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Global Market Expansion with Open Export

Welcome to Open Export, your trusted partner in global market expansion. With a proven track record of success, we specialize in facilitating the entry of American products into key markets around the world. Explore the possibilities and discover how Open Export can guide your business towards international success.

Market Expertise

Our

European Division

Albania

Austria

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Türkiye

Hungary

Italy

Kazakhstan

Latvia

Lithuania

Moldova

Netherlands

Romania

Russia

Serbia

Slovenia

Slovakia

Sweden

Overview

Europe, a tapestry of diverse cultures and economies, presents immense opportunities for American businesses. Open Export understands the intricacies of the European market and tailors solutions for a seamless entry

Services Offered

Our consultancy and partner search services are crafted to meet the unique demands of European expansion. We provide comprehensive support for businesses of all sizes, ensuring a smooth journey into the European market

─── Head of European Expansion

Our esteemed Head of European Expansion is a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for international growth. At the forefront of our endeavors to expand businesses into new horizons, this dedicated professional brings a comprehensive understanding of the European market.

With a proven track record in guiding companies through successful expansions, our Head of European Expansion embodies strategic prowess, market acumen, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their leadership sets the standard for our team, ensuring that businesses entering the European market receive the expert guidance needed for triumph.

Our

Middle East Division

Bahrain

Egypt

Oman

Israel

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Yemen

Jordan

Kuwait

Overview

The Middle East, a strategic hub of commerce, beckons American products seeking new horizons. Open Export navigates the complexities of this market, opening doors for businesses looking to thrive.

Services Offered

Our expertise in the Middle East market spans various industries. From market analysis to strategic partnerships, we guide you at every step of the way.

─── Head of Middle East Expansion
Our dedicated Head of Middle East Expansion. With a wealth of experience and a passion for international growth, leads our efforts in expanding businesses into new horizons.
As a seasoned expert in the field, our team brings years of experience in guiding companies through successful expansions. Their strategic insights, market acumen, and commitment to excellence make them an invaluable leader on our team.

Our

Brics+ Division

Argentina

Brazil

China

Egypt

Ethiopia

India

Iran

Russia

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

UAE

Overview

The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—hold immense potential for American exports. Open Export facilitates market entry and development strategies tailored for each unique market.

Services Offered

Discover our specialized services designed to help American businesses navigate the complexities of the BRICS markets. From regulatory considerations to cultural nuances, we’ve got you covered.

─── Head of BRICS+ Expansion

At the helm of our BRICS+ expansion initiatives is our Head of BRICS+, a distinguished expert with a profound dedication to fostering international success. With years of experience, this leader plays a pivotal role in steering companies through the complexities and opportunities within the BRICS+ markets.

Our Head of BRICS+ brings strategic insights, market foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, making them an indispensable leader within our team. Their expertise is instrumental in guiding businesses toward thriving in the dynamic markets of the BRICS+ region.

Our

APAC Division

Australia

Japan

South Korea

New Zealand

Thailand

Overview

Unlock the vast potential of the Asia & Pacific (APAC) region with Open Export. Our expertise in facilitating market entry and development strategies tailored for each unique market within APAC positions your business for success.

Services Offered

Explore our specialized services crafted to guide American businesses through the intricacies of the diverse APAC markets. From navigating regulatory landscapes to understanding cultural nuances, we are your trusted partner in APAC expansion.

─── Head of APAC Expansion

Meet our accomplished Head of APAC Expansion, a visionary leader with a profound dedication to navigating the vast landscapes of the Asia & Pacific markets. At the forefront of our efforts to usher businesses into this dynamic region, our Head of APAC combines extensive experience with a passion for international growth.

Bringing a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights, our Head of APAC is a guiding force in steering companies through the intricacies and opportunities that the diverse APAC markets present. Their commitment to excellence ensures that businesses entering the Asia & Pacific region receive the tailored guidance needed for triumphant expansion.

In 2004, the former CEO of Parragh Rt. Dr László Parragh was again re-elected for another four-year period as the President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With an experience spanning over 150 years, the HCCI (Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) main role is to strengthen the Hungarian economy by providing a stable business environment for the regions domestic entrepreneurs. The chamber represents small, medium and large organisations and currently has over 45, 000 national chamber members. In reference to the 2005-2008 strategy of the HCCI, key objectives include promoting the general interests of the Hungarian economy through supporting and fostering EU integration of businesses, the development of a training system that abides by strict labour market requirements and the establishment of the National Development Plan which will cover the EU budget period for 2007-2013.

“At the international level, the Chamber’s objectives include the provision of assistance to Hungarian entrepreneurs in foreign markets, in particular preparing them for successful contribution to the European integration, and the creation of opportunities to co-operate with the business world of neighbouring countries. The international relationships developing amongst chambers are worth mentioning – bilateral co-operation agreements have been signed with almost all neighbouring countries – and the Chamber has joined the multinational co-operation agreement of the chambers in CEFTA countries. In 1996, the Hungarian National Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Hungary) was set up in Budapest.”

Population (2014 est.): 9,919,128 (growth rate: –0.21%); birth rate: 9.26/1000; infant mortality rate: 5.09/1000; life expectancy: 75.46

Economic summary: GDP/PPP(2013 est.): $196.6 billion; per capita $19,800

Real growth rate: 0.2%.

Inflation: 1.9%.

Industries: mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles.

Exports: $92.98 billion (2013 est.): machinery and equipment 53.5%, other manufactures 31.2%, food products 8.7%, raw materials 3.4%, fuels and electricity 3.9% (2012).

Imports: $89.52 billion (2013 est.): machinery and equipment 45.4%, other manufactures 34.3%, fuels and electricity 12.6%, food products 5.3%, raw materials 2.5% (2012).

Internet users: 6.176 million (2009).

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania organized during Thursday January 29, 2015, a Reception in the honour of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Bucharest.

The event, that took place at Romexpo Exhibition Centre, pinpointed the special contribution of foreign diplomats to the national development of the economy, through the support given to bilateral commercial relations between Romania and various states of the world.

In his speech, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, Mr. Mihai Daraban thanked the Ambassadors and representatives of the Diplomatic Missions for their involvement in intensifying the international economic cooperation and stimulating global investments. The CCIR President underlined the importance of the partnership between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania and the foreign Embassies in Bucharest, which contributes to developing businesses.

