds of most bankers and government officials in Canada. But it is a concern that Chinese investors are seemingly dismissing, as they rush to invest in Canada’s booming real estate. 19 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/green-report/2010/is-clean-coal-technology-a-viable-energy-alternative.aspx Although still in its infancy, Clean Coal Technology ensures that coal can still be used without creating catastrophic consequences. In the standoff between climate and coal, this method has snagged global attention, especially in the U.S. and China. 17 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/susilo-bambang-yudhoyono.aspx He was the first leader chosen by the people, and his ascension began a new progressive era that put an end to a dictatorial regime. And now, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of Indonesia, is building upon his legacy with his July 2009 second term re-election. 16 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2010/morocco-high-speed-train.aspx Morocco is changing its image as the land of spices and scents. The country is young, brash, and confident, as evidenced by fresh plans for a massive $2.47 billion investment towards a high-speed train link between Tangier and the economic capital of Casablanca. 12 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/BRIC-spotlight/2010/china-banking.aspx The banking sector in China has successfully helped the economy in combating the economic slowdown. Clocking a GDP growth rate of 8.7% in 2009, the Chinese economy boasts of world class banking institutions, positioned amongst top global banks. 11 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/irene-rosenfeld.aspx Salt and sweet, white and dark. Can these opposites, which are used to describe cheese and chocolate, effectively mix? With Irene Rosenfeld the CEO of Kraft Foods wielding the wand over the Kraft-Cadbury union, the improbable can happen. On January 20, 2010, Cadbury finally melted at Kraft’s offer to buy the company for $19 billion. 9 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2010/france-takes-on-google.aspx On January 7, France President Nicholas Sarkozy stunned the Internet world when he proposed an initiative known as the “Google Tax.” His idea? To tax online advertizing revenues from firms like Google, Yahoo, AOL, Facebook, and Yahoo! among others. It is an idea that evoked surprise, indignation, and scorn in the blogging sphere. 5 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/jurgen-stark.aspx Jurgen Stark, Member of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) executive board, has been, arguably, the voice of reason in the cacophony of diverse, and often unprecedented, policy-making throughout this global recession. He has emphasized a disciplined approach and a singular focus on controlling inflation. 2 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/americas.aspx The rising optimism that characterized the global recovery during the second half of last year has somewhat eased this month. Some of the recent policy changes and other developments have increased the risk of lower growth rates later this year. 1 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/europe.aspx Economic sentiment in the Euro-zone rose to its highest level in December in over 18 months. However, some mixed economic signals and divergent economic fortunes of its member-countries continued to cast a shadow on the pace and strength of its recovery. 1 February 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/middle-east-africa.aspx South Africa is on a path of recovery with decline in manufacturing slowing. Israel too continued to display strong signs of revival with the second consecutive rate hike. Egypt on the other hand is proposing a third stimulus package to boost its economy while Morocco is expected to grow at a slower pace than last year. 29 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/asia-pacific.aspx In a new study commissioned by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), it was pointed out that although Southeast Asian economies are shown to be recovering faster from the global recession, policy makers should continue to be vigilant in monitoring the recovery. 29 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2010/shanghai-new-financial-center.aspx For so long now, London has been one of the world’s most important banking centers. But times are changing. The world’s second-largest financial center may concede its place in the next 10 years to the new, confident, impatient city of Shanghai, according to a new survey by international law firm Eversheds. 29 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/tony-fernandes.aspx Tony Fernandes, CEO, of Malaysia based budget airline AirAsia, has been named the Airline CEO of the Year 2009 by Jane's Transport Finance magazine. 25 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2010/us-virtual-economy.aspx Spending $2 dollars to buy fertilizer for a virtual farm? Or $3 for decorating your virtual cafe? The idea seems so implausible to the average Internet user. Yet, that is precisely what thousands are doing on social networks like Facebook or MySpace through applications inviting the gamer to spend hard cash for virtual gains. 22 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/green-report/2010/europe-envisions-renewable-energy-supergrid.aspx Nine countries, namely Germany, Britain, France, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and Luxembourg, are uniting to build Europe’s first renewable energy supergrid. Energy ministers from these nations met in December 2009 to sign the North Seas’ Countries Offshore Grid Initiative even as the COP15 summit in Copenhagen was beginning. 20 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2010/south-africa-world-cup.aspx When South Africa kicks off the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg in June, it will mark the beginning of what will undoubtedly be an exciting and frenzied soccer tournament. But for the Rainbow Nation, it will bring to the test its long-held belief that the World Cup will promote the country’s economic growth. 15 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/jeff-bezos.aspx Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO of Amazon, graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in computer science and electrical engineering. The rest is history. Although some may argue, it might be safe to say that Jeff Bezos has been the progenitor of internet commerce. And, if he didn’t start e-commerce, he certainly wrote its playbook. 