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Sugar is a very important sweetening agent that is widely used and traded throughout the world. It has gained its importance with time and now no cuisines in any culture can consider itself complete with sugar. Exceptionally, now a days Indian sugar Industry is finding its taste bitter. Record sugar production has resulted in a glut in the market, lowering prices and swelling up stocks, thus eroding the profitability of sugar mills and around 566 sugar mills in the country and all major sugar producing states which contributes 85% sugarcane production of the country consists Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Naidu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat finding themselves in adverse conditions, where all sugar mills in the country are suffering from financial health problem. Consequently, the sugar industry is facing a severe financial crises resulting in delays in payment to the farmers. The industry has been pressuring the government to provide fiscal relief including an export subsidy to overcome the crises.

Domestic Price and Production Status:
The country is facing a sugar glut following a record harvest of more than 30 million tonnes in the 2006-2007 crop year ended September 30, while annual domestic demand stand at only 19 million tonnes. Where surplus stock stands at 11 million tonnes, which is 6.79% of global production. According to an earlier forecast by Indian sugar mills Association, sugar output in the 2006-2007 sugar crop year ending in September was anticipated to around 30 million metric tonnes, down from an ISO estimate of 33 million tonnes. This is primarily because, more sugarcane farmers in the main sugar growing state of Uttar Pradesh are shifting to wheat cultivation. Some sugar farmers have already started selling their sugarcane to mills less than half of the current state recommended price of Rs. 1250 -1300 per tonnes since they are keen to clear their land to start cultivating wheat for which minimum support price MSP has been increased. The current price of the domestic whole sale sugar at just around Rs. 12.50/kg is far below the cost of its production. It has plunged from around Rs. 18 -19/ kg in the last 12 months which ultimately resulting in disequilibrium in demand and supply, delay in payment to farmers, rise in inventory level, pressure on government, quarter to quarter rising losses to sugar mills.

World Sugar Market:
The World Sugar production stands at 162.63million tonnes, where 120 countries are contributed in the production, where major contributors are Brazil, European Union, Thailand, Australia, Cuba, India, United States and China. Where India had been the largest producer of sugar in the world for 7 out of 10 years but now Brazil has taken a lead from India.

INTERNATIONAL LEADERS IN SUGAR MARKET

Here both are contributing around 39% of the total production. As far as world sugar statistics are concerned, these are not even showing the positive node for the domestic industry. As it is evident from the table given below:

WORLD SUGAR BALANCE
Parameters 2006/07 2005/06 Change Change
in million tonne in %
Production 162.621 152.079 10.542 6.93
Consumption 153.506 149.859 3.647 2.43
Surplus/Deficit 9.115 2.220
Import demand 44.438 46.676 -2.238 -4.79
Export availability 47.492 46.689 0.803 1.72
End Stocks 65.825 59.764 6.061 10.14
Stocks/Consumption ratio in % 42.88 39.88
Source: ISO quarterly market outlook, May 2007

The International Sugar Organization has estimated a higher global sugar/surplus for the year 2007-08 where in the year 2006-07 it is stood at a surplus of 9.115 million tonnes, which is adversely affecting the exporting countries’s export reserves and pulling down the international prices. Even the global numbers are not in favour of domestic market.

The Tough way ahead
Indian sugar market in the short to medium term is not in a position to provide some encouraging picture. Because, sugar is an agricultural commodity since it is produced from cane. It is also an industrial commodity because of the characteristics of the contracting processes relating to procurement of cane and the manufacturing, storing, packing and marketing processes related to sugar. But few agricultural and industrial commodities have been as tightly as sugar. The continuity of supply of refined sugar at low prices to a large consumer market has dominated the central government‘s policy. The certainty of procurement of sugarcane at high prices has dominated the state government’s policies. Hence, the sugar industry may be viewed as a crushed intermediary between low output prices and high input prices. Secondly, the sugar mills are unable to prune output, procurement and procurement price in response to lower prices in the short term, in order to keep them in liquid form. Because, they have to settle their debts, which accounts nearly 67% of the cost of production of sugar and the only source of paying the debts is the revenue generated from sales, which are now at discounting rate. But if this situation continues, it will result in dire consequences. Thirdly, after fulfilling the domestic consumption at discounting rates, next challenge for the industry is settlement of its surplus stock, where the way leads to international competition. The world exports of sugar hover around 40 million tonnes and the leading sugar exporting country is Brazil, exporting to around 55% of its total produce. Brazil is followed by European Union, Thailand, Australia and Cuba in the list. These top five exporting countries constitutes almost 65% of the world’s total export, where India is no where in the top list even being a second largest producer in the world. Although India is facing competitive pricing policies of leading exporters and finding it on the backside place and the export import policy depends upon the production demand mismatch in the country, where governments ban on export pushes the sector in dark. The financial position of the market leaders in the country is critical. It is evident from the numbers of the Sugar industry’s top leaders, Which are marching from bad to worse situation on quarter to quarter basis. If we compare the numbers related to PAT(profit after tax) in the June to Dec, 06 with Jan to June, 07 half yearly basis, these are showing horrible picture. The declining sales prices are liable

