China: business, markets and the new world order
30 Apr 03
The essence of business is dealing with a future about which we know little. With even greater uncertainty on today's global stage where business, politics and society are intrinsically linked, how can businesses make realistic judgements about the business environments that will develop?
The SARS outbreak illustrates how sudden and significant the impact of global events can be on business. The world economy,from China to Canada, has already felt the effects of SARS, with particularly sharp falls in tourism and travel. Export industries are also being hit. At a regional level, the World Bank has said that SARS and the aftermath of the war in Iraq are likely to knock almost one-sixth off economic growth in Asia alone this year.
In China: the race to market, published by Financial Times Prentice Hall, Jonathan Story highlights just how integrated into the global system China has become, and explores its place in creating both opportunity and alarm for the international business community:
"Since the Asian financial crash in 1997-98, China has become the favourite target for multinational investment in the world," says Story, a leading international expert on business, politics and economic transformation. "Now, China too is under suspicion that the gloss is off the boom. The bad news for China is that financial markets anywhere do not like geopolitical uncertainty."
Beyond these recent events, it is essential for businesses to understand the forces shaping China's long-term future. Markets, politics, demographics and technology all have a role to play. China: the race to market offers an informed judgement about where China is heading and what this means for business people. Whatever the developments, China's present and future challenges are the business world's future opportunity.
China: the race to market, by Jonathan Story, published 20th May by Financial Times Prentice Hall, priced £24.99. To buy this book click here.
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