The document provides an analysis of the business environment in Ecuador using the PEST framework. It finds that Ecuador has a history of political instability with no president completing a full term in recent years. The economy relies heavily on oil and agricultural exports, leaving it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. While dollarization in 2000 stabilized inflation, unemployment remains high at 9.3% and income inequality is a major issue. Opportunities may exist for industries utilizing Ecuador's low-cost labor force, but infrastructure and education levels pose challenges. Overall, the analysis finds business opportunities in Ecuador but also significant political and economic risks to navigate.
The document presents the proposed US federal budget for 2010 totaling $3.6 trillion. It breaks down spending into mandatory programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and discretionary programs across various government departments. It then tasks the student to work with a partner to propose changes to the discretionary budget, increasing or decreasing at least 4 categories. They must justify their proposed changes.
Dr Dev Kambhampati | FAO- World Agriculture Towards 2030/2050 Dr Dev Kambhampati
This document provides projections for global agriculture and food security to 2030/2050. It summarizes that world population is projected to increase from 7 billion in 2010 to over 9 billion in 2050, which will raise global food demand substantially. Food consumption per person is also projected to continue increasing in most developing countries, driven by economic and income growth. However, undernourishment is still projected to persist in some developing country regions with slow income growth and high population growth. Meeting rising global food demand will require increasing agricultural production significantly, likely through a combination of expanding crop yields and cultivated land area. Key uncertainties include future economic and population trends, as well as constraints on expanding agricultural land and intensifying production due to land, water
This document analyzes the relationship between U.S. bilateral aid and political stability in Latin America. It begins with an overview of U.S. bilateral aid to the region since the 1950s, noting periods of increase and decline. Bilateral aid is then broken down into five categories: security, health, humanitarian, food, and other assistance. Each category contains multiple programs aimed at goals like development, security, and humanitarian relief. The study aims to determine the statistical relationship between bilateral aid and political stability across Latin America and examine spatial patterns between the two variables.
This presentation was made by Wendy McGuinness, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Future Institute at the World Futures Conference, Chicago. 20 July 2009
This document is the International Energy Outlook 2010 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). It provides contacts for questions about the report and an overview of its contents which include world energy demand and economic outlook, projections for liquid fuels, natural gas and coal at a global level through 2035, and carbon dioxide emissions. The report was prepared by EIA independently and is available online or by contacting the National Energy Information Center.
Indonesia has a large and growing population and economy. The food and beverage industry is an important sector that has seen steady growth in recent years. It is dominated by small businesses but larger companies are growing. Food trends show increasing demand for convenient, healthy, and branded products. Foreign investment in the food industry has increased and Indonesia is considered an attractive location for foreign direct investment in Asia. Key challenges for the industry include developing modern retail channels, understanding changing consumer preferences, ensuring food safety, and navigating regulations and trade issues.
Pemerintah mengumumkan paket stimulus ekonomi baru untuk menyelamatkan bisnis dan pekerjaan selama pandemi. Paket ini memberi insentif pajak dan bantuan tunai untuk UMKM serta memperpanjang program pengamanan pekerjaan. Langkah ini diharapkan dapat mempertahankan tingkat pengangguran agar tidak semakin memburuk.
The document presents the proposed US federal budget for 2010 totaling $3.6 trillion. It breaks down spending into mandatory programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and discretionary programs across various government departments. It then tasks the student to work with a partner to propose changes to the discretionary budget, increasing or decreasing at least 4 categories. They must justify their proposed changes.
Dr Dev Kambhampati | FAO- World Agriculture Towards 2030/2050 Dr Dev Kambhampati
This document provides projections for global agriculture and food security to 2030/2050. It summarizes that world population is projected to increase from 7 billion in 2010 to over 9 billion in 2050, which will raise global food demand substantially. Food consumption per person is also projected to continue increasing in most developing countries, driven by economic and income growth. However, undernourishment is still projected to persist in some developing country regions with slow income growth and high population growth. Meeting rising global food demand will require increasing agricultural production significantly, likely through a combination of expanding crop yields and cultivated land area. Key uncertainties include future economic and population trends, as well as constraints on expanding agricultural land and intensifying production due to land, water
This document analyzes the relationship between U.S. bilateral aid and political stability in Latin America. It begins with an overview of U.S. bilateral aid to the region since the 1950s, noting periods of increase and decline. Bilateral aid is then broken down into five categories: security, health, humanitarian, food, and other assistance. Each category contains multiple programs aimed at goals like development, security, and humanitarian relief. The study aims to determine the statistical relationship between bilateral aid and political stability across Latin America and examine spatial patterns between the two variables.
This presentation was made by Wendy McGuinness, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Future Institute at the World Futures Conference, Chicago. 20 July 2009
This document is the International Energy Outlook 2010 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). It provides contacts for questions about the report and an overview of its contents which include world energy demand and economic outlook, projections for liquid fuels, natural gas and coal at a global level through 2035, and carbon dioxide emissions. The report was prepared by EIA independently and is available online or by contacting the National Energy Information Center.
Indonesia has a large and growing population and economy. The food and beverage industry is an important sector that has seen steady growth in recent years. It is dominated by small businesses but larger companies are growing. Food trends show increasing demand for convenient, healthy, and branded products. Foreign investment in the food industry has increased and Indonesia is considered an attractive location for foreign direct investment in Asia. Key challenges for the industry include developing modern retail channels, understanding changing consumer preferences, ensuring food safety, and navigating regulations and trade issues.
Pemerintah mengumumkan paket stimulus ekonomi baru untuk menyelamatkan bisnis dan pekerjaan selama pandemi. Paket ini memberi insentif pajak dan bantuan tunai untuk UMKM serta memperpanjang program pengamanan pekerjaan. Langkah ini diharapkan dapat mempertahankan tingkat pengangguran agar tidak semakin memburuk.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative
Innovation Union
[Infographic] Online Sales Rev Up in the Automotive AftermarketKathy McCoy, MBA
Online sales for the automotive aftermarket are growing blazingly fast. See what's driving that growth and make sure you're getting your share in our new infographic.
DPD masih bermain sendiri-sendiri dalam menyikapi perseteruan antara KPK, Polri dan Kejaksaan terkait kasus pimpinan KPK nonaktif. Anggota DPR mendukung proses hukum kasus Bibit dan Chandra harus sampai pengadilan. Presiden diminta meredam perang antar lembaga hukum agar tidak mempengaruhi stabilitas negara.
This document summarizes 6 weird tourist spots in the United States that are worth visiting. They include the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge overlooking the Grand Canyon; the Salton Sea in California, known for its avian biodiversity; the Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota, which holds the Guinness World Record; Wall Drug in South Dakota, famous for its promotional billboards; Meteor Crater in Arizona, formed by a meteor impact thousands of years ago; and the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama, which resells lost luggage from airlines.