WHAT THE NUMBER SAYS
Sugar Producing Companies Previous
June-Dec 06
(PAT) Current
Jan-june 07
(PAT) Absolute change % change
1. Bajaj Hind 55.48 -56.81 -58.14 -104.79
2. Shree Renuka 1758 44.2 26.62 151.42
3.Dhampur Sugar Mills 8.39 -37.58 -45.97 -547.91
4. Balrampur Chinni 85.41 -27.34 -112.75 -132.01
5. Bannai Aaman 48.83 21.12 -27.71 -5674
6. Triveni Engg 52.54 -14.57 -67.11 -127.73
7. Andhra Sugar 36.45 10.33 -26.12 -71.65
8. Shakti Sugar 16.16 14.02 -2.14 -13.24
9. Uttan Sugar 36.56 -31.09 -67.65 -185.03
10. Upper Ganges -3.19 -25.06 -21.87 -685.57
Total Profits/Loss 354.21 -102.78 -456.99 -129.01
Any profit/Loss 35.42 -10.27 -456.97 -129.01

for dominating the operating margins of the companies and hence, the depressing financial condition of the concerns are finding inability to bottoming out The overall position of the sector, which is clear from the charts is not impressive in any way. The industry is facing sharp downward trend.

POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE
PAT of ten leading companies on average basis
Figures in Rs crore

The numbers are in red and showing losses of these companies, amounts to 10.27 crore, where the average profit of the top ten leading companies was 35.42 crore and it results in negative change over 456%.

Future Prospect
India’s transport sector is growing rapidly and presently accounts for over half of the country’s oil consumption whilst the country has to import a large part of its oil needs. Hastening interest in an ethanol program was the country’s sugar glut (part of which the industry is now exporting to the world market) and burgeoning supplies of molasses. The sugar industry lobbied the government to embrace a bio-ethanol program for several years. The industry emphasized that producing fuel ethanol would absorb the sugar surplus and help the country’s distillery sector, which is presently burdened with huge overcapacity, and also allow value adding to by-products, particularly molasses.
The major industry player in India can go for Ethanol production, which requires investment for diversification in to distillery, ethanol and power may become possible. For that government of India has made blending of 5%. ethanol in motor vehicle fuels, compulsory, all over India and will be raised to 10% from Oct 2008. Until, recently this was restricted to only new states in India. This directive has provided sugar mills the opportunity to implement forward integration. A 5% ethanol blend on all India basis would require 500 million litres. The current availability of molasses and alcohol would be adequate to meet this requirement of the chemical industry and potable sectors, as India is the second largest producer of sugar in the world. This is only prospect which is available for the industry to survive and to change its outlook and another plus point with the industry is the demand of product which is free from heavy fluctuation and never ending. But initial investment and gestation period is the major area of concern. Beside this, government is nursing the industry by announcing subsidies, lifting of export ban and possible tax benefits in forms of reliefs, concessions and rebates.
But we can’t consider all these enough for the industry. These are just like the first aid for the industry and steps are required on the part of government to curb over supply, strength in prices, input –output balance and international competitiveness by adjusting its import export policy to protect the taste of sugar for the industry.

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Source by Amarjit Saini

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Marijuana users have always sought legal loopholes in countries where it is illegal to own or smoke it. Many people choose to buy marijuana seeds (which is legal in many places), then grow and smoke their own (which is not!) But every marijuana smoker has probably dreamed at one point or another of living in a country where marijuana is legal – or at least where the “rules” concerning possession are so lax that it is effectively legal.

Most people know about Holland’s famously relaxed laws regarding marijuana (which is why it doesn’t feature on the list below!) While no other country has achieved such high profile recognition for making marijuana legal, a number of places around the world have quietly relaxed their laws concerning possession for personal use. In most of these countries, possession still remains technically illegal, but penalties are not enforced if you are within certain guidelines – this is known as decriminalisation.