12 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/green-report/2010/denmark-paves-a-green-path.aspx The Ministry of Climate and Energy of Denmark calls it “The Danish Example.” This diminutive Nordic country has managed to maintain aggressive economic growth while at the same time promote energy efficiency and pare down carbon emissions. So it was to no one’s surprise that Denmark played host to the 15th high profile 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, simply known as Conference of the Parties (COP15). 8 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2010/italy-tax-amnesty.aspx Italian tax evaders declared as much as $137 billion after the government offered a tax amnesty for money parked illegally in offshore accounts. The unexpected windfall gives Silvio Berlusconi’s government an opportunity to utilize the tax revenues to stimulate a stuttering economy. 8 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/zhou-xiaochuan.aspx In what can be termed a bold move, Zhou Xiaochuan, the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, has called for the gradual replacement of the U.S. dollar as the world’s preferred currency. 6 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/postcard/2010/mexico-retail-industry.aspx Last year was not a particularly good one for Mexico. The global recession and swine flu battered the nation’s economy. Amid this gloom, Mexican retailers had been looking forward to the Christmas season. However, like the rest of the year, the holiday season too seems to have ended on a disappointing note. 4 January 2010 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/herman-van-rompuy.aspx Camera shy, soft-spoken and a poet. In this day and age of celebrity politics, these are hardly the characteristics of a politician. But Herman Van Rompuy, elected in November 2009 as permanent President of the European Council to the EU, is a brilliant paradox. 15 December 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2009/russia-time-zones.aspx At his annual address to the Kremlin assembly in November, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev touched upon several issues, but there was one topic in particular that stirred up talk in Internet forums, and one bound to lead to endless debates. Should Russia tinker with its 11 renowned time zones? 11 December 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/jeffrey-immelt.aspx Taking over the mantle from the legendary Jack Welch was a formidable task. But Jeffrey Immelt, Chief Executive Officer of General Electric (GE) and onetime apprentice of Welch, has carved his own path. 09 December 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/netherlands.aspx#recent As the global financial crisis took the world economy by storm, its repercussions dealt a blow to the Netherlands economy as well, which has strong trade and financial linkages with the global economy. 04 December 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2009/brazil-auto-industry-investments.aspx After a brief lull, the Brazilian automotive industry is picking up again. Both Ford and Volkswagen announced huge investments last month with vehicle sales in Brazil expected to reach record levels of four million units in the next five years. 04 December 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/christine-lagarde.aspx Some of the stars who ruled the financial world prior to the global financial crisis have long gone from the limelight. And the economies emerging from recessionary debris have a few new heroes. But Christine Lagarde, the finance minister of France, is the six-foot-tall, silver haired persona who straddles both these worlds. 01 December 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/americas.aspx Having recovered from the worst recession in several decades, the global economy appears to have entered a phase of slower growth, with significant regional variations. 30 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/asia-pacific.aspx At the start of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, attention was focused toward the region and its ability to pull the world out of recession. It was a view that was supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which projected Asia will grow at a rate of 2.75% this year and as much as 5.75% in 2010. 30 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/postcard/2009/new-zealand-least-corrupt-country.aspx New Zealand has recently been ranked as the least corrupt country in the world by Transparency International in its annual Corruptions Perceptions Index overtaking Denmark in the process. This year, New Zealand shot its way to the top after a second place finish last year with a CPI score of 9.4. 27 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/europe.aspx Emerging from recession in the third quarter, the Euro-zone and the European Union (EU) ushered in an era of greater regional integration, with the historic Lisbon Treaty being ratified by all member countries.Euro-zone GDP expanded 0.4% in the third quarter. 26 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/green-report/2009/us-smart-grids.aspx The scene unfolds like a frame from a futuristic Hollywood movie in the year 2020. A power outage in the neighborhood gets registered a half an hour before distress reports from residents. An overloaded transformer, badly in need of replacement, is noted well in advance of failure. These are nothing short of technical dreams come true and they have become a reality in Boulder, Colorado, where the first functional smart grid system in the U.S. is now located. 26 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/middle-east-africa.aspx Third quarter performance results reveal that Israel and Morocco continue to forge a path to recovery. Following closely behind, Egypt registered a GDP increase while South Africa witnessed a renewed resurgence in manufacturing, signaling a mending of the sector’s woes. 25 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/norway.aspx A shipping superpower, a seafood giant, and the world’s third largest exporter of petroleum. Poetically called the land of the ‘midnight sun,’ Norway stands as a colossus on the European stage – eclipsing neighboring countries to emerge as one of the richest, ‘most peaceful,’ and advanced nations. 