DEVELOPING NATIONS COMPETE TO COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
EMERGING NATIONS -- Emerging countries are caught in a bind that pushes and pulls them to catch up with developed nations,
while keeping labor and other production costs at bay. To this end, many companies from developed nations
are providing resources and expertise to help emerging countries meet the world's growing demand for goods
manufactured abroad.
Financial pressures and foreign demand for goods produced in emerging countries
is forcing local governments and local companies to address these issues -- of technology and environmental
standards that comply with international agreements -- despite insufficient resources.
Many companies from advanced countries are requiring ISO certification from companies bidding on contracts.
In response, emerging nations like Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines have agreed to
manufacture according to international specifications with the stipulation that developed nations (i.e.
Japan and the USA) provide them with the new technology. As a result, some local companies are complying with the
international agreements ahead of schedule. (International agreements required advanced nations, for
example, to ban chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as of 1995 and developing nations by 2010.) In
fact, Thailand was the first developing country to ban the use of CFCs in the Asia/Pacific region.
Nevertheless, only eight Thai organizations have ISO certification.
Noncompliance with these international standards has resulted in significant losses for some companies.
For example, the International Monetary Fund suspended a US$20 million loan to Cambodia last year
because of concerns about deforestation. Later that year, the Cambodian government banned
timber exports to Thailand.
[Cont'd]
[Continued]
...Environmental Standards
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CPC GROWS BUSINESS IN SPAIN THROUGH STARLUX ACQUISITION
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Despite intent to comply with international standards, developing nations simply do not have the resources.
According to Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry and Japanese Industry, the
countries of China, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and India combined would have to spend
US$139.1 billion to develop an infrastructure for pollution-control safeguards similar to Japan's, in addition
to substantial operating expenses.
Companies from developing countries seeking international contracts will find it increasingly important
to invest in environmental measures that comply with international standards due to market demands and
pressure from international organizations.
Reader's Comments
(Source: YOUR LINK HERE)
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SPAIN -- CPC International Inc. (with a US$3.7 billion European business) announced the acquisition of
the Starlux business in Spain from Groupe Danone and Findim Investments S.A. early
this month. CPC demonstrates its commitment to growth in that market as this move triples their
business in Spain. And it supports their strategy to build sales and profits within their
core packaged foods businesses abroad.
Starlux products are marketed in both the retail and foodservice
sectors; had sales of $160 million among its product lines that include: Starlux bouillons and
Nocilla chocolate hazelnut spreads. Both are leading Spanish brands in their categories.
Starlux' portfolio also includes tomato products and Suenos de Oro herbal teas, among others.
These products strengthen CPC's core brands which include the Knorr line of soups, sauces, bouillons and
mealmakers; Hellmann's mayonnaise; Maizena corn starch and desserts; and Horniman's teas.
(Source: YOUR LINK HERE)
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RISING CHOCOLATE PRICES IN EUROPE
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RUSSIAN TEA CONSUMPTION MAY BE ON DECLINE
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LONDON, UK -- Consumers in Europe may see the price of chocolate go up by year-end while European
confectionery companies are keeping an eye on ingredient prices. The industry
anticipates that prices may increase by as much as 15%. Industry experts anticipate that
buying cocoa beans will be more expensive this year due to Britain's strong currency.
(Source: YOUR LINK HERE)
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RUSSIA -- Russia is expected to enforce an increase in import duties on tea this month. This could
have serious ramifications on consumption there. Some estimates indicate that tea
consumption could decline by 7 - 12% if the increase is imposed.
(Source: YOUR LINK HERE)
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PRODIGY'S CHINA LAUNCH DELAYED
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SHANGHAI, China -- Prodigy's announcement to launch in China has been delayed due to regulatory "snags." It is expected
to be running locally, in Shanghai, by July. This 80% Prodigy-owned joint venture with the
China North Industries Corp. (Norinco) Group (which owns the other 20%), competes head-on with
the country's main internet provider, Chinanet, a subsidiary of China's telecommunications ministry.
Prodigy plans to invest US$50 million in this venture over the next 3 years. In anticipation of running
"live" by next month, Prodigy has signed up "thousands" of customers at the approx. rate of US$30 for
30 hours/month.
(Source: YOUR LINK HERE)
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