Mrs. Angela Filote, Head of the Bucharest Office of the European Commission, thanked the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania for its approaches to promote businesses. Mrs. Filote mentioned the central role of businesses in the European Commission’s approach to diminish the effects of the economic crisis, inviting CCIR to be a partner of the EC in implementing the pan-European investment plan which is meant to revitalize the economy of EU Member States.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, a non-governmental organization, organizes annually the Reception for the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Bucharest. Through this event, CCIR honors the contribution of diplomatic offices from 1864, when foreign diplomats in Bucharest made steps along Alexandru Ioan Cuza in order to issue the first law of the Chambers of Commerce from the United Principalities, signed on September 30, 1864. last year, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania celebrated 150 years from the issuing of Prince A. I. Cuza’s law

Population (2014 est.): 21,729,871 (growth rate: –0.29%); birth rate: 9.27/1000; infant mortality rate: 10.16/1000; life expectancy: 74.69; density per sq mi: 218.6

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $288.5 billion; per capita $14,400.

Real growth rate: 3.5%.

Inflation: 3.2%.

Industries: electric machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, light machinery, auto assembly, mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining.

Exports: $65.84 billion (2013 est.): machinery and equipment, metals and metal products, textiles and footwear, chemicals, agricultural products, minerals and fuels.

Imports: $73.42 billion f.o.b. (2013 est.): machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels and minerals, metals, textile and products, agricultural products.

Internet users: 7.787 million (2009).

Headed by President Mr. Evgeni Primakov, the RF CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation) is both a non-profit and nongovernmental organization focused on meeting the goals and objectives laid out in the Russian Federation Law on Chambers of Commerce and Industry whilst helping to increase the growth of Russia’s economy into the worldwide economic system. The RF CCI represents companies of various sizes and is in involved in all business sectors such as agriculture, domestic and foreign trade, the finance system, manufacturing and also the service sector.

Some of the many tasks of the RF CCI include helping to create and maintain connections with foreign partner organizations and worldwide business organizations, providing adequate support in the development of new innovations and modern technology, developing and increasing the level of business service infrastructure in order to broaden the amount of service offered to businesses and active involvement in drafting regulatory acts and laws affecting Russian entrepreneurs.

Today the RF CCI has helped to unite over 20,000 companies and public institutions and includes 156 regional chambers of commerce and industry and 16 foreign representative offices. As a western-based producer you can utilize the services offered by the chamber through consultations from the Chamber’s experts in regards to various sectors of trade activity

Population (2014 est.): 142,470,272 (growth rate: –0.03%); birth rate: 11.87/1000; infant mortality rate: 7.08/1000; life expectancy: 70.16; density per sq mi: 21.5

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $2.553 trillion; per capita $18,100.

Real growth rate: 1.3%.

Inflation: 6.8%.

Industries: complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; defense industries including radar, missile production, and advanced electronic components, shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts.

Exports: $515 billion (2013 est.): petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and military manufactures.

Imports: $341 billion (2013 est.): machinery, vehicles, pharmaceutical products, plastic, semi-finished metal products, meat, fruits and nuts, optical and medical instruments, iron, steel.

Internet users: 40.853 million (2009).

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry is considered one of the leading Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the region. It has kept pace with economic development in Bahrain since its inception. The Chamber has played an effective role in enhancing the importance of the role played by the private commercial and industrial sector in the country’s development

Since its launch, the Chamber has also contributed to the welfare and prosperity of the society through the development and support of its commercial and economic events, as well as providing various services to such events and broadening their scope to keep up with the aims of economic development in Bahrain.

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides the following services: Supporting national products. Advocating the interests of members and the private sector towards the competent authorities and likewise representing them in related local, regional and international committees, bodies, and institutions and defending their interests.

National Name: Mamlakat al Bahrayn

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu

Ethnicity/race: Bahraini 46%, Asian 45.5%, other Arabs 4.7%, African 1.6%, European 1%, other 1.2% (includes Gulf Co-operative country nationals, North and South Americans, and Oceanians) (2010 est.)

Religion: Muslim 70.3%, Christian 14.5%, Hindu 9.8%, Buddhist 2.5%, Jewish 0.6%, folk religion

National Holiday: National Day, December 16

Literacy rate: 94.6% (2010 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est): $34.96 billion; per capita $29,800. Real growth rate: 4.4%. Inflation: 3.1%. Unemployment: 15%. Arable land: 1.79%. Agriculture: fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish. Labor force: 716,500; note: 44% of the population in the 15–64 age group is non-national (2013); agriculture 1%, industry, commerce, and services 79%, government 20% (1997 est.). Industries: petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, offshore banking, ship repairing, tourism. Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls. Exports: $20.69 billion (2013 est.): petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles. Imports: $14.41 billion (2013 est.): crude oil, machinery, chemicals. Major trading partners: Saudi Arabia, U.S., UAE, Japan, France, India, China (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 290,000 (2012); mobile cellular: 2.125 million (2012). Broadcast media: state-run Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC) operates 5 terrestrial TV networks and several radio stations; satellite TV systems provide access to international broadcasts; 1 private FM station directs broadcasts to Indian listeners; radio and TV broadcasts from countries in the region are available (2007). Internet hosts: 47,727 (2012). Internet users: 419,500 (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 4,122 km; paved: 3,392 (2010). Ports and harbors: Mina’ Salman, Sitrah. Airports: 4 (2013).

Cairo Chamber of Commerce was the first Egyptian Chamber established in Cairo by Abdelkhalek Madkour Pasha in the name of the “Cairo Trade Secret ” in1913, and had included Some traders and its chairman was named, “Shahbandar of Traders”.

Shahbandar is a word with Turkish roots, and it means chairman. In 1941 the first world war broke out and hindered its formation.

In 1919 group of Capital traders headed by Abdul Qader AlGamal pasha decided to establish an Egyptian commercial chamber in Cairo and they elected him as chairman and King Fouad bestowed the title “shahbander of Cairo traders” upon him .The Chamber Participation fees had first been optional until 1930, then the Ministry of Finance decided to pay a yearly contribution amounted 2000 Egyptian pounds.

National name: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah

Languages: Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Ethnicity/race: Egyptian 99.6%, other 0.4% (2006 census)

National Holiday: Revolution Day, July 23

Religions: Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 90%, Christian (majority Coptic Orthodox, other Christians include Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Maronite, Orthodox, and Anglican) 10% (2012 est.)

