Author Archives: Darren Marchal

South Africa looks to boost investment from China

South African President Jacob Zuma has called for greater investment in his country from China, as South Africa seeks to narrow its trade deficit with Beijing and bring growth to its sluggish economy. South Africa is looking for expanded trade that will help it meet its development needs, especially by improving infrastructure and livelihoods, Zuma…

What could emerge from Pakistan/IMF talks?

The International Monetary Fund is to review Pakistan’s budget and macroeconomic prospects following catastrophic flooding during talks with senior Pakistani officials in Washington. The meetings are set to focus on the future of Pakistan’s $10.66bn IMF programme agreed upon in 2008, which faced hiccups over meeting the fiscal deficit target even before the floods hit….

HSBC to buy up to 70 pct of S.Africa’s Nedbank

HSBC will buy up to 70 percent of South Africa’s Nedbank, in a potential $6.8bn deal that would give Europe’s largest lender a bigger presence in Africa’s top economy and a gateway to the fast-growing continent. HSBC and Anglo-South African insurer Old Mutual, which owns a controlling stake in Nedbank, said in separate statements that…

Jamaican bank targets market share

For a company originally founded in 1837, the National Commercial Bank Jamaica still has the nimbleness to outpace its rivals: not just Best Banking Group, Jamaica and Most Innovative Bank, Jamaica in the 2010 World Finance awards, but the current recipient from the Jamaica Employer’s Federation of the titles Employer of Choice and company with…

Bank targets future generation

After more than a century of relentlessly meeting and satisfying customers’ needs, FirstBank of Nigeria Plc (FirstBank) has continued to adapt and innovate to meet the different challenges and opportunities presented by different generations of customers, competitors and other stakeholders, thus assuring not only its longevity but also sustaining its market leadership. With over 5…

Corporates warm to Chile

Chile’s Global Services industry has grown over 86 percent in the last 3 years putting Chile as the regional leader in this industry. More than 60 world-class companies have chosen the country because of the outstanding pro business environment, talent pool and government support. Given the growing dynamism of this industry and the success stories…

Rio CEO seeking BHP iron ore approval

Global miners BHP and Rio expect the iron ore joint venture in Western Australia will fail to get regulatory approval, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. The joint venture would generate $5bn in cost savings annually for BHP and comes as the world’s largest diversified miner launches a $39bn hostile bid for Potash Corp. Albanese, speaking…

BVI expands services

Over the last 30 years, the BVI has established itself as a leading offshore financial centre, offering one of the most sophisticated and convenient frameworks for international businesses. The business environment is supported by a sound legal system, efficient and efective regulatory environment, stable government and quality infrastructure. Over the last two decades the BVI…

Bank targets future generation

After more than a century of relentlessly meeting and satisfying customers’ needs, FirstBank of Nigeria Plc (FirstBank) has continued to adapt and innovate to meet the different challenges and opportunities presented by different generations of customers, competitors and other stakeholders, thus assuring not only its longevity but also sustaining its market leadership. With over 5…

Shift to Shankong

The heart of the main retail district in Seoul could hardly be more different than that of western cities. Instead of competing businesses being dispersed among outlets selling non-competing products as you’d find elsewhere, in South Korea’s capital city they are all congregated together. Standing side by side on the main retail strip – the…