The document outlines 5 rules for building a professional profile: 1) Be consistent in your messaging across platforms, 2) Be authentic by representing who you truly are, 3) Understand the concept of value exchange where you provide value to others to get value in return, 4) Improve transferrable skills that are applicable to many careers, and 5) Continually evolve and improve yourself to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Ratusan mahasiswa melakukan demo di depan gedung DPRK Aceh Tenggara untuk menuntut transparansi pengelolaan anggaran dan penandatanganan kontrak oleh dewan. Angin kencang hingga kecepatan 40 km/jam menghantam Aceh dan menyebabkan kerusakan. Pemerintah diminta waspada terhadap bahaya badai dan banjir kilat.
Is the grass greener in ireland? A comparison of UX in Dublin and MelbourneCory-Ann Joseph
Blockbuster movie premieres. Beyonce's Formation World Tour. Amazon Prime.
Ever get the feeling Australia is a little left out?
As designers, we spend a lot of time identifying and discussing what’s wrong with the UX industry. Sometimes we become trapped in wistful thinking—someone somewhere else surely has it better than we do here.
But what challenges are UX designers facing overseas? How are our problems the same, and how are they different? Could Australia even be...ahead in some ways?
Independent UX Lead Cory-Ann Joseph recently returned to Melbourne after 8 years in Dublin, Ireland, and will take UX Gatherings on a deep dive into the UX scene there. She’ll compare the highs and lows, and share her insight on what’s next for UX practitioners, agencies and in-house teams
This short document promotes creating presentations on SlideShare using Haiku Deck, an online tool for making visually appealing slideshows. It features a stock photo from DFID and text encouraging the reader to get started making their own Haiku Deck presentation.
Мой опыт и ошибки управления проектом developers.org.ua.
Презентация не предназначена для чтения, но когда/если будет видео я добавлю ссылочку.
Важный момент: презентация сделана под формат ПечаКуча - 20 слайдов по 20 секунд, это накладывает специфические ограничения на формат подачи.
Learning with the Web: Spotting Named Entities on the intersection of NERD an...Giuseppe Rizzo
Talk "Learning with the web: spotting named entities on the intersection of nerd and machine learning" event during #MSM'13 (WWW'13), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Microposts shared on social platforms instantaneously report facts, opinions or emotions. In these posts, entities are often used but they are continuously changing depending on what is currently trending. In such a scenario, recognising these named entities is a challenging task, for which off-the-shelf approaches are not well equipped. We propose NERD-ML, an approach that unifies the benefits of a crowd entity recognizer through Web entity extractors combined with the linguistic strengths of a machine learning classifier.
The document summarizes an interim site visit by a Rotary cadre site visitor to various projects in Kilifi, Kenya supported by the Rotary Club of Kilifi and its international partner, the Rotary Club of Vinings. It describes visits to two schools (Kibarani School for the Deaf and Bahari Girls Secondary School), the Kesho Student Sponsorship Program, the Kilifi District Hospital pediatric department and deworming project, and a farewell party hosted by the Kilifi Rotary Club. Photos are included of the various projects and meetings with community members.
Ethiopia has valuable metal and stone resources like copper, platinum, gold and rubies that are used locally for jewelry and exported internationally to boost Ethiopia's economy. Ethiopia aims to trade these natural resources until 2020 to raise living standards and provide basic necessities for its people, thereby creating a more prosperous future.
Pemerintah Indonesia berencana memperluas program vaksinasi COVID-19 ke seluruh provinsi. Target vaksinasi akan dicapai dengan melibatkan tenaga kesehatan di puskesmas dan rumah sakit di seluruh Indonesia untuk membantu proses vaksinasi. Program vaksinasi diperluas untuk mencapai herd immunity sehingga dapat memperlambat dan menghentikan pandemi COVID-19 di Indonesia.
5 key takeaways from Circus 2012, the Festival for Commercial Creativity in Sydney, Australia. From the President of Gatorade to agency folk, these are the marketing concepts you'll want to prepare yourself for in 2012 and beyond.
Carlos macroeconomistsemesterpapereco215sp12b1hernandodesotofinalbostoncarlos
Hernando De Soto is a Peruvian economist known for his work on the informal economy and importance of business and property rights. He founded the Institute for Liberty and Democracy in Lima, Peru. De Soto has received numerous awards and international recognition for his research and writings exploring how establishing property rights and business structures can help lift people out of poverty.
11.the impact of macroeconomic policies and programs on poverty problemsAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study that analyzed the impact of macroeconomic policies in Nigeria on poverty from 1980-2002. Two regression models were used to examine the relationship between poverty, GDP, and other economic variables. The study found that:
1. Poverty in Nigeria increased substantially from 1980-2002, with the average poverty rate being higher after structural adjustment programs were introduced compared to before.
2. Key macroeconomic indicators like GDP growth, unemployment, and exchange rates deteriorated from 1980-2002, suggesting macroeconomic policies did not effectively address rising poverty.
3. Regression analysis found a relationship between rising poverty and factors like declining GDP, high inflation, unemployment, and exchange rate depreciation over
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative
Innovation Union
[Infographic] Online Sales Rev Up in the Automotive AftermarketKathy McCoy, MBA
Online sales for the automotive aftermarket are growing blazingly fast. See what's driving that growth and make sure you're getting your share in our new infographic.
DPD masih bermain sendiri-sendiri dalam menyikapi perseteruan antara KPK, Polri dan Kejaksaan terkait kasus pimpinan KPK nonaktif. Anggota DPR mendukung proses hukum kasus Bibit dan Chandra harus sampai pengadilan. Presiden diminta meredam perang antar lembaga hukum agar tidak mempengaruhi stabilitas negara.
This document summarizes 6 weird tourist spots in the United States that are worth visiting. They include the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge overlooking the Grand Canyon; the Salton Sea in California, known for its avian biodiversity; the Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota, which holds the Guinness World Record; Wall Drug in South Dakota, famous for its promotional billboards; Meteor Crater in Arizona, formed by a meteor impact thousands of years ago; and the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama, which resells lost luggage from airlines.
The document outlines 5 rules for building a professional profile: 1) Be consistent in your messaging across platforms, 2) Be authentic by representing who you truly are, 3) Understand the concept of value exchange where you provide value to others to get value in return, 4) Improve transferrable skills that are applicable to many careers, and 5) Continually evolve and improve yourself to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Ratusan mahasiswa melakukan demo di depan gedung DPRK Aceh Tenggara untuk menuntut transparansi pengelolaan anggaran dan penandatanganan kontrak oleh dewan. Angin kencang hingga kecepatan 40 km/jam menghantam Aceh dan menyebabkan kerusakan. Pemerintah diminta waspada terhadap bahaya badai dan banjir kilat.