So, if living in a country where marijuana possession isn’t punished by the law sounds like heaven, here are five places you should consider emigrating!

Argentina

After a recent court debate about whether or not to punish those who buy and grow marijuana, Argentina has effectively made marijuana legal if it is in small quantities for personal use. A leading judge in Argentina even decided that it was “unconstitutional” to legislate against marijuana possession! Those who buy marijuana seeds and grow their own are also leniently treated, so long as they are growing a small number of plants. The country is also notably supportive of several medical marijuana programs.

Australia

Before you go booking a one way ticket to Sydney, make sure you do your research. Different regions have different rules, but Western Australia, Southern Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland have all decriminalised marijuana to a certain degree. In Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland, police have taken to “ticketing” those caught with less than 50 grams of marijuana rather than arresting them, and Western and Southern Australia have instituted on the spot fines for minor possession rather than official warnings or arrests.

Belgium

Since 2003, the Belgian government has made the possession and use of marijuana legal under the following conditions:

• The amount possessed is 5 grams or less
• You are over 18
• You do not smoke in the presence of minors
• You do not smoke in public

You can buy marijuana seeds and grow them in Belgium without penalty – however, you are only allowed to own one female plant. The purchase and sale of marijuana is still illegal, but most Belgians simply get their marijuana in Holland.

Colombia

Colombia, has had relaxed laws concerning drug possession for over ten years. Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, one gram of cocaine and one gram of heroin is not considered to be illegal, although things may change – recent conservative governments have considered repealing this law to combat Colombia’s drug culture.

Nepal

Unlike the other countries on this list, Nepal doesn’t have an actual decriminalisation policy towards marijuana – it’s rather that the laws they have are hardly ever enforced! Marijuana used to be legal in Nepal, making it a hippy Mecca in the 1960’s and early 70’s. It has been illegal since 1973 – not that you’d notice. Marijuana is widely available and used, especially by Nepalese holy men. Note that smuggling and growing are punished, but possession and personal use rarely are – if the police catch you smoking they will stop you, but only to collect a small bribe!

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Source by Robert Kane

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ECONOMY. Philippines’s economy suffered through mismanagement under the country’s late president Marcos who ruled the country under martial law from the 1960s to 1980s. To revive the country’s economy, former president Fidel Ramos opened the country to foreign investments in the early 1990s. During Ramos’ term in office, foreign investments increased from only US$42 million in 1992 to US$2 billion by 1997. The Philippines weathered the Asian economic crisis of 1997 in much better shape than many other Southeast Asian countries due to the large number of Filipino overseas workers regularly remitting money into the country and low external debt.
Philippines’ GDP was US$85.1 billion with a GDP per capita of US$1,042 in 2004. The economy of the Philippines grew at annual GDP growth averaging 4.6% from 2000 to 2004 contributed mainly by growth in the service sector, agriculture and exports of electronics. Inflation declined from 6.5% in 2000 to 2.5% in 2002 but trended upwards to reach 8.6% by 2004. Unemployment remains relatively high compared to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore ranging between 9.8% and 10.9% from 2000 to 2004.
The service sector contributes to half or 52.8% of the Philippines’ GDP in 2004 while manufacturing contributed 31.8% and agriculture 15.3%. Major industries include electronics, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, processed foods, petroleum refining and fishing. Major agriculture products include sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas, pineapples, mangoes and seafood.

DEMOGRAPHY. The Philippines comprises of nearly 7,100 islands but eleven islands account for 90% of the country’s total population. Main islands are Luzon and Mindanao accounting for 65% of the population. Other major but less populated islands include Negros, Samar, Panay and Palawan. Filipino society and culture is nearly homogeneous and 90% of the population are of the Malay descent. Other ethnic groups include the various indigenous tribes and Chinese immigrants. Spanish-Mexican culture brought by the former Spanish colonial rulers who ruled the country from Mexico has an influence of Filipino culture. The country is predominantly Catholic accounting for 81% of the population followed by various Christian denominations (11%) and Islam (5%). Tagalog is the national language and widely spoken across the islands while English is predominantly used in government and business.
The proportion of the Filipino population living in the urban areas increased from 49% in 1990 to 62% by 2004. Philippines’ main city is Metro Manila (comprising of the city of Manila and 16 surrounding cities and municipalities) has a population of 10 million. Other major cities include Zamboanga, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu City, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
The Philippines suffers from a high level of income inequality and an estimated 30% of the population live below the poverty level. Another 50% of the population belong to the low-income group while the remaining 20% belonging to the middle and high-income group. The average income of those living in Metro Manila is twice than the national average.

INFRASTRUCTURE. Telecommunication services within and between the islands is adequate while international services is relatively good. Internet broadband coverage is mainly concentrated in the major cities and towns of the islands. The islands are adequately served by roads and road transport. Travels between the islands are by air or coastal boats. All the major islands are served by international and domestic airports and sea ports.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE. Philippines’s exports increased nearly 4-folds from 1995 to 2004. Major trading partners include Japan, US, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea. Main exports from the Philippines include electronics, garments, optical instruments, coconut products, fresh produce, copper products and chemicals. Main imports include machineries, equipments, fuel, vehicles, transport equipments, plastics chemicals and food grains.

CONSUMER USAGE OF TECHNOLOGY. The total number of fixed-line telephones installed in the Philippines was 3.4 million or a penetration of 8 fixed-line phones per 100 population in 2004. However, the penetration for mobile phones is much higher at 39 mobile phones per 100 population. The penetration of computers in the country is low estimated at 2% of the population while the estimated number of internet subscribers is 1.2 million and internet users is 8.0 million. The average penetration of televisions among households in the Philippines is 71% but higher in the Metro Manila at 96%.

RETAIL MARKET. There are nearly 360,000 retail establishments and the traditional “mom and pop” stores account for 98% of the establishments. The remaining 2% are the store brands comprising of hypermarkets, supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores and speciality stores. Shopping in these establishments is popular among middle and high-income consumers. These modern outlets are mostly concentrated in Metro Manila accounting for 30% of the Philippines’ total retail sales. However, many store brands are expanding their businesses outside Metro Manila into other major urban areas in Luzon and Mindanao. Between 2004 and 2007 and estimated three shopping malls will be built in the Philippines annually.

FOOD CULTURE. Like most countries in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia, rice is the staple food in the Philippines. Filipino cooking is a blend of sweet, sour and spicy tastes. Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and Spanish cooking have an influence on Filipino food culture. Traders and immigrants introduced Indian, Chinese and Japanese cooking while the Spanish colonial rulers introduced Mexican and Spanish cooking. Filipinos are also accustomed to western foods especially American style fast foods, bakeries and snacks.

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Source by Khal Mastan

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Cambodia is rich in history, culture and amazing tourism resources. Cambodia also provides visitors with a variety of once undiscovered cultural and historical attractions throughout the Kingdom and the dual theme guiding Cambodia tourism is "Culture and Nature". But there are lot of things you should know before discover this beautiful country…

Passport and Visas:
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. It is meant to say a valid passport and visa are required for entry. Visas can be obtained at Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap (Angkor) Airport. All travelers have to do is bring along two passport size photos and fill up visa application. A one-month tourist visa costs US$20 while a business visa costs US$25.00. Visa application form will be provided on inbound flights. Visas are also available at Thai/Cambodian overland border crossing.

Currency:
Riel is the Cambodia’s currency. To check for the today’s exchange rate, please refer to our GoCambodia’s front-page, located top right page. However the US dollar is widely accepted.

Transportation:

· To and From Cambodia: Most tourists are flying into the International Airports at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Recently a growing numbers of visitors are also arriving overland from Cambodia and Thailand.

· On arrival, Motorcycle taxis (Motodub) and taxis can be rented just outside the arrival lobby. From Phnom Penh International airport to anywhere in Phnom Penh will cost you $7.00 while Motordub is charging $1.00 to $2.00. The distance is about 8 kilometers to town.

Hotel:
Room rate is starting from $3 to $200 per night. Whether you prefer to stay at Guest Houses with no air-con but fan, a motel style will cost you from $10 to $45 or you may stay at one of the 5 stars hotel e.g. Cambodiana, Le Royal or Inter-Continental. The cost of $10 and up will equip with air conditioner, refrigerator and a cable TV.

Tipping and Bargaining:
Tipping is not expected in Cambodia but if you meet with exceptional services or kindness, a tip is always appreciated. Salaries remain extremely low in Cambodia. Bargaining is the rule in the markets, when you are hiring vehicles or buying things. A persuasive smile and a little friendly personality is usually enough to get a good price.