Literacy rate: 73.9% (2012 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP $551.4 billion (2013 est.); per capita $6,600. Real growth rate:1.8%. Inflation: 9%. Unemployment: 13.4%. Arable land: 2.87%. Agriculture: cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats. Labor force: 27.69 million (2013); agriculture 29%, industry 24%, services 47% (2011 est.). Industries: textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals, light manufactures. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc. Exports: $24.81 billion (2013 est.): crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals. Imports:$59.22 billion (2013 est.): machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels. Major trading partners: Italy, U.S., Germany, China, UK, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Libya, Ukraine, Russia (2012).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 8.557 million (2012); mobile cellular: 96.8 million (2012). Broadcast media: mix of state-run and private broadcast media; state-run TV operates 2 national and 6 regional terrestrial networks as well as a few satellite channels; about 20 private satellite channels and a large number of Arabic satellite channels are available via subscription; state-run radio operates about 70 stations belonging to 8 networks; 2 privately owned radio stations operational (2008). Internet hosts: 200,430 (2012).Internet users: 20.136 million (2009).

Transportation: Railways: total: 5,083 km (2009). Roadways: total: 137,430 km; (2010 est.).Waterways: 3,500 km; note: includes Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller canals in delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including approaches) navigable by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 17.68 m (2011). Ports and harbors:Alexandria, Damietta, El Dekheila, Port Said, Suez, Zeit. Airports: 83 (2013).

Iran Chamber of Commerce &Industry was established of 15th May 1973 as a public utility establishment that aims at regulating commercial and industrial interest and represent it in addition to protect it in different field. Besides working with the different available means to activate the economic work in the sultanate by contributing effectively in performing different development plans that aiming at diversifying national income sources. It consists of the bodies of the chamber:

General Assembly:

It consists of all members affiliated to it from the different regions and governorates subject that they have paid the required OCCI fees. The GA approves the final audited accounts. It also gives the directives it deems appropriate to the Board members.

Board:

OCCI Board of Directors undertakes its obligations in accordance with the laws and regulations in forces. The Board is responsible for guiding and following up the implementation of OCCI roles. It consists of 15 members.

National name: Saltanat Uman

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Ethnicity/race: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African

Religions: Muslim (official; majority are Ibadhi, lesser numbers of Sunni and Shia) 85.9%, Christian 6.5%, Hindu 5.5%, Buddhist 0.8%, Jewish note: approximately 75% of Omani citizens, who compose almost 70% of the country’s total population, are Ibadhi Muslims; the Omani government does not keep statistics on religious affiliation (2013)

National Holiday: Birthday of Sultan Qaboos, November 18

Literacy rate: 86.9% (2010 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $94.86 billion; per capita $29,800. Real growth rate: 5.1%. Inflation: 1.6%. Unemployment: 15% (2004 est.). Arable land: 0.1%. Agriculture: dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish. Labor force: 968,800 (2007 est.); agriculture n.a., industry n.a., services n.a. Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber. Natural resources: petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas. Exports: $56.22 billion (2013 est.): petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles. Imports: $30.75 billion (2013 est.): machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants. Major trading partners: China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, UAE, U.S., Singapore, India (2012).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 305,000 (2012); mobile cellular: 5.278 million (2012). Broadcast media: 1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen available via satellite TV; state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio station began operating in 2007 and 2 additional stations now operating (2007). Internet hosts: 14,531 (2012). Internet users: 1.465 million (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 60,240 km; paved: 29,685 km (including 1,943 km of expressways); unpaved: 30,545 km (2012). Ports and harbors: Mina’ Qabus, Salalah, Suhar. Airports: 132 (2013).

The FICC was founded in 1919 as an independent and non-profit entity. It is the leading economic organization representing the trade and service sector, the largest sector in Israel. The FICC serves as roof organization to over 5000 businesses and organizations operating in more than 120 divisions which represent various economic branches including export, import, trade, real estate, financial and business services.

In the last decade, the FICC led several sectoral struggles:

The reduction of purchasing tax.

Abolishing import barriers and opening the market to competing imports.

Advocating policy changes in standardization requirements, reducing import barriers.

Petitioning against strikes initiated by employees of essential public services.

Succeeded to reduce corporate taxes.

Campaigning to reduce market monopoly.

Amendments and equality in the Tender Act Law, enabling more equal opportunities for SMEs.

National name: Medinat Yisra’el

Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic, English

Ethnicity/race: Jewish 75.1% (of which Israel-born 73.6%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 17.9%, Africa-born 5.2%, Asia-born 3.2%), non-Jewish 24.9% (mostly Arab) (2012 est.)

Religions: Jewish 75.1%, Muslim 17.4%, Christian 2%, Druze 1.6%, other 3.9% (2012 est.)

National Holiday: Independence Day, April or May 14

Literacy rate: 97% (2004 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2014 est.): $273.2 billion; per capita $36,200. Real growth rate: 3.3%. Inflation: 3.9%. Unemployment: 1.7%. Arable land: 13.68%. Agriculture: citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products. Labor force: 3.493 million; agriculture 1.65%; industry 18.1%; services 80.3% (2012). Industries: high-technology projects (including aviation, communications, computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, construction, metals products, chemical products, plastics, diamond cutting, textiles, footwear. Natural resources: timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand. Exports: $62.32 billion (2012 est.): machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural products, chemicals, textiles and apparel. Imports: $67.03 billion (2013 est.): raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods. Major trading partners:U.S., Belgium, Hong Kong, Germany, Switzerland, UK, China (2006).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 3.594 million (2012); mobile cellular 9.225 million (2012). Broadcast media: state broadcasting network, operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), broadcasts on 2 channels, one in Hebrew and the other in Arabic; 5 commercial channels including a channel broadcasting in Russian, a channel broadcasting Knesset proceedings, and a music channel supervised by a public body; multi-channel satellite and cable TV packages provide access to foreign channels; IBA broadcasts on 8 radio networks with multiple repeaters and Israel Defense Forces Radio broadcasts over multiple stations; about 15 privately owned radio stations; overall more than 100 stations and repeater stations (2008). Internet hosts: 2.483 million (2012). Internet users:4.525 million (2009).

Transportation: Railways: total: 975 km (2008). Roadways: total: 18,566 km; paved: 18,566 km (including 449 km of expressways) (2011). Ports and terminals: Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa. Airports: 47 (2013).

Qatar Chamber is one of the oldest Chambers of Commerce in the GCC Countries. Having been established in 1963 by virtue of Law No (4) of the year 1963 dated on 16/2/1963, it used to operate within the structure of Government agencies until the promulgation of law no. (11) Of 1990 which empowered the Chamber to operate independently. This enabled the Qatar Chamber to exercise a wide range of activities commensurate with national, regional and international developments and serve the commercial, industrial and agricultural interests of its participants in the private sector.

Despite the promulgation of law no (11) of 1990, the QCCI Board Members were still appointed by the Government through an Emiri Decree. The Board Members would, in their first meeting, select a Chairman, a Vice Chairman and a Treasury Secretary. The term of office of the Board was Five years. On 8th July, 1996 Qatar witnessed, in its first democratic experience, the promulgation of law no (11) of 1996, which amended some of the provisions of law no (11) of 1990, article (13) in particular, that Board Members shall be directly elected by the QCCI General Assembly which represents the various economic sectors in Qatar.

National name: Dawlat Qatar

Languages: Arabic (official); English a common second language

Ethnicity/race: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Religion: Religion Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)

Literacy rate: 96.3% (2010)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $198.7 billion; per capita $102,100. Real growth rate: 5.5%. Inflation: 3.1%. Unemployment: 0.3%. Arable land: 1.21%. Agriculture: fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish. Labor force: 1.424 million (2013 est.).Industries: liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair. Natural resources:petroleum, natural gas, fish. Exports: $12.7 billion (2013 est.): liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel. Imports: $39.58 billion (2011 est.): machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals. Major trading partners: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Italy, China, France, U.S., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Germany, UK (2013).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 327,000 (2012); mobile cellular: 2.6 million (2012). Radio broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1998). Radios: 256,000 (1997).Television broadcast stations: 1 (2014). Televisions: 230,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 897 (2012). Internet users: 563,800 (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 9,830 km (2010). Ports and harbors: Doha, Mesaieed (Umaieed), Ra’s Laffan. Airports: 6 (2013).

The Council for Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry is the official federation for the 28 Saudi Chambers. The Council was formed as per the Royal Decree # R/6 dated 30/04/1400 Hijri (March 1980) with its head office in Riyadh. Its main objective is to observe the common interests of the Saudi Chambers, represent them on local and international levels and assist in the enhancement of the private sector’s role in the development of the national economy.

When the Council formed its executive arm, the General Secretariat of the Council, it started its actual tasks as of 1401 H (1981). Since then, the Council took good strides towards the realization of the objectives assigned to it.

The key role of the Council is to serve the common interests of the Saudi Chambers, support the development of the private sector and enhance its role in the national development.

The Council managed, through the support of the Chambers and relevant government authorities, to realize a large portion of its objectives in different fields.

Official Name: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Political System: Monarchy System

The Kingdom’s King and the Prime Minister: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

Government type: The system of government in the Kingdom goes in accordance with Articles (7) and (8) of the Basic Law of Government as follows:

Article (7): The law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia derives its power from the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and both govern this system and all country regulations.

Article (8): Governance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on justice, consultation, and equality in accordance with Islamic law.

Location: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located in the far south-west of Asia. It is bordered by the Red Sea on the west, the Persian Gulf, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on the east, Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan on the north, and Yemen and Oman on the south.

Capital: Riyadh.

Area: The area of the Kingdom is about two million square kilometers.

Climate: Saudi Arabia has a desert climate; hot during summer and cold during winter.

Official language: Arabic, and English is used in many business communications.

Major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Madinah, and Taif.

Administrative division of the Kingdom: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consists of 13 administrative regions each of which includes a number of provinces. There are 43 Category (A) provinces and 61 Category (B) provinces in the Kingdom.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry is an autonomous institution of public interest. It enjoys its own legal entity to represent the various productive and services activities of the private sector in Abu Dhabi Emirate. According to the provisions of the Chamber law, all natural and legal persons, having their headquarters, branch or representation office in the Emirate to exercise any commercial, industrial, vocational or professional activity in the Emirate must join the Chamber and get their membership certificates.

Hence, the Chamber is viewed to be the party concerned with patronizing the various activities of the private sector. It is among its tasks and duties to render best services to member firms and companies. Membership certificates are duly issued to such members who are kept updated on how to take the utmost advantages of the Chamber services and available data or information. They are also well apprised of the Chamber’s regular and occasional functions or events, as well as of its tasks and duties in general.

Through such data and information, the Chamber members can participate in various domestic and international functions or events through which they may be better able to introduce their companies or products. Through such interaction, the Chamber may have a much clearer vision on their problems and the obstacles they are facing. Such problems are usually discussed in a bid to find appropriate solutions. Recommendations seeking that end may, thereafter be presented to competent authorities requesting required actions to be taken whenever necessary.

The Chamber is also represented in such boards as those of the UAE-Turkish Businessmen Board, UAE-Syrian Businessmen Board and the UAE-Indian Businessmen Board. It is also member in the Federation of the AGCC Chambers of Commerce & Industry, the Federation of Arab Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, the Islamic Chamber and the Arab Labor Organization. Such representation, of course comes within the framework of its membership in the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

However, the Chamber has a branch office in Al-Ain city. The said branch is meeting the demands of the business community in Al-Ain and offers them whatever services or information they need.

The Chamber has its own web site through which it avails every piece of information required by the business community in Abu Dhabi and the UAE at large. The site is also visited by individuals, tourists and organizations from different world countries.

The Chamber Web Site won the award of Best Web Site in the whole Middle East Region for the year 1999.

President: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (2004)

Prime Minister: Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rashid al-Maktoum (2006)

Total area: 32,278 sq mi (83,600 sq km)

Population (2014 est.): 5,628,805 (growth rate: 2.71%); birth rate: 15.54/1000; infant mortality rate: 10.92/1000; life expectancy: 77.09; density per sq mi: 256

Capital (2012 est.): Abu Dhabi, 942,000

Largest city: Dubai, 1.978 million

Monetary unit: U.A.E. dirham

National name: Al-Imarat al-‘Arabiyah al-Muttahidah

Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Ethnicity/race: Emiri 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)

Religions: Muslim (Islam; official) 76%, Christian 9%, other (primarily Hindu and Buddhist, less than 5% of the population consists of Parsi, Baha’i, Druze, Sikh, Ahmadi, Ismaili, Dawoodi Bohra Muslim, and Jewish) 15%. Note: represents the total population; about 85% of the population consists of noncitizens (2005 est.)

Literacy rate: 90% (2005 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $269.8 billion; per capita $29,900. Real growth rate: 4%. Inflation: 1.3%. Unemployment: 2.4% (2001). Arable land: 0.61%. Agriculture: dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish. Labor force: 4.588 million; note: 85% of the population in the 15–64 age group is nonnational (2013 est.); services 78%, industry 15%, agriculture 7% (2000 est.). Industries: petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas. Exports: $368.9 billion (2013 est.): crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates. Imports: $249.6 billion (2013 est.): machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food. Major trading partners: Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, China, Germany, Iran, U.S., Singapore (2012).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 1.967 million (2012); mobile cellular: 13.775 million (2012). Radio broadcast stations: except for the many organizations now operating in Dubai’s Media Free Zone, most TV and radio stations remain government-owned; widespread use of satellite dishes provides access to pan-Arab and other international broadcasts (2007). Radios: 820,000 (1997). Television broadcast stations: 15 (1997). Televisions: 310,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 337,804 (2012). Internet users: 3.449 million (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 4,080 km; paved: 4,080 km; unpaved: 0 km (2008 est.). Ports and harbors: Al Fujayrah, Mina’ Jabal ‘Ali (Dubai), Khor Fakkan (Khawr Fakkan), Mubarraz Island, Mina’ Rashid (Dubai), Mina’ Saqr (Ra’s al Khaymah). Airports: 43 (2013).

International disputes: Boundary agreement was signed and ratified with Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman’s Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah enclaves, but contents of the agreement and detailed maps showing the alignment have not been published; Iran and UAE dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which Iran occupies

Yemen, officially known as the Republic of Yemen, is an Arab country in Western Asia, occupying the southwestern to southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. Yemen is the second largest country in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 km²

National name: Al-Jumhuriyah al-Yamaniyah

Language: Arabic

Ethnicity/race: predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Religions: Islam 99.1% (official; virtually all are citizens, an estimated 65% are Sunni and 35% are Shia), other 0.9% (includes Jewish, Baha’i, Hindu, and Christian; many are refugees or temporary foreign residents) (2010 est.)

Literacy rate: 65.3% (2011 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $61.63 billion; per capita $2,500. Real growth rate:3.8%. Inflation: 11.8%. Unemployment: 35% (2003 est.). Arable land: 2.2%. Agriculture: grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat, coffee, cotton; dairy products, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels), poultry; fish. Labor force: 7.1 million (2013 est.); most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than one-fourth of the labor force. Industries: crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production of cotton textiles, leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; aluminum products; cement; commercial ship repair; natural gas production. Natural resources:petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble, small deposits of coal, gold, lead, nickel, copper, fertile soil in west. Exports: $6.694 billion (2013 est.): crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish, liquefied natural gas. Imports: $10.97 billion (2013 est.): food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals. Major trading partners: Thailand, China, UAE, India, South Korea, Switzerland, EU (2013).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 1.1 million (2012); mobile cellular: 13.9 million (2012). Radio broadcast stations: state-run TV with 2 stations; state-run radio with 2 national radio stations and 5 local stations; stations from Oman and Saudi Arabia can be accessed (2007). Radios: 1.05 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 7 (plus several low-power repeaters) (1997). Televisions: 470,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs):33,206 (2012). Internet users: 2.349 million (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 71,300 km ; paved: 6,200 km; unpaved: 65,100 km (2005 est.). Ports and harbors: Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla, As Salif, Ras Issa, Mocha, Nishtun. Airports: 57 (2013).

KCCI is a non-profit, self-financed private institution. Currently the registered members exceeds 79000 and represents the general assembly. The general assembly elects 24 members for the Board of Directors for a period of 4 years, half of whom are elected every two years. Subscriptions and authentication fees are the main resources of income. The President and the Board Members are considered volunteers for public services. The Chamber is a consultative entity in all economic affairs.

Emir: Sheik Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (2006)

Prime Minister: Sheikh Jabir al-Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah (2011)

Total area: 6,880 sq mi (17,819 sq km)

Population (2012 est.): 2,646,314 (growth rate: 1.883%); birth rate: 20.96/1000; infant

Mortality rate: 7.87/1000; life expectancy: 77.28

Capital (2009 est.): Kuwait, 2.23 million

Monetary unit: Kuwaiti dinar (KD)

National name: Dawlat al-Kuwayt

Languages: Arabic (official), English

Ethnicity/race: Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%

Religions: Islam 85% (Sunni 70%, Shiite 30%); Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%

National Holiday: National Day, February 25

Literacy rate: 93.3% (2005 census)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP(2011 est.): $155.5 billion; per capita $42,200. Real growth rate:8.2%. Inflation: 5.6%.Unemployment: 2.2% (2004 est.).Arable land: 0.84%. Agriculture:practically no crops; fish. Labor force: 2.243 million; note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force; agriculture n.a., industry n.a., services n.a.Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, desalination, food processing, construction materials. Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas. Exports: $94.47 billion (2011 est.): oil and refined products, fertilizers. Imports:$22.41billion (2011 est.): food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing. Major trading partners: Japan, India, South Korea, U.S., Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China (2011).

Communications: Telephones:main lines in use: 566,300 (2009); mobile cellular: 4.4 million (2009).Broadcast media: state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters have emerged since 2003; satellite TV is available with pan-Arab TV stations especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station emerged in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio broadcasters are available (2007). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2,730 (2010). Internet users: 1.1 million (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km.Highways: total: 5,749 km; paved: 4,887 km; unpaved: 862 km (2004). Waterways: none. Ports and harbors: Ash Shu’aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Az Zawr (Mina’ Sa’ud), Mina’ ‘Abd Allah, Mina’ al Ahmadi. Airports: 7 (2012)

China has been one of the world’s economic success stories since reforms began in 1978. China is the world’s second biggest economy. Official figures show that GDP has grown on average by 10% a year over the past 30 years with an estimate of 9.2% recorded for 2011.