Is the grass greener in ireland? A comparison of UX in Dublin and MelbourneCory-Ann Joseph
Blockbuster movie premieres. Beyonce's Formation World Tour. Amazon Prime.
Ever get the feeling Australia is a little left out?
As designers, we spend a lot of time identifying and discussing what’s wrong with the UX industry. Sometimes we become trapped in wistful thinking—someone somewhere else surely has it better than we do here.
But what challenges are UX designers facing overseas? How are our problems the same, and how are they different? Could Australia even be...ahead in some ways?
Independent UX Lead Cory-Ann Joseph recently returned to Melbourne after 8 years in Dublin, Ireland, and will take UX Gatherings on a deep dive into the UX scene there. She’ll compare the highs and lows, and share her insight on what’s next for UX practitioners, agencies and in-house teams
This short document promotes creating presentations on SlideShare using Haiku Deck, an online tool for making visually appealing slideshows. It features a stock photo from DFID and text encouraging the reader to get started making their own Haiku Deck presentation.
Мой опыт и ошибки управления проектом developers.org.ua.
Презентация не предназначена для чтения, но когда/если будет видео я добавлю ссылочку.
Важный момент: презентация сделана под формат ПечаКуча - 20 слайдов по 20 секунд, это накладывает специфические ограничения на формат подачи.
Learning with the Web: Spotting Named Entities on the intersection of NERD an...Giuseppe Rizzo
Talk "Learning with the web: spotting named entities on the intersection of nerd and machine learning" event during #MSM'13 (WWW'13), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Microposts shared on social platforms instantaneously report facts, opinions or emotions. In these posts, entities are often used but they are continuously changing depending on what is currently trending. In such a scenario, recognising these named entities is a challenging task, for which off-the-shelf approaches are not well equipped. We propose NERD-ML, an approach that unifies the benefits of a crowd entity recognizer through Web entity extractors combined with the linguistic strengths of a machine learning classifier.
The document summarizes an interim site visit by a Rotary cadre site visitor to various projects in Kilifi, Kenya supported by the Rotary Club of Kilifi and its international partner, the Rotary Club of Vinings. It describes visits to two schools (Kibarani School for the Deaf and Bahari Girls Secondary School), the Kesho Student Sponsorship Program, the Kilifi District Hospital pediatric department and deworming project, and a farewell party hosted by the Kilifi Rotary Club. Photos are included of the various projects and meetings with community members.
Ethiopia has valuable metal and stone resources like copper, platinum, gold and rubies that are used locally for jewelry and exported internationally to boost Ethiopia's economy. Ethiopia aims to trade these natural resources until 2020 to raise living standards and provide basic necessities for its people, thereby creating a more prosperous future.
Pemerintah Indonesia berencana memperluas program vaksinasi COVID-19 ke seluruh provinsi. Target vaksinasi akan dicapai dengan melibatkan tenaga kesehatan di puskesmas dan rumah sakit di seluruh Indonesia untuk membantu proses vaksinasi. Program vaksinasi diperluas untuk mencapai herd immunity sehingga dapat memperlambat dan menghentikan pandemi COVID-19 di Indonesia.
5 key takeaways from Circus 2012, the Festival for Commercial Creativity in Sydney, Australia. From the President of Gatorade to agency folk, these are the marketing concepts you'll want to prepare yourself for in 2012 and beyond.
Carlos macroeconomistsemesterpapereco215sp12b1hernandodesotofinalbostoncarlos
Hernando De Soto is a Peruvian economist known for his work on the informal economy and importance of business and property rights. He founded the Institute for Liberty and Democracy in Lima, Peru. De Soto has received numerous awards and international recognition for his research and writings exploring how establishing property rights and business structures can help lift people out of poverty.
11.the impact of macroeconomic policies and programs on poverty problemsAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study that analyzed the impact of macroeconomic policies in Nigeria on poverty from 1980-2002. Two regression models were used to examine the relationship between poverty, GDP, and other economic variables. The study found that:
1. Poverty in Nigeria increased substantially from 1980-2002, with the average poverty rate being higher after structural adjustment programs were introduced compared to before.
2. Key macroeconomic indicators like GDP growth, unemployment, and exchange rates deteriorated from 1980-2002, suggesting macroeconomic policies did not effectively address rising poverty.
3. Regression analysis found a relationship between rising poverty and factors like declining GDP, high inflation, unemployment, and exchange rate depreciation over
The impact of macroeconomic policies and programs on poverty problemsAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the impact of macroeconomic policies and programs on poverty in Nigeria from 1980 to 2002. Two regression models were used to analyze the relationship between poverty and GDP. The study found that Nigeria's macroeconomic policies have not addressed the upward trend in poverty levels based on economic indicators like inflation, unemployment, and exchange rates. Some of the key causes of poverty identified included corruption, inconsistent macroeconomic policies, high population growth, and over-reliance on oil exports. The incidence of poverty in Nigeria increased from around 15% in 1960 to 28% in the 1980s.
Colombia and latin america - The next challengesAlvaro Uribe V.
The document discusses Colombia's progress over the past decade and challenges ahead. It summarizes that Colombia has transitioned from a fragile state plagued by violence and poverty to a stable democracy and growing economy through policies promoting security, investment, and social cohesion. Key results include significantly reduced homicide and kidnapping rates as well as increased economic growth, exports, social services, and living standards. However, challenges remain regarding security, the economy, social issues, and regional risks like crime and environmental threats. The future looks promising if countries continue strengthening democratic institutions, economic growth, social development, and addressing risks.
Etude sur l'utilisation d'une seule monnaie pour Haiti et la République Domin...Stanleylucas
The document discusses the potential benefits and costs of an economic and monetary union (EMU) between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It begins with a brief historical review of the two countries, noting periods of both conflict and attempts at unification in the past. It then examines some key criteria that would need to be satisfied for the countries to benefit from an EMU, including analyzing economic data on variables like inflation rates, exchange rate volatility, and business cycle synchronization. While several criteria are not fully met currently, the paper argues factors are endogenous and integration efforts could help strengthen the case for an EMU over the medium term.
This document discusses the interaction between the process of globalization and the tourism sector. It first explains how globalization can be understood and the ways it influences tourism. It then examines the position of Turkish tourism and its place within the Turkish economy as a case study of these interactions. The document is structured to first define globalization and its effects in areas like technology, economy, politics, culture and terrorism. It then explores how globalization has impacted tourism and discusses sustainable tourism development.
