Argentina-Brazil: Trade Trouble Ahead?

Will Brazil's new government will be quicker to react to Argentina's non-tariff trade barriers than its predecessors?

Trouble began brewing in February, when Argentina lengthened the list of Brazilian-made products that no longer qualify for its automatic import licenses from 400 to 600. One of the first sectors to take a hit was Brazil's footwear manufacturing. After the U.S. and the U.K., Argentina is the biggest market for Brazilian shoes.

Learn more over at Knowledge at Wharton: "The Ties That Bind: A new Twist in Brazil-Argentina Trade Tactics?

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

The Hero Group

As managing director of Hero Motors and Hero Cycles (Hero Group), Pankaj Munjal (pictured left) oversees the company's two-wheeler production as well as its global auto components business.

In an interview with India Knowledge@Wharton at the 2010 Wharton India Economic Forum, the auto aficionado spoke about why his firm is focused on the small-car market, what he looks for in new hires, and what toys he likes to take for a drive.

Note: The Hero Group comprises of 20 companies, 300 ancillary suppliers, deep market penetration with over 5,000 outlets, 23,000 + employees and has a turnover of US$ 3.20 billion (FY 2006).

Read the interview here.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Open to International Investors: Indonesia

Why is Indonesia so ripe to international investment opportunities?

Indonesia has a very positive story to tell -- for openers, its economy is on track to hit $1 trillion in GDP by 2014. The country is the third-largest democracy in the world and it is in a demographic sweet spot -- half its population is under 30.

Read more on why Indonesia might be a good place to invest or export to -- here.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog