The annual Country Brand Index (CBI) report by the global brand and innovation consultancy company documents perceptions for 2011 to 2012 of 113 nations to uncover the drivers behind the development of a country’s brand.

It says the five main influences of a brand are values, quality of life, business, culture and tourism. If a place is able to improve a person’s life, others will then be encouraged to visit, do business and build their lives there.

Australia is ranked as having the fifth strongest branding behind countries including Canada, Switzerland and New Zealand.

With a population of 34, 030 589 and 2009-10 GDP growth of over three percent, the survey says Canada is ranked first for its stable political system, tolerant society and policies that encourage immigration. Coming in second, Switzerland has a strong brand based on its skiing, festivals and food.

In comparison Australia has a population of 21, 766 711 and 2009-10 GDP growth of more than two percent. The country is known for its almost universally positive reputation, offering both the exotic and familiar in an English-speaking society that integrates well internationally.

Countries with the strongest brands performed well in all dimensions of life, business and travel, with weaker ones having no recognisable profiles in any of these.

Australia was ranked 10^th for its value system but was perceived well in areas concerning quality of life, coming second in both areas of job opportunity and places people would most like to live.

It was ranked 11^th as good for business and 8^th for tourism but did not make it to the top 25 for heritage and culture.

More than 40 Australian companies successfully expanded their operations to the UK last year with the help of UKTI, joining around 1,000 Australian businesses that are already operating there.

The competition invites those looking to expand into the UK to submit their business plan online by 3 February 2012, with finalists to be announced later that month. Go UK winners will be flown return by British Airways to London, and will be offered meetings with potential business partners, contacts and networking opportunities, a free limited company, business services and ongoing support from UKTI.

Director General of UKTI in Australia and New Zealand Richard Morris, says now is the opportune time to launch in the UK; especially those businesses with an eye to expand further into Europe.

“The UK is the easiest place in Europe to do business and has the least barriers to entrepreneurship in the world. Just as Australia can be a gateway to Asia, the UK is the gateway to Europe and a combined population of around 500 million people.”

Promoting the UK as the world’s sixth largest economy, Morris says that businesses of all sizes should be looking to apply to Go UK. “Everyone has heard about Macquarie, Westfield, BHP Billiton, NAB and others at the big end of town. But not so many people know about the SMEs that crack the UK market every year.”

Adding that the UK’s economy is poised to grow with the Olympics just around the corner, and that the Australian dollar is continuing its strong value, Morris is keen to promote Go UK as a promising entry into the market, following the success of a similar initiative, UK Market Entry, run last year.

To enter, visit here.

The reason for this is simple. China’s “Going Out” strategy is designed (amongst other things) to reduce the country’s significant exposure to US Treasuries by investing in a diverse range of corporate, financial and other real assets around the world. This has caused a wave of activity in many countries, with new deals announced on almost a daily basis (particularly between the BRIC countries) and regular Chinese delegations to developed countries looking for investment opportunities (Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was in Britain this week announcing an ambitious trade target of $100 billion between Britain and China by 2015). As a result, Chinese holdings of US debt has already fallen to US$1.145 trillion which is 2.6% lower than its October 2010 peak of US$1.175 trillion. But this is just the beginning!

Whilst much of the recent and most publicised activity amongst Chinese investors has been in the resources sector, those with an eye to the future will remember that China’s long term challenge and goal is to move from a “dirty, low margin, low cost, low quality, product manufacturing economy to one which is supported by a robust service sector, by increased consumerism and by a shift to high end, high margin, clean manufacturing.” Consequently, their longer term focus is on securing access and ownership of a much broader range of capabilities, from clean technology, renewable energy, food and luxury goods to tourism, education and professional services.

As a result of the above, every entrepreneur, company or institution should be looking to position itself as an attractive target for Chinese investors to (a) access new capital to improve, expand and/or export their capabilities, products and services, and (b) secure a Chinese partner to target new customers, clients and buyers in the world’s fastest growing economy.

So, how do you go about it? The following is an over-simplification of the process but creates a framework from which to start the planning process:

Step 1 – Prepare your business or idea for a Chinese investor
Remember this is all about them, not you! You need to put yourself in the shoes of a Chinese investor and consider your proposition, offer or opportunity from their perspective. For example, are your documents written in Chinese? Are you providing sufficient detail for them to understand your offer? Are you making too many assumptions about their level of understanding? Do your projections take into account a China market entry strategy? Are your growth targets sufficient to excite them? Are they believable after being subjected to scrutiny?

Step 2 – Source Chinese investors
Research the market and identify the different investor segments that apply to you and your offer? Perhaps they are business migrants or entrepreneurs? Or Government officials from China’s new third tier cities? Or existing Chinese businesses who are trying to expand their global footprint by partnering with leading players in foreign markets? The range of possibilities is almost endless so you have to be very targeted and focused before you can seek help and reach out to suitable investors.

“We need to do better than play catch up [with other states], we need to be number one in terms of trade,” he told his newly sworn-in cabinet on Sunday. O’Farrell has already indicated he will take charge of trade delegations to both India and China within the first six months of his leadership.