The current growth model, and policy underlying it, remains heavily skewed towards exports and investment, with little emphasis on private consumption. China has started to adjust its economic policies to better promote sustainable growth.

Undertake more banking reform (and encourage banks to provide finance to rural areas and smaller firms)
Develop the capital markets (so firms can more easily raise finance)
Further reform of the insurance sector to expand the options available to consumers and
Provide a sounder regulatory structure aimed at promoting financial integration.

A growing share of China’s economic growth has been generated in the private sector as the government has opened up industries to domestic and foreign competition, though the role of the state in ownership and planning remains extensive. China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation in December 2001 is further integrating China into the global economy.

Area: 9,956,960 sq km (3.7m sq miles)

Population: 1.3 bn

Capital City: Beijing

People: Han Chinese make up around 92% of the population. The remaining 8% is comprised of five minority ethnic groups.

Official Language: Mandarin (Putonghua) with many local dialects.

Religion(s): China is officially atheistic, but there are five State-Registered religions: Daoism, Buddhism, Islam, Catholic and Protestant Christianity.

Currency: Yuan or Renminbi (RMB)

Major political parties: Chinese Communist Party

GDP: US $6.9trn (est.) (2011)

GDP per capita: Int’l $8,394 per capita (2011 – source: IMF)

Annual Growth: 9.2% (est.) (2011)

Consumer prices: 4.8% (est.) (2011)

Government: There are major hierarchies in China: the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the National People’s Congress (China’s legislature), the government and the military. The supreme decision-making body in China is the CCP Politburo and its 9-member Standing Committee, which acts as a kind of ‘inner cabinet’, and is headed by the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party. The National People’s Congress (NPC) is China’s legislative body. It has a 5-year membership and meets once a year in plenary session. However, in practice it is the CCP who takes all key decisions.

Head of State and General Secretary of the CCP: President Hu Jintao

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC: Wu Bangguo

Premier of the State Council: Wen Jiabao

State Councillor (Foreign Affairs): Dai Bingguo

Foreign Minister: Yang Jiechi

Iran, a Middle Eastern country south of the Caspian Sea and north of the Persian Gulf, is three times the size of Arizona. It shares borders with Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

The Elburz Mountains in the north rise to 18,603 ft (5,670 m) at Mount Damavend. From northwest to southeast, the country is crossed by a desert 800 mi (1,287 km) long.

Chief of State: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (1989)

President: Hassan Rouhani (2013)

Land area: 631,659 sq mi (1,635,999 sq km); total area: 636,293 sq mi (1,648,000 sq km)

Population (2014 est.): 80,840,713 (growth rate: 1.22%); birth rate: 18.23/1000; infant mortality rate: 39/1000; life expectancy: 70.89

Capital and largest city (2011 est.): Tehran, 7.304 million

Other large cities: Mashhad 2.713 million; Esfahan 1.781 million; Karaj 1.635 million; Tabriz 1.509 million; Shiraz 1.321 million (2011)

Monetary unit: Rial

National name: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran

Current government officials

Languages: Persian (official) 53%, Azeri Turkic and Turkic dialects 18%, Kurdish 10%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 7%, Luri 6%, Balochi 2%, Arabic 2%, other 2%

Ethnicity/race:Persian 61%, Azeri 16%, Kurd 10%, Arab 2%, Lur 6%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other

Religions: Muslim (official) 99.4% (Shia 90-95%, Sunni 5-10%), other (includes Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian) 0.3%, unspecified 0.4% (2011 est.)

National Holiday: Republic Day, April 1

Literacy rate: 85% (2008 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $987.1 billion; per capita $12,800. Real growth rate: -1.5%. Inflation: 42.3%. Unemployment: 16%. Arable land: 10.05%. Agriculture: wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar. Labor force: 27.72 million; note: shortage of skilled labor; agriculture 16.9%, industry 34.4%, services 48.7% (2012 est.). Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), metal fabrication, armaments. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, sulfur. Exports: $61.22 billion (2013 est.): petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and nuts, carpets. Imports: $64.42 billion (2013 est.): industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods, foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services, military supplies.

South Africa has a sophisticated and diversified economy where finance, real estate and business services contribute 20.7% to GDP, manufacturing contributes 13.4% and mining plays a critical role in job creation. For these sectors macro-economic indicators like interest rates and the strength of the Rand are critical. But it also has an economy consisting of the very poor who eke out a living through near-subsistence agriculture or the informal sector, for whom economic statistics mean little. Relatively small improvements in living standards can make a huge difference to their lives.

Prudent macroeconomic policies and tight banking regulation limited the impact of the global downturn on South Africa during the global financial crisis. And years of fiscal responsibility provided the space for the government to respond effectively when the country briefly dipped into recession in 2009. The National Treasury continues to implement a counter cyclical fiscal policy and forecasts a deficit of 4.8% of GDP for 2011/12 declining to 3% by 2014/15.

The National Treasury warned in February 2012 that the global outlook had once again deteriorated and that much of Europe, South Africa’s major trading partner, risked slipping into recession. This could harm domestic growth prospects. The National Treasury downgraded its growth forecast for 2012 from 3.4% to 2.7%. It is then expected to recover, reaching 4.2% by 2014. The forecasted growth rate falls short of the 6% rate analysts believe the country needs to tackle its stubbornly high unemployment levels. The official unemployment figure is 25.2% but the real figure is probably nearer 40%. Two thirds of all unemployed are below the age of 35.

The South African Government has embarked on an ambitious multi-year capital expenditure programme worth approximately £70 billion, to tackle infrastructure bottlenecks in energy, transport and water. It is hoped that the infrastructure programme will create short term employment and also provide the infrastructure necessary for the economy to grow at a faster pace in the longer term.

South Africa’s trade rhetoric is firmly focused on the BRICS (which it officially joined in February 2011) and it strives to be seen as the ‘gateway to Africa.’ But it still has strong links to the Western economies. Its trade with the EU, at £30bn, is still over double that of its single largest trading partner, China, at £13bn.

Area: 1,228,376 sq km

Population: 50.6 million (IMF: 2011 estimate)

Capital city: Pretoria/Tshwane (1.78 million)

People: African/Black, White, Coloured, Indian/Asian

Languages: South Africa has eleven officially recognised languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, siSwati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

Religion(s): All principal religions are represented in South Africa, but the majority is Christian 79.8% at the 2001 census).