24 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/farouk-al-kasim.aspx It can be safely said that a case of cerebral palsy was responsible for introducing the lucre of oil to Norway. For if not to treat his youngest son for the disorder, Farouk al-Kasim would never have boarded the plane to Norway in 1968. Since then, al-Kasim has come a long way, now being hailed as one of the pioneers who planted the seeds of the Norwegian oil industry. 24 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/postcard/2009/israel-startups.aspx Israel has more companies listed on the NASDAQ than any other country outside the U.S. Despite a recession Israel attracted over $2 billion in venture capital last year. How did Israel manage to achieve such high-end expertise in a way that economic powerhouses like India, China or South Korea have not? 20 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/alexander-lebedev.aspx Russian oligarch. A KGB spy. One of the world’s richest people. A recent father at age 49. His biography unfolds like the trailer of a Hollywood potboiler but the life of Alexander Lebedev, Russian billionaire, is very much real. 17 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/spain.aspx Entering into recession since the last quarter of 2008, the Spanish economy is now encountering its worst contraction in almost 50 years. Expected to shrink 3.8% in 2009 and 0.7% in 2010 according to IMF, Spain may be among the last to exit recession in the Euro-zone. 13 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com//explore-the-world/postcard/2009/spain-aeronautical-industry.aspx Spain’s new $5.50 billion bailout offered to its aeronautical industry comes at a time when many governments across the world are pondering withdrawing stimulus measures in the wake of positive economic data. 13 November 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2009/tokyo-motor-show.aspx The prestigious Tokyo Motor Show, set to run from October 23 to November 4, has seen its last major foreign exhibitor pull out barely a week before its launch. 16 October 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/green-report/2009/france-carbon-tax.aspx Jean-Paul cruised to the gasoline station in Lyon and came to a stop. As he filled his car he looked at the price ratcheting up and sighed. His fuel bill would be soon going up if his country’s president had his way. 07 October 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/global-players/akio-toyoda.aspx The winds of change were blowing even as the smiling gentleman took over the reins of one of the biggest vehicle manufacturers in the world. When Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the Japanese auto titan Kiichiro Toyoda, became the President of Toyota Motor Corporation in June 2009, the global financial crisis had begun steam rolling the company’s profits. 06 October 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/global-perspective/index.aspx The sense of relief over averting a depression is now slowly giving way to budding excitement about improving global economic prospects. 02 October 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/france.aspx#recent The global economic crisis reverberated through France, with GDP declining at a steep rate towards the end of 2008. Economic growth for the year 2008 as a whole has slowed down significantly to 0.4% compared to 2.3% in 2007. 02 October 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/germany.aspx#recent The German economy, Euro-zone’s erstwhile growth driver, is now encountering its worst recession in the post-World War II era. As the ripples of the global financial crisis take effect, domestic consumption and investment demand have diminished significantly. 02 October 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/israel.aspx#recent With exports coming to a standstill and consumer spending drastically tightened, the downturn finally took its toll on Israel in January 2009. But thanks to the Central Bank’s efficiency Israel become the first developed market to raise interest rates in September 2009. 02 October 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/Postcard/2009/poland-privatization.aspx For a country that is often dwarfed by its bigger neighbors like Germany and Russia, Poland has done remarkably well despite the global recession. Now, with a looming budget deficit that threatens to unravel all the hard work, the government is pushing ahead its ambitious privatization plan with renewed urgency. 01 October 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/americas.aspx The improved global economic outlook continues to support higher commodity prices, one of the major drivers of most economies in the Americas region except the U.S. The region has also benefited from increased capital inflows. 25 August 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/europe.aspx Supported by a strong comeback in Germany and France, the Euro-zone economy posted a surprising performance in the second quarter, barely contracting 0.1%. The larger 27-member European Union (EU) recorded a 0.3% fall in its economic output. 25 August 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/asia-pacific.aspx Despite worries over the depth of recovery, most Asian economies continued to post encouraging data, suggesting that the worst of the recession may well be over. Both China and India continued to show improvement in industrial output and growth. 18 September 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/economic-reviews/middle-east-africa.aspx Strike season in South Africa has well and truly begun over the past few weeks, labor unions across the country have been active – creating walkouts, and demanding higher wages. From taxi drivers to municipal government workers, the country has been embroiled in a series of strikes that have left investors worried and companies unhappy. 25 August 2009 5:00:00 GMT - http://www.thomaswhite.com/explore-the-world/GlobalFocus-Energy-Crisis.aspx The present energy crisis can dramatically alter the global energy scenario and economic structure in ways the world may have never witnessed before or anticipates now. Fossil fuels may be replaced as our primary energy source earlier than expected and there will be more focus on energy efficiency. 3 July 2009 5:00:00 GMT