Stoner announced he had delegated his roads portfolio in order to focus on attracting foreign investment for NSW. “We don’t intend to shy away from looking outward to do better in terms of opportunities for business and the economy for NSW.”

Stoner has previously said he will look to desert countries in the Middle East and Africa to find markets for Australian farm produce.

The new deputy premier said overseas travel was a necessary part of pursuing new trade links. “That was a pre-election commitment.”

This potential has been recognised by both countries’ governments through a series of memoranda of understanding agreed over the last decade. These cover agriculture, mining, education and training and energy as well as health cooperation and formalising of political consultations.

In 2006 Australia and Mexico initiated a process aimed to strengthen trade and investment between the two countries, which included the mooting of a free trade agreement and a jointly hosted Joint Trade and Investment Commission in Mexico City in April 2010.

Established exporters

In the last 10 years bilateral trade between Australia and Mexico has increased by almost 200 percent and Australian export in trade and services is now valued at approximately $803 million.

Coal is the most significant export, having more than tripled since 2007 and accounting for over half of the total value of exports. “Beyond coal there are important opportunities in the energy sector,” says Radek Divis, Austrade’s trade commissioner in Mexico. “One of those is in engineering and consultancy services. Another area of opportunity is in the sale of mining equipment, technology and services.”

Other Australian exports include primary industry exports such as live animals, meat, dairy, wool, leather and wine; building products, IT and electronic technology; professional and financial services and tourism.

In spite of its dependence on the United States as its major trade partner, which meant the Mexican economy took a king hit with the global economic crisis, in 2010 the banking system remained strongly captalised at around 15-16 percent and infrastructure investment reached a historic maximum, providing a positive environment for continued growth for exports in these areas. “There’s major investment going on in improving infrastructure in roads, airports and ports,” Divis reports.

Existing exporters

The Mexican government has pursued an agenda of modernising the energy sector since 2000, with large budgets assigned to the three leading federal agencies for traditional energy sources. Mexico has also aligned itself with environmentally focused initiatives and is a potential market for liquified natural gas, while the oil industry continues to generate demand for related equipment and technology.

Similarly, the long established mining industry (silver, bismuth, lead, tin and copper) is well regulated, attracting investment and direct participation from entrepreneurial Australian companies as well as technolgy and service providers.

Mexico is Australia’s fifth largest market for education and training, with increased demand for training to increase productivity and skills across the major energy, mining, agriculture and food processing sectors anticipated as a flow-on effect from current governmental reforms intended to boost the economy.

“Mexico is looking to increase its proportion of liquified natural gas in its supply and in its energy mix. In the next few years I think there will be opportunities for Australian suppliers of LNG exports and the whole area of clean or alternative energies which is also expected to increase as part of Mexico’s energy production,” Divis predicts.

Over 60 investment experts will be speaking at daily seminars on everything from shares, super and property to resources, foreign exchange and the global markets, to a dedicated seminar stream in Mandarin Chinese and a Workshop for Women dedicated to educating female investors of all levels.

Stockbrokers, financial advisers, trading experts, technical chartists and representatives from groups such as the Australian Investors Association, Australian Shareholders Association, Australian Technical Analysts Association and the Australian Taxation Office will be present.

The educational program will focus on how to counter the many concerns investors have today including how to hedge against another market crash, identify smaller hot stocks and trade currencies.

Michael McCarthy, head of dealing at City Index, says there has been a fundamental change in markets in the past months and traders need to change their approach accordingly.

“Some of the extreme market volatilities that we’ve seen recently mean that traders and investors should put risk management on top of their priorities to protect their investment.”

Expo details

Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
Darling Drive, Darling Harbour (Enter Hall 5)
Dates: Friday 29 and Saturday 30 October 2010
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm daily
For more information go to www.tradingandinvestingexpo.com.au
Expo tickets: $15 at door or book online and save $5. Enquiries call 1300 889 655.

Seminars: Main Stage, Exhibitor, Resources and Chinese Seminars all free on entry. In-depth 60-90 minute seminars from $20, bookings essential.

Includes free entry to the Home Buyer & Property Investor Show and the Resources Investment Expo.

1. India has a GDP of US$1.3 trillion and is the eighth-largest economy in the world.
2. Economic growth will see India’s GDP grow five times over the next 20 years.
3. Diverse economy and a strong services sector offers a wide range of business opportunities.
4. Demographically, India is one of the youngest countries in the world, with a large working age population.
5. India’s high domestic savings mean significant investment will be made in infrastructure over the next 10 years.
6. India’s emerging middle class are boosting domestic consumption in a strong consumer market.
7. A robust and well-regulated financial system helped India weather the GFC without major difficulties.
8. The Indian stock market has delivered investment returns of 15 percent per annum in the last 10 years.

To read the full article, click here.

Cahn dispelled a few myths about the UK’s economy, pointing to its solid economic growth in this year’s June quarter as well as falls in unemployment and an encouraging 15.5 percent hike in exports.

According to UKTI, the UK is the second largest investor in Australia with $24.3 billion on our shores. It is also Australia’s fifth largest trading partner, worth almost $500 billion.