The tourist behavior code is written with the intention to minimize any that may arise between tourists and residents due to differences in language and customs. It is also to reinforce and even renew a sense of pride in the local people, their culture and provide an opportunity for tourists to learn, appreciate and respect the Khmer culture. It aims to inform tourists about the local society, its customs, dress code and acceptable behavior in religious and other places.

Swakum ! Welcome !

Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia. It makes no difference whether you are here on business or pleasure. You are in for a treat. You will catch a glimpse of the Khmer people, their history, culture and nature through the pristine beaches, natural landscapes, quaint villages, exotic traditional dances, the world famous Angkor complex and archaeological treasures.

Proper Greetings

Cambodians traditionally greet each other by joining their hands together in front of their chest and bowing often (Chum Reap Suor) followed by the western practice of shaking hands.Although men tend to shake ands with each other, women usually use the traditional greeting with both men and other women. It is considered acceptable for foreigners to shake hands with Cambodians of both sexes. When you are invited to a gathering, it is polite to make an effort to properly greet the

people you meet on your arrival.

· You should respond to greetings from others. It is considered disrespectful not to return greetings by other people.

· When you enter pagodas (wats) sit with your feet to the side rather than in lotus position, then you join both hands together under chin and bow three times to the floor. Always be seated when the monks are seated.

Photography

There are many photographic shops in Cambodia, offering international standard services. Be sure to take plenty of photographs so you can take back good memories of the Kingdom. Photographers are free to shoot almost everything. However, a few principles should be observed.

· If photographing local people, always ask their permission first. Most of them will be happy to pose for you.

· Taking photographs of military bases and other designated security areas is prohibited.

· Ask permission before taking photos inside pagodas, royal palaces, other sacred places or special events.

Visiting Pagodas (Wats) and other religious and traditional places

The official religion of Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism, which is also practiced in neighboring countries like Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The sight of a saffron-robed monk is common throughout the Kingdom and almost every village had a pagoda (wat).

· Visitors should dress neatly in all religious places. They should never go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.

· Shoes, sandals and a hat should be removed when entering a mosque or a pagoda (wat) where Buddhist images are kept. Each Buddha image, large or small, well kept or in ruins, is regarded sacred.

· Never climb onto a Buddha or photograph a Buddha inside a temple without asking permission. Always be respectful when viewing a Buddha image.

Tipping

There is no regulation on tipping in Cambodia. However, tipping is greatly appreciated as salaries are low. The value of the tip is optional, depending on individual generosity. It should commensurate with the level of service rendered.

A small present, instead of a tip, is greatly appreciated.

Shopping

Bargaining is a way of life in Cambodia and many shops will offer discounts after negotiation. Cambodia is noted for its handicrafts – handmade articles such as silk materials, wood carvings, stone copies of Khmer art, silver items and jeweler are worth buying. It is illegal to export any antique art objects.

Personal Behavior

Polite behavior is welcome everywhere. What is considered polite in other countries is probably considered polite in Cambodia too. However, there are few customs, social and religious taboos.

· Cambodians admire a calm and considered approach to all aspects of life. Open show of temper and anger should be avoided.

· It is considered a grave insult to touch another person’s head, even if is meant as a friendly gesture.

· Use the right hand to accept things or shake hands.

· It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or object.

· Keep an open mind and do not demand much from your host. Loud voices and boisterous behavior are considered impolite. Smiling and nodding establishes good intent.

· Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
If you like someone to come over to you, motion with your whole hand, palm down. Do not signal with your finger.

· When picking your teeth with a toothpick after a meal, it is considered polite to hold the toothpick with one hand and to cover your open mouth with the other.

· In private homes, it is polite to remove your shoes when entering the house.

· Be appreciative of people who appreciate

· By observing the behavior code, you can thoroughly enjoy your stay in Cambodia and take home pleasant memories.

For more tips about traveling in Cambodia, please visit : http://www.activetravelcambodia.com

You will find what you need for an adventure journey to Cambodia.
And remember that : The more you go, the more you get.

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Source by Jenny Ta

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If you have chosen to purchase a Japanese used vehicle from a Japanese used vehicle importer, distributor, or exporter, you have already made an intelligent move. You will be able to obtain a vehicle that is almost as good as new, sans the depreciation that affects new car buyers as soon as they pay for the car. Japanese used vehicles — even those that are only one year old — are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than new cars. But there are other good reasons to buy a used Japanese vehicle:

1. Buying a used vehicle gives you luxury so you can afford a model which is “loaded” or has more accessories.

2. Some used vehicles bought already include insurance.

3. Bigger bargains are possible for the smart shopper.

The reasons to avoid used vehicles — lack of reliability and the expense of repairs —are not issues anymore. Consider these advantages:

1. Japanese used vehicles are the most reliable compared to other makes.

2. Some Japanese used vehicles that are bought from Japanese used car exporters are still under the factory warranty.

3. Most new vehicle makers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.

4. The history of a Japanese used vehicle can easily be traced using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN number).