This document summarizes a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. It finds that claims of impending eradication of extreme poverty are exaggerated and rely too heavily on flawed measures like the World Bank's international poverty line. In reality, billions still live in poverty without adequate standards of living. It argues the Sustainable Development Goals are failing on key issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change. To eliminate poverty, it says we must rethink the relationship between growth and poverty reduction, tackle inequality through redistribution, implement universal social protection, and center the role of government.
GEOG II - Chap 09 - Variations in Development in the WorldSofian Muhd
The document provides information on the indicators used to measure development levels between countries. It discusses 10 key indicators across economic, health, and education categories. The economic indicators are income per capita, employment structure, and employment opportunities. The health indicators are life expectancy, infant mortality rate, access to potable water, and sanitation facilities. The education indicators include literacy rate. More developed countries typically demonstrate higher scores on these indicators, such as higher income per capita and life expectancy, compared to less developed countries.
The document discusses the history and growth of Philippine external debt from the 1960s to present. It notes that debt rose dramatically under Marcos from $277 million to $840 million from 1965-1972 as he borrowed heavily from foreign lenders. Successive administrations were unable to get debt under control as it continued increasing, reaching $69 billion by the early 2000s. The debt service burden from 2001-2005 was the heaviest in Philippine history, consuming over 1/3 of the national budget annually to pay interest on loans. Borrowing has continued to fund debt payments, exacerbating the problem over many decades.
NO LOST CAUSES - INSIDE DE TRANSFORMATION OF COLOMBIAAlvaro Uribe V.
The document discusses Colombia's historical security, economic, and social problems in 2002 and the government's efforts to address them. It outlines the government's vision of building a confident state through democratic security, investment with social responsibility, and social cohesion policies. These policies focused on improving security conditions, promoting investment and economic growth, and expanding social programs. The results included significantly reduced violence, increased investment, exports and economic growth, greater social services coverage, and an expanded middle class. The document emphasizes leadership, communication, and maintaining policies to continue progress during future challenges.
The document discusses several key topics related to international marketing in a global environment. It begins by noting the increasingly challenging global market environment and how companies can no longer restrict themselves to domestic boundaries. It then discusses how cultural dynamics, business customs, and political environments shape international markets. Specifically, it explores how factors like geography, history, technology, social institutions and more influence cultures in ways that marketers must understand. It also examines common business customs and political concerns across countries that international companies must navigate. The overall aim is to introduce considerations for how markets operate globally and what difficulties global companies may face due to socio-cultural, business, and political changes in different markets.
The document discusses the basic economic concept of scarcity, which refers to limited resources compared to unlimited wants. It provides examples of scarcity such as limited pumpkin pie in winter compared to fall. Additionally, it discusses other key economic concepts like supply and demand, utility, GDP, national income, price determination, fiscal and monetary policy, economic growth, and international trade.
A critical analysis of the concept of sustainability arguing that the structure of capitalism is an inappropriate means to address the problems created by capitalism.
Issues and challenges of economic development and Economic Geography and human activity in the study of Economic Geography. Stakeholders, globalization, population as a burden, hazard, economic zone and forums are included.
It is not my intention to re-tell the events, predict the future or compete
with other analyses. My wish is to help in the understanding of the causes,
dynamics and potentialities of a current and long-lasting process of contention,
which certainly reflects critical aspects about Argentine reality. This thesis is the
product of a personal commitment, persistent academic research, field
observations and interactions with an array of different people (involved or not) in
the mobilizations. The conclusions are open, since I am looking at an ongoing
process, and personal, because I could not entirely deny my subjectivity. My
main goal is to generate curiosity in the reader, and modify the perception of
those who have been “bothered” by the protests, but have not even wondered why
all those people were out there in the streets, making their demands and risking
their lives.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Africa’s immiserization and declining development interventions in a globaliz...Alexander Decker
This document discusses how globalization has contributed to the immiserization (increasing misery and poverty) of African countries in two key ways:
1. Accelerated economic liberalization policies imposed by international financial institutions in response to debt crises have reduced the ability of African governments to intervene in their economies and allocate resources to development programs.
2. African countries have been marginalized in the global economy, recording stagnating or declining GDP per capita in contrast to growth in wealthier nations. Poverty levels have risen substantially in Africa while falling elsewhere in the developing world.
The document argues that globalization has undermined the policy autonomy of African nations and exacerbated poverty, contradicting the promise of shared
Problems And Challenges Faced By Multinational...Alana Cartwright
Problems and Challenges Faced by Multinational Corporations Operating in Developing Countries
This document discusses some of the key problems and challenges faced by multinational
corporations operating in developing countries, including government instability, ineffectiveness, and
poor regulatory quality. It provides the examples of foreign investors facing new legislation against
them during a financial crisis in Argentina in 2001. Developing country governments also often do
not adequately provide public goods.
NO LOST CAUSES - INSIDE DE TRANSFORMATION OF COLOMBIAAlvaro Uribe V.
The document outlines Álvaro Uribe Vélez's remarks on Colombia's transformation from 2002-2010. It describes how Colombia faced a fragile state in 2002 with issues of insecurity, weak economy, and social problems. Uribe implemented policies of Democratic Security, Investment with Fraternity, and Social Cohesion to generate change. His government achieved significant results, including the lowest violence levels in decades, highest social coverage in history, and highest exports and foreign investment in over 50 years by taking a tough stance on security and promoting investment and social programs.
Similar to University Of Antwerp Paper International Business Environment Ken Lawrence (20)
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise boosts blood flow and levels of neurotransmitters and endorphins in the brain which elevate mood and support the growth of new brain cells.
University Of Antwerp Ken Lawrence Lights Camera InteractionThisco
This document analyzes the relationship between electronic games and cinema. It discusses how early games shared some similarities with primitive cinema in their emphasis on "showing" rather than "telling". It also examines how games have incorporated cinematic conventions and techniques over time, such as using scrolling screens and creating an illusion of depth. While games borrow visual elements from film, their visual evolution is not purely chronological and is determined more by the desired player interaction. Cutscenes in games are also analyzed in terms of their use of cinematic techniques compared to gameplay sequences.
University Of Antwerp Ken Lawrence Contemporary Film Auteurs Haute TensionThisco
This document provides an analysis of the 2003 French horror film Haute Tension directed by Alexandre Aja. It examines how the film uses various postmodern concepts and techniques. The analysis discusses how the film presents itself as a simulacrum or fabrication, with evidence that the entire narrative is constructed by the character Marie. It also explores how the film deconstructs concepts of identity, particularly through the subject fragmentation of Marie and her creation of an imaginary killer. Finally, it notes how the open-ended conclusion presents a relativity of narrative that is postmodern in nature.
University Of Antwerp The Uk Digital Television Landscape Ken LawrenceThisco
This document discusses interactive digital television in the UK. It covers the benefits of digital TV for viewers and broadcasters, the different ways to receive digital TV in the UK, research on adoption of digital TV, UK providers like Freeview, BSkyB, NTL and Telewest, the failure of ITV Digital, and the UK government's plans for digital switchover by 2010. Research shows price is a major barrier to adoption, and some experts question if the government's 95% target can be met on time.
