Competitive horizon
Article Type: General review From: Strategic Direction, Volume 31, Issue 11
Worldwide growth in demand for plastic pipe expected
According to research conducted by Freedonia, global demand for plastic pipe is set for an annual increase of 6.7 per cent through to the end of 2019. The US-based group cites construction booms in China and the USA as key to the projected growth. Greater usage of plastic pipe in agriculture, energy and industrial sectors is likewise regarded as significant. Consumption is expected to rise to 9 per cent in China during this period, even though investment in construction is set to slow down. Freedonia also believes that economic recovery will increase demand for plastic pipe in parts of Western and Eastern Europe. Planned improvements to water and sewerage systems within developing nations in Asia, Africa and South America provide further scope for optimism in the sector. The report, as published by http://www.prw.com, notes that plastic pipe is superior to materials such as copper, steel and concrete in terms of cost, performance and installation.
How to establish a base within a foreign market
UK entrepreneurs setting up a permanent base overseas following successful export of their goods or services should do their homework first, an article published by http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk points out. Finding a suitable location that provides favorable regulations and access to skilled workers should be a priority at the outset. Research into potential markets is equally important and entrepreneurs can seek assistance from international trade advisors to identify appropriate support networks. Attending overseas events and trade fairs are other ways of building key contacts and attracting customers. Finding a suitable business partner in the host nation might prove a shrewd way of acquiring important local knowledge more quickly. It can also help ascertain whether offerings should be adapted for the new market. However, the need to properly vet potential partners is emphasized. Checking the credit ratings of customers is equally vital. The report additionally notes the importance of having adequate funding in place, especially given that many foreign ventures can be loss-making at first. Becoming aware of the different local and UK taxes which apply to the business is among other key recommendations in the article.
Trade agreement set to boost auto industry
Boosting the auto trade by a minimum of 20 per cent can be achieved if safety and environmental regulations in Europe and the USA are brought into line, research carried out by the Petersen Institute of International Economics claims. The study contends that such growth can be attained if the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the European Union (EU) and the USA proves beneficial to the sector. Synchronizing the present regulatory systems will increase competition but realize benefits such as greater collaboration and lower tax costs. Petersen suggests that an extra 240,000 vehicles will be traded across the Atlantic each year, resulting in over $20 billion of extra revenue. The report, as published by http://www.wardsauto.com, acknowledges existing contradictions in the respective systems and proposes that harmonizing where similarities are evident might prove the best way forward. With EU and US safety records being compatible, the expectation is that mutually recognizing other methods and regulations will not have a negative impact in this respect.
Food industry to benefit from new technology
A report published by http://www.foodnavigator.com points out that high-pressure processing (HPP) will become central to food manufacturing in Europe over the next decade. Cold plasma, microwaving and UV processing are among the other technology trends expected to emerge, according to a survey of food experts in the region. The report notes that HPP is attractive because the cold pasteurization technique used removes the need for the inclusion of additives or heat treatment. Cost is viewed as the main obstacle to adoption of the technology, while training and information shortage are other potential obstacles. However, use of HPP can positively impact on freshness and enable foods produced with the technology to be sold at a premium price.