5. Buying Japanese used cars is now very convenient; in fact, you can even get one easily by buying online from a reliable and reputable Japanese vehicle exporter like IBC Japan.

Everyone looking to buy a used Japanese vehicle will first consider price, then quality, buying convenience, and reliable customer service. With these in mind, buyers are most certainly assured to enjoy all these by buying online from a used Japanese vehicle exporter like IBC Japan.

IBC Japan offers some of the best Japanese used car makes such as Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Daihatsu, and Subaru. Aside from this, European and US car makes are also available from inventory, along with original left-hand drive vehicles straight from the USA, Singapore, Thailand, and Korea: all these at very competitive and reasonable prices.

IBC Japan’s interactive website is also very flexible and allows customers to conveniently search specific criteria of Japanese used cars such as make, model, and price range. Search results come in a thumbnail format complete with vehicle specs, description, and grading. More importantly, IBC Japan has a customer service center that serves customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any inquiries and attend to concerns.

IBC Japan serves customers worldwide.

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Source by bLaze

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Looking for the best beauty product philippines? There are a lot of beauty products for sale in the Philippines, and majority of those products came from a multi-national corporation called Unilever. Some of their top brands have also made its way into the Philippines to answer the demand for quality beauty product that works wonders. Here are some of the best beauty product philippines that Unilever have .
Pond’s Cream Pond’s Cream is a brand of beauty and health care products that is produced by the Ponds Institute which is owned by the multinational company Unilever. Pond’s Cream is considered as one of the top beauty product philippines used by many Filipinos not only within the country but all over the world.

Sunsilk Sunsilk is the name of a brand of hair care products for women produced by the Unilever group. It was launched in 1954 in the United Kingdom. By 1959, it was available in eighteen different countries worldwide. Currently, Sunsilk products are available in over 50 countries throughout Asia, The Middle East, North Africa and Latin America, where is known as Sedal. In Brazil, this brand is known as Seda.
Sunsilk’s latest campaign, Life Can’t Wait, aims to inspire women all over the globe to live their lives to the fullest. To launch Sunsilk’s campaign the brand unveiled their Life Can’t Wait advertisement during the Super Bowl XLII on February 3 2008. The founding idea behind the campaign is that hair can dramatically alter a girl’s mood and actions. The philosophy behind it is that by taking appearance into their own hands, girls are equally taking positive steps towards being more in control of their life: “Hair On= Life On”
Rexona Rexona is a deodorant brand manufactured by Anglo Dutch company Unilever. It was developed in 1908 by an Australian pharmacist and his wife. Currently, Rexona has at least 8 lines of deodorant. Each line features a specific quality sought in deodorants. 

Rexona products are created with “body-responsive technology.” Rexona scientists recently noted that the body produces two types of sweat, one from over-heating and another from emotional stress. These two types of sweat generate different chemicals and odors from different glands in the body. Cooling sweat is created all over the body, but sweat from emotional strain is created in fewer, more specific sites, including under the arms. Rexona has a formula to address both types of sweat. The over-heating sweat formula was tested on people in a sauna. The emotional stress sweat was tested on people interrogated in a mean and fast-paced manner to answer riddles and sums.visit us at http://www.myayala.com.
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Source by Deirdre Gonzales

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When I start a conversation with some of these individuals I soon realize that they are not too clear on the concepts of import and importing, export and exporting. What is the difference? In theory not much. If you export a product from a country of origin you are exporting. If you’re bringing a product from another country you’re importing. Basically, you are most likely going to do one or the other, and not both. Most of my American clients look into importing into the United States. Some feel they want to also get involved in exporting from the United States but don’t have a product. If you want to export you could also, for example, setup your own company in another country and become involved in exporting from there and at the same time be also an importer of your own products in the United States or another country.

But here I am only hinting at the subject of how you can run your business these days – for example, do you want to run your business with your company being based in the US, or would you like to entertain a scenario where you would establish a permanent residency in another country and start and base your business over there? Obviously, there can be many advantages to doing something like that. There may be new business opportunities with this kind of setup but specific pros and cons will differ depending on where, which country you locate your business in and discussing details here is beyond the scope of this post and best left for another time.

