The Knowledge to Decide

Germany is the fourth largest global economy today. Its exports amounted to EUR107 billion in March 2015 – an all-time high since the 1950’s. Despite being the only European nation with a strong manufacturing base and rising employment rate, will Germany succeed to drive Eurozone’s stagnant economy? And what lessons does Germany’s economic success hold for the rest of the world? Germany’s resurgence With the second lowest unemployment rate in the European Union (EU) at 5.3 per cent, Germany’s economy has survived many setbacks. The economic success dates back to the Industrial Revolution due to the early adoption of coal production and rail transportation. Moreover, the fall of the Berlin Wall – the reunification of West and East Germany – and the expansion of the EU created huge market opportunities for Germany. Often regarded as the ‘Sick man of Europe’, Germany had almost lost hope of returning to rapid economic growth, undergoing recessions in 2003 and a dismal 1.2 p

The Middle East is sometimes viewed as an economic failure story. But at the Western fringe of that region, a new global economic powerhouse is rising – Turkey, the transcontinental country positioned strategically between Asia and Europe. With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD786 billion for 2014, the nation opens its doors to investment across multiple sectors. Will Turkey continue to be a safe haven for investment and can it be a springboard into Europe and the Middle East? Turkey’s steady progression The 1980’s marked a turning point in Turkey’s history. The liberalizing reforms by visionary Prime Minister, Turgut Ozal opened up the economy. Even though the latter years were marred by economic disruption, the Kurdish conflict and a banking crisis, Turkey’s economy consolidated its gains after 2002 when the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came into government. The AKP have since made concerted efforts to institute structural reforms, new fiscal policies and macroe

Africa’s fashion industry is emerging as a serious global competitor and one that is known for its daring use of bright hues. Sub-Saharan Africa’s apparel and footwear market is now worth an estimated USD 31 billion. Singer Beyonce recently wore the Maki Oh label from Nigeria. African design houses are not limited to fashion but make luxurious accessories and jewelry. The rising fashion industry is good news for African economies. Textile factories are growing in number and capacity. However, the industry has been calling on African governments to invest more in training, finance and credit schemes as well as improved transportation infrastructure. This is necessary to help the industry attract the investment it needs to be competitive. Can Africa become a global fashion powerhouse? https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/africa-the-rising-star-in-fashion/