University Of Antwerp Seminar Diversity In The Third World Ken LawrenceThisco
This document provides an overview and summary of the negative impacts of globalization and international organizations that propagate it, specifically the IMF. It discusses how the IMF has shifted from Keynesian ideas to neoliberal ideology focused on deregulation, privatization, and liberalization. While these policies may work in theory, in practice they have often been disastrous for developing countries when implemented too quickly and without consideration for local needs. The IMF is also criticized for its lack of democratic oversight and focus on numbers over social outcomes.
Our excursions in tahiti offer stunning lagoon tours, vibrant marine life encounters, and cultural experiences. We ensure unforgettable adventures amidst breathtaking landscapes and serene waters. For more information, mail us at tracey@uniquetahiti.com.
Best Places to Stay in New Brunswick, Canada.Mahogany Manor
New Brunswick, a picturesque province in eastern Canada, offers a plethora of unique and charming places to stay for every kind of traveler. From the historic allure of Fredericton and the vibrant culture of Saint John to the natural beauty of Fundy National Park and the serene coastal towns like St. Andrews by-the-Sea, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer luxury resorts, cozy inns, rustic lodges, or budget-friendly options, the best places to stay in New Brunswick ensure a memorable stay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the province's rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.
https://www.mmanor.ca/blog/best-5-bed-and-breakfast-new-brunswick-canada
You can easily change/correct a name on your flight ticket under the American Airlines name change policy. The airline provides multiple online and offline modes to place a name change request. To learn more about how to change a name on American Airlines ticket, you can directly approach the airline’s customer support. Moreover, you can connect with a flight expert at +1-866-738-0741 for quick assistance.
Assessing the Influence of Transportation on the Tourism Industry in Nigeriagsochially
This research dissertation investigates the complex interplay between transportation and the tourism industry in Nigeria, aiming to unravel critical insights that contribute to the enhancement of the overall tourist experience. The study employs a multi-faceted approach, literature review establishes a robust theoretical framework, incorporating The Service Quality and Satisfaction Theory to guide the research questions and hypotheses.
The methodology involves the distribution of a structured questionnaire, ensuring a representative sample and facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the gathered data.
Key findings include the nuanced perceptions of transportation infrastructure adequacy, safety and security concerns, financial influences on travel decisions, and the cultural and ecological impacts of transportation choices. These findings culminate in a comprehensive set of recommendations for policymakers and practitioners in the Nigerian tourism industry. The findings contribute to the existing literature by providing actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers in the Nigerian tourism sector.
The recommendations encompass gender-sensitive planning, infrastructure enhancements, safety measures, and strategic interventions to address financial constraints, ensuring a holistic and sustainable development of the tourism industry in Nigeria.
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University Of Antwerp Paper International Business Environment Ken Lawrence
1. Universiteit Antwerpen
Faculteit Toegepaste Economische
Wetenschappen
Ecuador
Business opportunities in a politically unstable country
International Business Environment
Prof. Dr. I. Clarke Ken Lawrence
2. Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Environmental profile 2
2.1 Political-legal 2
2.2 Economic 4
2.2.1 Trends in GDP 4
2.2.2 Rate of inflation 4
2.2.3 Wage levels and unemployment 5
2.2.4 Strength of currency and convertibility 5
2.2.5 Rates of taxation 6
2.2.6 Balance of payments 6
2.2.7 Gini index 6
2.2.8 Vulnerability of the economy 6
2.3 Sociocultural 7
2.3.1 Growth rate of population and age distribution 7
2.3.2 Languages 8
2.3.3 Main religious and cultural groupings 8
2.3.4 Educational attainment levels 8
2.3.5 Role of women 9
2.4 Technological 9
2.4.1 Government spending on R&D 9
2.4.2 Legal regime for patent protection 10
2.4.3 Energy availability and costs 10
2.4.4 Transport infrastructure and costs 11
3. Conclusion 12
4. Bibliography 13
3. 1. Introduction
Can a small South-American country, riddled by political instability be of interest to
international business? The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of Ecuador’s external
environment in order to identify possible business opportunities.
At the core of this paper lies the PEST-analysis. This tool provides the framework for
assessing the political-legal, economic, sociocultural and technological environment.
The first part deals with the political-legal environment. What is the historical background of
the country’s business environment? Which political factors does the international investor
need to take into account when dealing with Ecuador?
The second part of the analysis concentrates on Ecuador’s economy. First of all a set of
indicators such as GDP, inflation and unemployment will be examined. Among others we
shall look at the strength of the currency and rates of taxation. Special attention will be given
to the vulnerability of Ecuador’s economy.
In the third part of the PEST-analysis the sociocultural environment is explored. What are the
growth rate and age distribution of the Ecuadorian population? What is the level of education?
What is the percentage of women in the labour force?
The final part of the environmental scan revolves around the technological aspect of Ecuador.
The height of government spending on R&D, the protection of intellectual property, energy
availability and transport infrastructure will be examined.
The conclusion will give concrete advice concerning business opportunities in Ecuador as
well as the pitfalls to avoid.
The reader should take note of the fact that the larger tables and graphs have been put in a
separate annex. All of these tables and graphs have received a number, preceded by a capital
A. Thus for example, table A10 refers to table 10 in the Annex.
1
4. 2. Environmental profile
In order to identify business opportunities in a given country it is useful to start with an
analysis of the specific country’s external environment. This paper will use the PEST analysis
to perform such an environmental scan of Ecuador’s external environment.
2.1 Political-legal
Ecuador is politically highly unstable. In recent years there has not been a single president
who was able to sit out his full term of four years.
