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Trump wades into the South China Sea
We have been waiting to see what a Trump presidency really means for the Asia Pacific region and US-China relations more specifically. There has been growing concerns about a possible trade war between the two countries which could in turn threaten already anemic global growth. Recent comments by the Trump administration however have given rise to the much greater concern... [ more ]
Industrial Revolution 4.0.
The idea of a future where advanced technologies have solved the economic problems of human want has been around for more than 100 years. It was John Maynard Keynes who prophesized nearly a century ago that we would suffer technological unemployment as he termed it – a period of economic abundance brought on by new technologies that would satisfy all... [ more ]
Myanmar’s new Companies Act – What to Expect?
Sources have confirmed to Pozières Consulting that we can expect to see the proposed modernisation of Myanmar’s Companies Act submitted to parliament in the first session of 2017. The current Companies Act 1914 is outdated and cumbersome forcing more than 80% of businesses in Myanmar to exist in the informal economy. The Act of 1914 is however built upon British... [ more ]
The new challenge of the Algerian economy
The Algerian economy is faltering after years of oil-driven economic bonanza. Within OPEC, Algeria, perhaps more than other of its oil-producing members, is experiencing the fallout of declining oil prices. Now, more than ever, the Algerian government must take this significant development to restructure and strengthen its economy. External factors Firstly, American energy independence looks likely to trigger the next... [ more ]
Unrest in Myanmar: ISIS or Rhetoric?
Recent unrest in Myanmar’s Rakhine State which has seen more than 44 deaths since a police outpost was attacked on the October 9, has been linked to an apparent rise in Islamic inspired militancy according to the Myanmar government. Government officials went on to express fears that a new insurgency led by members of the Rohingya Muslim minority was gaining strength.... [ more ]
Brazil’s ongoing political crisis
The current situation in Brazil is something totally peculiar and unique in the history of the country. The country is currently facing a severe economic crisis with a GDP retraction of 3.6% in 2016, the worst recession in the country´s history. However, the real peculiarity is with the unprecedented political crisis that Brazil finds itself in. Such a situation generates... [ more ]
Bolivia: Resource Nationalism on the Ground
In 2006, Bolivia elected its first ever indigenous president, Evo Morales, who was quick to denounce external interference in national affairs. This included foreign economic interests in the country. Strategic natural resources – natural gas, oil and water – were brought under state ownership and declared the dominion of the people of Bolivia in a new constitution in 2009. Yet... [ more ]
Egypt’s Economic Reforms: A Political Risk Assessment
In August 2016, Egypt has agreed a 3-year $12bn loan with the International Monetary Fund to restore its ravaged economy. The loan will be contingent on significant reforms and is expected to be followed by money from the World Bank and African Development Bank. The technocrat government led by the president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has already been taking structural measures... [ more ]
Myanmar’s Path to Federalism
As the Panglong Conference gets underway this week in Myanmar, an initiative spearheaded by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi to bring peace and national reconciliation to Myanmar after decades of ethnic separatist civil wars, many analysts are considering what potential scenarios might arise from the conference and what it could mean for investment in the country. Despite the excluding... [ more ]
Troubles Ahead for Brexit and Northern Ireland
A cursory walk down the streets of central Belfast reveals a city in revival. Bustling pedestrian walkways provide access to numerous bars and cafes all thrumming with office workers enjoying a pint on their lunch break. Extravagant graffiti, once viewed as provocative and inflammatory, have largely been appropriated and adopted as part of the city’s charismatic charm. Not far from... [ more ]