One of the most common questions is wanting to know where to find suppliers. Many feel if only they’d have a good supplier they would be assured of success. Many look for that magic “How to Start an Import Export Business” package offer priced for only $19.95 expecting it will include all those addresses of suppliers to whom they can write and bingo, 60 days later they’ll be up to 6-figure income. Believe me, if it were that easy, that magic How to Information Package would not be $19.95!

To learn how to start an import export business, you first need to realize that this is a two-part business. First you need to find the right product, get it out of the country of origin, ship it to a destination, a country you import the product into, clear the customs, and then what? You got it home, in your warehouse. Now you have to sell it, get money out of it so you can start the whole process all over again, perhaps on a larger scale and with ultimately more profit.

So how will you sell your imports? Retail or wholesale? On the Internet? If retail, will you open your own shop, have a cart at the mall, do weekend markets, sell at flea markets, door to door? If on the Internet, will you use your own website or will you do eBay, Craigslist? There are too many ways to go when it comes to selling your imports. Will you sell only in US or also in Canada? Mexico? Kenya? Germany? Argentina? Why not?

Yes, having those right suppliers is a key. And many find some great ones on the Internet. Some even get an invitation from the supplier they found and board a flight to China. They get a VIP welcome, a limo ride to a 5-start hotel their supplier is treating them to, at his expense. Impressive! And they get down to business, the supplier sends a plush car to bring them to a board room to discuss the product, the size of their order, they negotiate quantity discount, delivery times, things are moving right along. Our buyer gets more impressed as ravishing young girls serve them fresh fruit during the negotiations. They are ready to place an order and pay upfront to get the best price and fastest delivery time. They shake hands, see a bit of China on a one-day quickie tour, overeat in a fine Chinese restaurant and they get an impressive farewell back to the airport to catch their flight back home.

Weeks pass and no product arrives. I won’t hold you in suspense. There was no factory. No production line. No order is coming. The buyer got burnt!

Can you avoid that kind of fiasco? Yes you can. There are financial instruments how to do it, and there are other ways to do it. Above all, there are ways how not to go about starting in import-export business.

Many prospective Americans importers just naively believe that things work the same way overseas as they do back home. Even if they get the motivation to take a trip and visit the country they want to import from and meet their supplier or suppliers in person at the country of product’s origin they often make a quick trip to inspect the supply side, may be few days to a week, and feel that did it. Try that in Bali, Bangkok or Bombay (Mumbai), and you just may find a great recipe for getting ripped off. I used to travel overseas to buy months at a time, year after year, visiting, checking my prospective suppliers, scrutinizing the scene, who was new, who went under, again and again visiting the same destinations until it would get to a point where locals would greet me from across the street, even though many of them I did not even know. But they knew me, because I have been coming back, over and over again and they all knew I was a buyer, and when I’d stop by their shop, warehouse or factory, they would quote me the “right” price to start – well, maybe not quite the last price but that’s part of the game, part of the protocol, part of the negotiations, and knowing how business is done in whatever the country, their custom and culture would be absolutely imperative to getting things done the right way.

What I had established with my suppliers was a true working relationship. They would routinely invite me into their family for weddings, childbirth, funerals, tooth-filing ceremonies and other auspicious celebrations. Although you may strike it rich with just an email, the likelihood of developing the right relationship, especially on a start-up level and above all if you are but a small to medium size business, in particular if you wish to be importing from the Third World, are slim, miss and hit at best. On another hand, if you’re a big business, like Gap or Wal-Mart, no worries, should your orders get messed up, your problems will likely get handled by government-backed arbitration committees. But being a little guy, having a problem in China or India, Thailand or Indonesia, best you eat your losses, regroup and start from scratch, if you’ll still find the stamina to continue in this business.