Table 1: Recent Ecuadorian presidents
President In office
Abdalá Bucaram Ortiz 1996-1997
Fabián Alarcón 1997-1998
Jamil Mahuad 1998-2000
Gustavo Noboa 2000-2003
Lucio Gutiérrez 2003-2005
Alfredo Palacio 2005-present
Source: Presidents of Ecuador – Wikipedia page, 2005
The country has a history of considerable political unrest which can be traced back to the 19th
century revolutions in South-America. In 1822 Ecuador joined Simon Bolivar’s Republic of
Gran Colombia and thus became independent from its colonizer Spain. The country was
unified in the 1860’s by Gabriel Garcia Moreno. He was a conservative and very catholic
statesman who served twice as Ecuador’s president. Though the country managed to enjoy
considerable economic success due to the worldwide demand for cocoa in this period, it was
not until Eloy Alfaro became the country’s president that considerable business opportunities
arose. He adopted policies favourable to capitalist development and reduced the power of the
clergy. As with so many countries where the economy is largely centred on a particular
product – in this case cocoa – a sudden drop in demand caused both economic troubles and
political unrest. This lead to a military coup in 1925. The 1930’s and 1940’s were relatively
stable as the five-time presidency of Jose Velasco Ibarra indicates. Slowly but surely
recession and popular unrest made things take a turn for the worse. The 1960’s saw the
country try and capitalize on its oil wealth. The incredible opportunities in this field were so
2
5. attractive that in 1972 there was once again political instability. Until 1979 the nationalist
military regime which had seized power tried to use the oil wealth to improve the economic
situation. Since Ecuador’s return to democracy in 1979 a whole array of presidents have tried
the very same thing, but have been unsuccessful in their attempts to install sound economic
reforms. ( Lucio Gutierrez: Ecuador's populist leader, 2002; Gabriel García Moreno –
Wikipedia page, 2005 )
The political instability in Ecuador is also currently very much an issue. Former president
Gutiérrez had lost his image of a reformer. Many observers felt that by pursuing conservative
economic policies he no longer could be regarded as being in touch with the poor indigenous
population he so successfully rallied behind him in the 2002-elections. In November 2004
Guttiérrez saw his former left-wing supporters join the conservative Social Christian Party.
These two parties then tried to impeach Guttiérrez because they accused him of using public
funds to support candidates of his party. Such an act clearly undermined Guttiérrez 2002-
election claims of putting an end to corruption. The impeachment failed because the Social
Christian Party abandoned the procedure.
In the eyes of the international community Guttiérrez position took another heavy blow when
in December 2004 his party Sociedad Patriotica and two others ( PRIAN and PRE ) attempted
to cancel the Supreme Court of Justice. Such a vote in Congress clearly violates the principle
of separation of powers and is prohibited by the Ecuadorian Constitution. The public opinion
did not take this lightly. Nevertheless Guttiérrez attempted to dissolve the Supreme Court on
15th April 2005. Several thousands of people began demonstrating in the streets of the
country’s capital Quito and demanded that Guttiérrez should resign. He initially refused, but
lost the backing of the police and the army and was eventually forced to resign on 20th April.
Brazil offered Gutiérrez asylum and the Ecuadorian Congress appointed the country’s vice-
president Alfredo Palacio as the new president.
( Lucio Gutiérrez – Wikipedia page, 2005; A coup by Congress and the street, 2005 )
3
6. 2.2 Economic
In this part of the PEST-analysis we take a closer look at Ecuador’s economy. First of all
Ecuador’s trends in GDP will be discussed. Then we shall take a closer look at the country’s
rate of inflation. Subsequently Ecuador’s wage and unemployment levels will be examined.
The impact of the dollarization on the currency is the next topic. Both the tax regime and
Ecuador’s balance of payments will be carefully examined. Finally we shall end the chapter
with a look at income inequality and the vulnerability of Ecuador’s economy.
2.2.1 Trends in GDP
The trends in GDP can be expressed in a multitude of ways, though all show the same general
trend. Table A1 and graphs A2 to A5 show Ecuador’s GDP in three ways: at current prices (in
millions of US dollars ), per capita ( in US dollars ), at constant prices ( with 1990 prices ).
The fourth column and fourth graph show Ecuador’s GDP growth rates (real rates of growth).
From 1995 to 1998 the GDP has clearly grown. In the years 1999 and 2000 there was an
obvious slump in the economy, but this trend was overturned in 2001 with GDP once again
increasing. Since the disastrous year of 1999 GDP real growth rates are also rising again. In
the year 2001 the rate was 5,1%.
( UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, p.137 )
2.2.2 Rate of inflation
Inflation is the annual percent change in consumer prices. Table A6 and graph A7 show the
inflation for Ecuador for the years 1995 to 2004. It is clear that the dollarization of 2000 was
vital for the economy. That year inflation reached a staggering 91% due to the adjustments in
the exchange rate and in the relative prices which were needed to accommodate the transition
from sucre to dollar. Moreover this high figure can be attributed to the large monetary
expansion in sucres the year before. Following the dollarization the graph shows how
Ecuador’s inflation dropped significantly. Latest figures indicate an inflation percentage of
about 2%.
( The World Bank, 30.09.2004; EcuadorExports.com, 2005a; LatinFocus, 2005 )
There is a certain danger attached to these figures. Although current inflation may be at a very
acceptable level, former inflation has left the average Ecuadorian faced with some very high
4
7. prices. The UN has for example published the consumer price index numbers for 1995 to
2002. These figures can be found in table A8 and graph A9. The year 1990 is attributed an
index of 100. It is clear that prices have risen dramatically and this has a severe impact on the
consumption pattern of Ecuadorians. ( UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004 , p.316 )
2.2.3 Wage levels and unemployment
Wage levels
The national minimum wage in Ecuador is about $121,90 per month; for the entire salary
package this figure is slightly higher at $131,91 per month. The labour cost per hour is 85
cents an hour. These figures show that the country can be very attractive for industries reliant
on a large workforce. Yet there is a downside: Ecuador’s workforce currently has a low level
of education and training. Therefore these low costs are mainly interesting for industries
requiring menial labour.
( Deloitte & Touche – Ecuador Snapshot, 2005; Prescher, D., Haskins, S., 2004 )
Unemployment
Table A10 and graph A11 show the unemployment in Ecuador as a percentage of the total
population. In 1999 unemployment was the highest, reaching 14%. Although the situation has
improved since then it is clear that 9,3% is still a high rate of unemployment. When looking at
the differences between the sexes we can see that women are often unemployed. In 1999, one
out of five women was unable to find a job.
( UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, p.275 )
2.2.4 Strength of currency and convertibility
On table A12 and graph A13 the exchange rate is expressed as national currency ( sucre ) per
US dollar. This means that a rise in the exchange rate signifies a depreciation of the sucre. It
is clear that from 1993 until 2000 the exchange rate has continually risen. In 2000 Ecuador
adopted a fixed exchange rate of 25.000 sucre for 1 US dollar. This dollarization has produced
stability for Ecuador and has naturally improved the convertibility.
( UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004 , p.825 )
5
8. 2.2.5 Rates of taxation
Ecuador has taxes at both the municipal and national levels. A distinction has to be made for
resident companies and individuals on the one hand and temporary residents with foreign
nationality on the other hand. The former are taxed on worldwide profits/income whereas the
latter are only taxed on territorial income. Corporate tax rate is 25%. Indirect taxation is also
prevalent in Ecuador: most transactions are subject to a VAT-rate of 12%. Interesting for
businesses: dividends are exempt from taxes, capital gains are taxed as income ( progressive
rates up to 25% ) and there is only group consolidation for financial purposes and not for tax
purposes. ( Deloitte & Touche – Ecuador Snapshot, 2005 )
2.2.6 Balance of payments
The transactions – debit and credit – of the balance of payments can be divided into the
current account and the capital account. Table A14 and graph A15 show that Ecuador had a
current account deficit in 1998, 2001 and 2002. This should be of great concern to the
government. Not only is Ecuador’s export highly reliant on a few key sectors, but the current
account deficit shows that the country’s companies are not competitive.
( UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, p.704 )
2.2.7 Gini index
The Gini index is used to measure income inequality as a result of uneven distribution in
society. A Gini index of 100 corresponds with perfect inequality and means that one person
has all the income in a country. A Gini index of 0 corresponds with perfect equality; everyone
has the same income. Ecuador has a high Gini index of 43,7 which means that there is a high
level of inequality in the country. For a quick comparison: Belgium has a Gini index of 25.
( World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators, 2004, p.60; Gini coefficient –
Wikipedia page, 2005 )
2.2.8 Vulnerability of the economy
The vulnerability of Ecuador’s economy is shown by the structure of its merchandise exports.
In 1990 more than half of these exports were fuels. Food was also very important. Other
sectors were hardly represented. As Ecuador is so focused on these two elements, fuels and
food ( mainly bananas and shrimps ), a sudden price crash on world markets for these goods
can cause a severe backlash for the country. The figures show that Ecuador has recognized the
need to diversify. In 2002 fuels no longer accounted for half of the merchandise exports, but
6
9. only 40%. There is now a heavier emphasis on manufactures and agricultural raw materials.
Food remains about at its 1990 level.
Table 2: Structure of merchandise exports as a % of total exports
Agricultural Ores and
Food raw materials Fuels metals Manufactures
1990 44 1 52 0 2
2002 43 7 40 0 10
Source: World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators, 2004, p.198
In order to provide a more positive outlook for Ecuador it is interesting to note that most of
the country’s debt is long term. Although in absolute figures it is still astonishingly high, the
long term nature means relative stability for the government.
Table 3: Debt in $ millions
Total external debt Long-term debt
1990 12107 10029
2002 16452 13828
Source: World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators, 2004, p.242
2.3 Sociocultural
The third element of the PEST-analysis is the sociocultural environment of the country. This
chapter begins with a close look at Ecuador’s population growth rate and age distribution.
Languages and main religious and cultural grouping will be briefly discussed before going
deeper into Ecuador’s educational attainment levels and the role of women in Ecuadorian
society.
2.3.1 Growth rate of population and age distribution
Growth rate
The annual rate of increase of the population is 1,9% ( calculation based on the period 1995-
2001 ). ( UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004 , p.37 )
A large problem for the country is the high infant and maternal mortality rate. The maternal
mortality rate is expressed per 100.000. For 2000-2005 this figure is 210 for Ecuador. The
United States for example only have a maternal mortality rate of 12.
7
10. Table 4: Infant mortality ( per 1000 births )
Ecuador United States
1995-2000 45.6 7,2
2000-2005 41.5 6,7
Source: UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, p.72
Medical infrastructure is obviously not yet up to the standard of developed countries. This is
an area in which the government has to take some much needed measures.
Age distribution
Graphs A16 to A22 give the age distribution for 1990, 1995 and 2000 as well as the predicted
age distribution for 2005,2010,2020 and 2050. The general trend is that the population is
growing older. This shift will put a strain on the social security system although this may be
overcome by a larger contribution being made by the population in the age group of 18-60
years. ( Ecuador – Age Distribution, 2003 )
2.3.2 Languages
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. There is also a Native American language,
Quechua, which is spoken by a small part of the population.
( Ecuador – Wikipedia page, 20 May 2005 )
2.3.3 Main religious and cultural groupings
The national culture of Ecuador is a mixture of European and Amerindian ancestry, called
mestizo. There are also influences from African slaves. The main religion in Ecuador is
Catholicism; about 95% of Ecuadorians are Roman Catholic.
( Culture of Ecuador – Wikipedia page, 2005 )
2.3.4 Educational attainment levels
The years of formal schooling received, on average, by adults over age 15 is only 6,4 in
Ecuador. For the US for example this figure is 12, for Belgium 9,3. Even though in 2000
81.5% of all children entered primary education less than half of the children of official
secondary school age enrolled in secondary education. There is an equal division between
women and men in both primary and secondary education enrolment.
( Ecuador – Education, 2005; UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, p.52 )
8
11. 2.3.5 Role of women
As far as education is concerned: the ratio of female to male enrolments in primary and
secondary school was 97 for 1990/1991 and 100 for 2001/2002 which is very good. Moreover
the literacy gender parity index of 1 in 2002 shows that they receive equal education to men.
( World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators, 2004, p.18, 28 )
Unfortunately this does not translate into a prominent place for women in the domain of
politics or employment as the following figures show. First of all women in parliament as a %
of total seats in 2003 was a mere 16%. Labour force participation of women was 22,5% in
1980 and 35,7% in 2002. The percentage of women constituting the labour force was 20,1%
in 1980 and 28,7% in 2002. This means that over a period of more than 20 years there was a
rise of almost 50%, although in general it is still quite a low figure.
( World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators, 2004, p.28, 42 )
It seems that in Ecuador women get the same chances when it comes to education, but are
often expected to stay home and look after the household chores and the children afterwards.
Nevertheless this situation seems to be changing slowly but surely as the rise in for example
labour force participation shows.
2.4 Technological
2.4.1 Government spending on R&D
Government spending on Research and Development is very low, only 0,09% of GDP.
( World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators, 2004, p.298 )
This has a large influence on for example the country’s technology index. The technology
index “denotes the country's technological readiness. This index is created with such
indicators as companies spending on R&D, the creativity of its scientific community, personal
computer and internet penetration rates.” ( definition from: Ecuador – Economy – Technology
Index, 2004 )
9
12. Ecuador has a technology index of 3.1, placing it on the 85th place in a list of 101 countries
where Belgium occupies the 30th place with an index of 4,59 and where the United States
occupies the top spot with an index of 6.24. ( Ecuador – Economy, 2005 )
It is clear that the Ecuadorian government has to increase its spending on R&D if it wants to
benefit from modern technology and international investment.
2.4.2 Legal Regime for patent protection
Although there is a considerable lack of reliable data it seems that the legal regime for patent
protection in Ecuador has improved immensely in 2001. That year the Office of the United
States Trade Representative ( USTR ) recognized the country’s progress and removed it from
its ‘Watch list’ of countries with weak protection for intellectual property rights.