Currency: (ZAR) Rand

Major political parties: African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), The Congress of the People (COPE), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Independent Democrats (ID), South African Communist Party (SACP)

Government: ANC Alliance – ANC/South African Communist Party (SACP)/Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)

Head of State: President Mr Jacob Zuma

Foreign Minister: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
Membership of international groupings/organisations: United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Commonwealth, Non Aligned Movement (NAM), Southern African Development Community (SADC), G20. BASIC, BRICS and IBSA.

GDP: US$408 billion (IMF 2011 estimate)

Annual growth: 3.1% (2011)

Inflation: 5.0% annually (2011 average)
Major industries: Finance, real estate and business services; General government, Wholesale, retail & motor trade, catering and accommodation, Manufacturing-automobile assembly, machinery, textile, iron & steel, chemicals, fertiliser, foodstuffs;; Mining (platinum, gold, chromium), other
Major trading partners: China, USA, Germany, Japan, UK

The economy of Australia is one of the largest mixed market economies in the world, with a GDP of AUD$1.62 trillion as of 2015. Australia’s total wealth is AUD$6.4 trillion in 2013. In 2012, it was the 12th largest national economy by nominal GDP and the 17th-largest measured by PPP-adjusted GDP, about 1.7% of the world economy. Australia is the 19th-largest importer and 19th-largest exporter. The Reserve Bank of Australia publishes quarterly forecasts of the economy.

The Australian economy is dominated by its service sector, comprising 68% of GDP. The mining sector represents 7% of GDP; including services to mining, the total value of the mining industry in 2009-10 was 8.4% of GDP. Economic growth is largely dependent on the mining sector and agricultural sector (12% of GDP) with the products to be exported mainly to the East Asian market. Despite the recent decline of the mining boom in the country, the Australian economy has remained resilient and stable.

Land area: 2,941,283 sq mi (7,617,931 sq km); total area: 2,967,893 sq mi (7,686,850 sq km)

Population (2022 est.): 22,507,617 (growth rate: 1.09%); birth rate: 12.19/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.43/1000; life expectancy: 82.07

Capital (2011 est.): Canberra, 399,000

Largest cities: Sydney 4.543 million; Melbourne 3.961 million; Brisbane 2.039 million; Perth 1.649 million; Adelaide 1.198 million; CANBERRA (capital) 399,000 (2011)

Monetary unit: Australian dollar

Current government officials

Languages: English 76.8%, Mandarin 1.6%, Italian 1.4%, Arabic 1.3%, Greek 1.2%, Cantonese 1.2%, Vietnamese 1.1%, other 10.4%, unspecified 5% (2011 est.)

Ethnicity/race: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Religions: Protestant 28.8% (Anglican 17.1%, Uniting Church 5.0%, Presbyterian and Reformed 2.8%, Baptist, 1.6%, Lutheran 1.2%, Pentecostal 1.1%), Catholic 25.3%, Eastern Orthodox 2.6%, other Christian 4.5%, Buddhist 2.5%, Muslim 2.2%, Hindu 1.3%, other 8.4%, unspecified 2.2%, none 22.3%(2006 est.)

National Holiday: Australia Day, January 26

Literacy rate: 99% (2011 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP $998.3 billion (2011 est.); per capita $43,000.

Real growth rate: 2.5%.

Inflation: 2.4%.

Unemployment: 5.7%.

Arable land: 6.16%.

Agriculture: wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry.

Labor force: 12.44 million; agriculture 3.6%, industry 21.1%, services 70.4% (2011 est.).

Industries: mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel.

Natural resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum.

Exports: $251.7 billion (2013 est.): coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, iron ore, wheat, machinery and transport equipment.

Imports: $245.8 billion (2013 est.): machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum products.

Major trading partners: China, US, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, India, Germany

Japan is the third largest national economy in the world, after the United States and China, in terms of nominal GDP, and the fourth largest national economy in the world, after the United States, China and India, in terms of purchasing power parity.

As of 2017, Japan’s labor force consisted of some 65 million workers.

Japan’s main exports are transportation equipment, motor vehicles, iron and steel products, semiconductors and auto parts.

Land area: 140,728 sq mi (364,485 sq km); total area: 145,913 sq mi (377,915 sq km)

Population (2022 est.): 127,103,388 (growth rate: -0.13%); birth rate: 8.07/1000; infant mortality rate: 2.13/1000; life expectancy: 84.46

Capital and largest city (2009 est.): Tokyo, 37.217 million

Other large cities: Osaka-Kobe 11.494 million; Nagoya 3.328 million; Fukuoka-Kitakyushu 2.868 million; Sapporo 2.742 million; Sendai 2.428 million (2011)

Monetary unit: Yen

National name: Nippon

Current government officials

Language: Japanese

Ethnicity/race: Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%, Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6% note: up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil (2004)

Religions: Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8% note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism (2005)

National Holiday: Birthday of Emperor Akihito, December 23

Literacy rate: 99% (2002 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2022 est.): $5.729 trillion; per capita $37,100.

Real growth rate: 2%.

Inflation: 0.2%.

Unemployment: 4.1%.

Arable land: 11.26%.

Agriculture: rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs; fish.

Labor force: 65.62 million; agriculture 3.9%, industry 26.2%, services 69.8% (2011).

Industries: among world’s largest and technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods.

Natural resources: negligible mineral resources, fish.

Exports: $697.8 billion (2013 est.): transport equipment, motor vehicles, semiconductors, electrical machinery, chemicals. Imports: $766.6 billion (2013 est.): petroleum 15.5%; liquid natural gas 5.7%; clothing 3.9%; semiconductors 3.5%; coal 3.5%; audio and visual apparatus 2.7% (2011 est.).

Major trading partners: U.S., China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Thailand, Qatar

South Korea is a country that is located in East Asia. The official name for the country is the Republic of Korea. A population of over 51 million makes this the 27th largest country in the world based on population. The country has a total area of 38,690 square miles. The country has a unitary presidential constitutional republic government with a president and a prime minister. Seoul is the country’s capital, and it is also the most populous city in the country. Over half of South Koreans do not have a particular religion, and over one-quarter are Christian. The official currency is the South Korean Won. The country’s flag is red, white, blue, and black.