The strong Australian economy is also a factor in the UK’s increasing interest, said Richard Morris, British Consul-General and Director-General of UKTI Australasia.

“Many British companies are looking at the Australian market right now because of Australia’s continued strong economic performance, with 1.2 percent growth in the June quarter, and the competitive exchange rate,” he said.

“At UKTI Australia, we’ve never been busier and this surge in business should be beneficial to both of our
economies.”

The delegation will meet with Westpac Banking Corporation for a business and economic briefing on the Australian market and Curwoods Lawyers for an Australian legal and accounting briefing.

Here are at least eight reasons why India is a seriously compelling story for investors:

1. Size of India

India’s GDP is currently US$1.3 trillion, making it the eighth largest economy in the world. However, in PPP terms, which recognises India’s low cost base, the GDP notionally rises to three times this amount (US$3.8 trillion) which places it on a similar size to Japan and, by 2013, it will become the third largest economy in the world (after the USA and China) in PPP terms. However, despite representing 7.5 percent of Global GDP (on a PPP basis) in 2010, India attracts less than 0.5 percent of investment inflows. An anomaly which is unlikely to continue for much longer!

2. Economic growth

India’s economy is currently growing by 8.75 percent per annum (in 2010) and this GDP growth rate is expected to increase to 9-10 percent per annum for each of the next 10 years. India’s GDP will grow five times in the next 20 years, and GDP per capita will almost quadruple.

3. Diversity

The Indian economy offers investors exposure to a wide range of opportunities from consumer goods and pharmaceuticals to infrastructure, energy and agriculture. With its strong services sector (comprising 50 percent of India’s economy), particularly in knowledge-based services (IT, software and business services) India has proved that industrialisation and the export of commodities and resources is not the only path to rapid economic development.

4. Demographics

India is one of the youngest countries in the world, with an average age of 25 and likely to get younger. India’s working-age population will increase by 240 million over the next 20 years. With a population of 1.2 billion, a strong work ethic, high levels of education, democracy, English language skills and an entrepreneurial culture, India is poised to dominate the global economy in the next 20 years.

5. High Savings

With a savings rate of 37 percent of GDP, India’s domestic savings fuels most of its investment requirements, and only 20 percent of India’s total public debt is sourced from foreign borrowing. With significant investment to be made in upgrading India’s poor infrastructure in the next 10 years (estimated to be US$1.7 trillion) India’s government is taking various steps to further encourage private and foreign investments.

6. Domestic economy

India’s domestic consumption, generally led by the private sector, has played a significant role in India’s growth and is expected to remain firm as more people enter the workforce and the emerging middle classes. India’s wealthiest consumers (those earning US$1 million or more in PPP terms) will increase by 40 million in the next 10 years! Every sector within India’s consumer market is booming, making India far less vulnerable to external shocks and pressures than other emerging markets.

7. Robust financial sector

India has a robust, diversified and well regulated financial system which has allowed it to weather the global financial crisis without any major difficulties and present an image of quality, resilience and transparency. India’s banking sector is strong, with top quality balance sheets, high levels of competition (there are around 80 banks in India) and strong corporate governance.

8. Quality of Investment Markets

The Bombay Stock Exchange is the second oldest in the world (165 years) and offers investors a low cost, highly efficient, modern and well governed environment in which to prosper from India’s extraordinary economic growth. The Indian stockmarket has generated investment returns of over 15 percent per annum for the last 10 years and experts expect this rate to increase in the next decade. More significantly perhaps, Indian investors have doubled their money over the last three years at a time when many have lost money in almost every other market.

Don’t take my word for it: talk to investment professionals and advisers who can offer you objective and independent forward-thinking advice. But don’t wait another 10 years to find that India offered a compelling investment story, or you might be too late!

I am grateful to Bharat Shah and my friends at ASK Investment Managers for their assistance with some of the points made above, and hope that ASK and other Indian specialists will continue to promote Indian investment opportunities in Australia.

—David Thomas is CEO of Think Global

Ranked the seventh largest investor in the UK, Australia has increased its projects to the motherland in the last year, despite overall investment in the UK dropping by seven percent. However, the UK fared well against continental Europe, where investment fell by 10 percent on average.

Prime Minister David Cameron maintained the importance of inward investment. “Attracting and retaining inward investment is hugely important for our economic recovery. We are determined to deliver the pro-business environment investors need; getting the deficit down to create certainty and stability, cutting business taxes, delivering flexible employment and cutting red tape and regulation,” he said.

“Whether your company is established here, expanding here or relocating here Britain is back open for business and it’s going to be better than before – and better than the competition.”

Paul Noon, director of UK Trade & Investment in Australia, said the figures were encouraging. “The continuing strong results from Australia clearly demonstrate the high level of interest Australian companies have in the UK market – it’s the natural European investment destination for Australia,” he said.

“The continued economic strength of the Australian economy and the Aussie dollar, as well as the UK’s overall attractiveness as a destination for FDI, means it’s a great time for Aussie businesses in the UK.”

Businesses such as virtual office providers Servcorp, employment agency The Sarina Russo Group and Macquarie Bank have projects in the UK.