( USTR Report on Ecuador, 2002 )
Table 5: Patents: applications
Applications for patents
1999 490
2000 11
2001 28909
Source: UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, p.693
As a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Ecuador has ratified
the WIPO Copyright Treaty. Moreover the country has expressed its commitment to apply the
WTO TRIPS Agreement.
( USTR Report on Ecuador, 2002 )
2.4.3 Energy availability and costs
Tables and graphs A23 to A27 show statistics regarding the energy production, consumption
and import/export of Ecuador. The reader should note that these figures represent thousand
metric tons of oil equivalent and kilograms per capita. The data shows that Ecuador mainly
produces liquids. This production rises a little too. As far as consumption is concerned it is
clear that once again liquids feature prominently. The crisis of 1999 left its mark as
consumption fell during that year, but has since risen to its pre-1999 level. Ecuador is a net
exporter when it comes to primary energy. It exports on average about ten times as much
primary energy as it imports. ( UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, p.596-597 )
10
13. Graph A28 shows the production of selected energy commodities. Petroleum products are
crucial for the country’s energy supply. This is also evident when we look at the sources of
electricity for Ecuador ( graphs A29 and A30 ). It is clear that oil is becoming more important.
This reliance could become a problem in the future.
( UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, p.620; World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators,
2004, p.148 )
The energy use in the Ecuadorian economy is rising. World Bank figures show that over the
period 1990-2001 the average annual growth of energy use is 3,4%. For now this is of little
concern for the Ecuadorian government considering the current abundance of primary energy.
( World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators, 2004, p.140 )
2.4.4 Transport infrastructure and costs
In 2002 Ecuador had 202 airports of which 61 had paved ( concrete or asphalt surfaces )
runways. This is quite good compared to the whole world, but in comparison to other South-
American countries Ecuador is clearly behind. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela,
Colombia and Chile all have more airports with paved runways. Moreover Ecuador only has
one helicopter take-off and landing site. The total length of its highway system is 43.197 km.
Unfortunately only 8.164 km are paved. Ecuador also is clearly behind when it comes to its
railway network. This network only has a length of 966 km. Ecuador does have decent
pipelines for gas, oil and refined products and it has five major ports and harbours (
Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, La Libertad, Manta, Puerto Bolivar and San Lorenzo ).
( Ecuador – Transportation, 2005; Transportation – Airports with paved runways, 2005 )
In general we can say that the Ecuadorian government needs to invest more in the transport
infrastructure. Enough funds need to be made available not only for construction but also for
maintenance in order to attract more international businesses.
11
14. 3. Conclusion
As the preliminary version of this paper was finished before the forced resignation of Lucio
Gutiérrez as president of Ecuador the chapter concerning the political-legal environment
needed to be partially rewritten for this final version. The last paragraph of the concerned
chapter in the preliminary version was: ‘Given the country’s recent track record of failing
presidencies and Guttiérrez’ crumbling political support it only seems like a matter of time
before Ecuador is once again thrown in political turmoil allowing a new generation of
populist leaders to attempt to seize power.’ Prophetic words it seems.
Although newly-elected president Alfredo Palacio undoubtedly will try his very best to
restore confidence in the government it should be clear that Ecuador’s political instability is
the single largest problem for international businesses to invest in the country. Not only the
first chapter of this paper needed to be rewritten. Companies looking for the best combination
between their own strengths and weaknesses and the target country’s environment have
business plans. A dramatic change such as Ecuador witnessed means that these companies
need to adjust their business plans accordingly. Business likes stability and looking at
Ecuador’s track record that is exactly what the country cannot guarantee.
Nevertheless there are certain business opportunities in Ecuador today. An important factor
for these opportunities is the fixed exchange rate ( dollarization ) which has brought relative
stability in the economy. A first opportunity is the oil industry. The production of petroleum
products is already very important for the country but as prices on the international markets
rise Ecuador’s oil reserves will become even more attractive. A second business opportunity
stems from the low wage levels. As workers are not highly qualified this is mainly interesting
for labour intensive industries. A third business opportunity is in the domain of the transport
infrastructure. In general, the construction of roads, airports and railroad tracks would be
beneficial for the country in attracting more international investment.
It remains to be seen whether Ecuador can convince the international business world that its
political instability is a thing of the past and not once more of the future.
12
15. 4. Bibliography
A coup by Congress and the street, 25 April 2005, On-line available at:
http://www.economist.com/agenda/PrinterFriendly.cfm?Story_ID=3893731
Culture of Ecuador – Wikipedia page, 13 April 2005, On-line available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Ecuador
Deloitte & Touche – Ecuador Snapshot, 2005, On-line available at:
http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/article/0,1002,sid%3D24295%26cid%3D59809,00.html
Ecuador – Age Distribution, 17 July 2003, On-line available at:
http://www.nationmaster.com/country/ec/Age_distribution
Ecuador – Economy, 2005, On-line available at:
http://www.nationmaster.com/country/ec/Economy&b_define=1
Ecuador – Economy – Technology Index, 2004, On-line available at:
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/eco_tec_ind
Ecuador – Education, 2005, On-line available at:
http://www.nationmaster.com/country/ec/Education
EcuadorExports.com, 2005
http://www.ecuadorexports.com/economictrends.htm
Ecuador – Transportation, 2005, On-line available at:
http://www.nationmaster.com/country/ec/Transportation
Ecuador – Wikipedia page, 20 May 2005, On-line available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecuador
13
16. Gabriel García Moreno – Wikipedia page, 14 April 2005, On-line available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Garcia_Moreno
Gini coefficient – Wikipedia page, 26 May 2005, On-line available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gini_index
LatinFocus, 2005
http://www.latin-focus.com/latinfocus/countries/ecuador/ecueisum.htm
Lucio Gutierrez: Ecuador's populist leader, 25 November 2002, On-line available at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/2511113.stm
Lucio Gutiérrez – Wikipedia page, 26 May 2005, On-line available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucio_Guti%E9rrez
Prescher, D., Haskins, S., 2004, Ecuador Business Opportunities By The Bucketful, On-line
available at: http://www.escapeartist.com/International_Living/Ecuador.html
Presidents of Ecuador – Wikipedia page, 25 April 2005, On-line available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Presidents_of_Ecuador
The World Bank, 30.09.2004, On-line available at:
http://www.worldbank.org/data/countrydata/aag/ecu_aag.pdf
Transportation – Airports with paved runways, 2005, On-line available at:
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/tra_air_wit_pav_run_tot
UN Statistical Yearbook, 2004, United Nations – Department of Economic and Social Affairs
– Statistics Division, New York
USTR Report on Ecuador, 2002, On-line available at:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=U&start=1&q=http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/
Reports_Publications/2002/2002_NTE_Report/asset_upload_file6_6390.pdf&e=10053
14
17. World Bank – 2004 World Development Indicators, 2004, The International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank, Washington
15