Land area: 37,421 sq mi (96,920 sq km)

Population (2014 est.): 49,039,986 (growth rate: 0.16%); birth rate: 8.26/1000; infant mortality rate: 3.93/1000; life expectancy: 79.8

Capital and largest city (2011 est.): Seoul, 9.736 million

Other large cities: Busan (Pusan) 3.372 million; Incheon (Inch’on) 2.622 million; Daegu (Taegu) 2.447 million; Daejon (Taejon) 1.538 million; Gwangju (Kwangju) 1.503 million (2011).

Monetary unit: won

National name: Taehan Min’guk

Current government officials

Languages: Korean, English widely taught

Ethnicity/race: homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Religions: Christian 31.6% (Protestant 24%, Roman Catholic 7.6%), Buddhist 24.2%, other or unknown 0.9%, none 43.3% (2010 survey)

National Holiday: Liberation Day, August 15

Literacy rate: 98% (2003 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $1.666 trillion; per capita $33,200.

Real growth rate: 2.8%.

Inflation: 1.1%.

Unemployment: 3.2%.

Arable land: 14.93%.

Agriculture: rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish. Labor force: 25.86 million; agriculture 6.9%, industry 23.6%, services 69.4%.

Industries: electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel.

Natural resources: coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential.

Exports: $557.3 billion (2013 est.): semiconductors, wireless telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, computers, steel, ships, petrochemicals. Imports: $516.6 billion (2013 est.): machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport equipment, organic chemicals, plastics.

Major trading partners: China, U.S., Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar

New Zealand’s economic freedom score is 80.6, making its economy the 4th freest in the 2022 Index. New Zealand is ranked 2nd among 39 countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is above the regional and world averages.

New Zealand’s economy was growing smartly in 2017 and 2018 but began to slow in 2019 before contracting in 2020. Growth recovered in 2021. During the past five years, economic freedom has generally been robust, although it has dipped. With higher scores for government integrity and judicial effectiveness overshadowed by score decreases in fiscal health and business freedom, New Zealand has registered an overall 3.1-point loss of economic freedom since 2017 but nevertheless remains in the top, “Free” Index category. The country’s indicators are generally very strong except for the burden of government spending on the economy.

Land area: 103,734 sq mi (268,671 sq km); total area: 103,737 sq mi (268,680 sq km)

Population (2022 est.): 5,401,916 (growth rate: 0.83%); birth rate: 13.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.59/1000; life expectancy: 80.93

Capital (2011 est.): Wellington, 410,000

Largest cities: Auckland, 1.452 million

Monetary unit: New Zealand dollar

Current government officials

Languages: English (de facto official) 89.8%, Maori (de jure official) 3.5%, Samoan 2%, Hindi 1.6%, French 1.2%, Northern Chinese 1.2%, Yue 1%, Other or not stated 20.5%, New Zealand Sign Language (de jure official)

Ethnicity/race: European 71.2%, Maori 14.1%, Asian 11.3%, Pacific peoples 7.6%, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African 1.1%, other 1.6%, not stated or unidentified 5.4%

Religions: Christian 44.3% (Catholic 11.6%, Anglican 10.8%, Presbyterian and Congregational 7.8%, Methodist, 2.4%, Pentecostal 1.8%, other 9.9%), Hindu 2.1%, Buddhist 1.4%, Maori Christian 1.3%, Islam 1.1%, other religion 1.4% (includes Judaism, Spiritualism and New Age religions, Baha’i, Asian religions other than Buddhism), no religion 38.5%, not stated or unidentified 8.2%, objected to answering 4.1%

National Holiday: Waitangi Day, February 6

Literacy rate: 99% (2003 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $114.9 billion; per capita $30,400.

Real growth rate: 2.5%.

Inflation: 1.3%.

Unemployment: 6.43%.

Arable land: 1.76%.

Agriculture: wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; wool, beef, lamb and mutton, dairy products; fish.

Labor force: 2.413 million: services 74%, industry 19%, agriculture 7% (2006).

Industries: food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining.

Natural resources: natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone.

Exports: $37.84 billion (2013 est.): dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fish, machinery.

Imports: $37.35 billion (2013 est.): machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft, petroleum, electronics, textiles, plastics.

Major trading partners: Australia, U.S., Japan, China, Singapore, Germany

Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia. Its neighbours are Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The country’s name was Siam until June 24 1939. It was again called Siam between 1945 and May 11 1949, when it changed back to Thailand.

The word Thai (ไทย) comes from the ethnic group in the centre of Thailand. The capital city is Bangkok. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was not ruled by Western countries as it served as a buffer zone between English and French colonies.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. It has a King as a head of state. The current monarch is Vajiralongkorn.

Most of the people of Thailand (95%) follow the philosophy called Buddhism. However, a small number, mostly in the southern part of the country, follow the religion Islam. Other religions in Thailand are Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Now, some of the Muslims in the south have begun fighting the government of Thailand, because they want to be more independent (free of the control of another country).

Land area: 197,595 sq mi (511,771 sq km); total area: 198,455 sq mi (514,000 sq km)

Population (2014 est.): 67,741,401 (growth rate: 0.35%); birth rate: 11.26/1000; infant mortality rate: 9.86/1000; life expectancy: 74.18

Capital and largest city (2011): Bangkok, 8.426 million

Monetary unit: baht

Current government officials

Languages: Thai (official) 90.7%, Burmese 1.3%, Other 8%, English (secondary language of the elite) (2010 est.)

Ethnicity/race: Thai 95.9%, Burmese 2%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.9% (2010 est.)

Religions: Buddhist (official) 93.6%, Muslim 4.9%, Christian 1.2%, other 0.2%, none 0.1% (2010 est.)

Literacy rate: 93.5% (2005 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $673 billion; per capita $9,900.

Real growth rate: 2.9%.

Inflation: 2.2%.

Unemployment: 0.7%.

Arable land: 30.71%.

Agriculture: rice, cassava (manioc, tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans.

Labor force: 39.38 million (2013 est.); agriculture 38.2%, industry 13.6%, services 48.2% (2011 est.).

Industries: tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts; world’s second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer.

Natural resources: tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land.

Exports: $225.4 billion (2013 est.): electronics, computer parts, automobiles and parts, electrical appliances, machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber.

Imports: $219 billion (2013 est.): capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer goods, fuels.

Major trading partners: U.S., Japan, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Australia