Bottom line, best learn how to get started in import-export business the right way rather than just be muddling through. Following are some of the subjects and issues that you need to consider and become well-versed in if you expect not only to get started right and to survive but to ultimately become successful in import-export business:

Where to go and what to buy
Different levels of involvement in import export
Who will be your customer, how will you sell your imports
How to find overseas suppliers and whom to buy from
Product design and development
Sourcing
How much should you pay for the product you want to import
Product price in country of origin vs. landed price after customs clearance at destination
Customhouse Brokers, who are they, how they work and what information you can and need to get from them before you buy
Freight forwarders, your purchases and shipping logistics
Packing practices and shipping process
Shipping documents
Freight insurance
Import export financing and alternatives how to pay for your purchases
Letter of Credit
Documentary Draft for Collection
US Customs Entry process
Formal Entry and Informal Entry
Hand carrying your commercial purchases across international borders and into the US
Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the classification process
Marking requirements on goods
Liquidated entry
Tax issues

Each of the above categories can be subdivided into smaller units, so there is indeed a lot of material to cover. Over and above gaining an inherent understanding of how to start an import-export business there is an issue of where really are the opportunities in this business, whether in the current economic situation or any situation anywhere. To truly understand what the opportunities in this business are you need to realize that the entire world is your marketplace. You need to think globally, because once you understand how the process works, you can import your product into scores of different countries, not only into the United States. Provided you have the necessary knowledge of the culture and the business climate in whatever the country, your opportunities for success begin to grow. Get started in import-export business by taking that first step knowing you took it in the right direction!

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Source by Tomas Belcik

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Short supply has pulled up natural rubber costs to an all-time high in China. Quotes are expected to continue increasing this year, albeit at a slower rate.

The cost of natural rubber has soared substantially in recent months. The rise is so steep that the price increases finished goods makers have implemented are not enough to cover the additional outlay.

In April 2010, natural rubber stood at around 25,000 yuan ($3,800) per ton. Prices rose shortly after and peaked at roughly 43,000 yuan ($6,560) per ton in February 2011, an all-time high in China.

While current prices have fallen to approximately 35,000 yuan ($5,460) per ton, they are still 44 percent higher year on year.

The significant rise in rubber costs came as a result of low yield. Yunnan, one of China’s major rubber producing provinces, experienced severe drought last year that affected production. Indonesia and Thailand, on the other hand, were drenched in heavy rain.

Wang Jianhui, analyst at Southwest Securities, said the weather so far for this year has been good for rubber production. Rubber tapping has started in April and new natural rubber output from Yunnan and Hainan provinces, and Southeast Asia will be released soon.

This is expected to slow the pace of price increase, but not stave off any future upward adjustments. Statistics from the International Rubber Study Group show global consumption of natural rubber for 2011 is likely to rise 5 percent year on year to 11.15 million tons. And while worldwide output is forecast to grow 7 percent to 10.97 million tons, the expected yield will still be 180,000 tons short.

Significant impact on tire industry

Tires are one of the products most affected by the high cost, especially since the product is 80 percent natural rubber. The material, in fact, accounts for 40 to 50 percent of total unit cost. Because of the rising cost of rubber, suppliers have had to raise export prices three times in this year alone. Quotes are now 15 to 20 percent higher than in late 2010.

But this adjustment is barely half the increase in natural rubber costs. This has forced several small tire suppliers in Shandong province to close down, while others have chosen to suspend production temporarily.

The Shandong Jinyu Group is one such company. The tire manufacturer went on an extended spring festival break in February, resuming operations three days after the official holiday period. Some companies closed their factories for an additional 20 days. Such suppliers believe that with the high cost of rubber, more money will be lost with every production run.

Read the full report at Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research.

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Source by Global Sources

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ECONOMY. Brunei’s economy is dependent on oil and gas and is the third largest producer of crude oil in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and Malaysia. Brunei is also the world’s fourth largest producer of natural gas. Brunei’s current oil and gas reserves are sufficient at least until 2015. Thus, Brunei’s government has used its oil wealth for investments outside the country for future generations. Furthermore, the government seeks to develop the country’s economy beyond on oil and gas but with little success.
Brunei’s GDP was US$5.2 billion with a GDP per capita of US$13,879 in 2004. The economy grew at an average GDP growth of 3.0% annually from 2000 to 2004 driven mainly by Brunei’s export of oil and gas and therefore dependent by world oil and gas prices. Inflation was less than 1.5% in 2000-2001, experience deflation in 2002-2003 but inflation eventually crept at 0.9% in 2004. The government is Brunei’s largest employer and many of its citizens prefer to work with the government. The country experienced increasing unemployment from 2002 to 2004 but remained below 5.0%.
The industrial sector (mainly oil and gas related activities) contributed towards 56.1% of Brunei’s GDP in 2004. The service sector contributed towards 40.3% while the agriculture sector contributed only 3.6% during the period. Main industries are petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas and construction. Major agriculture products include rice, vegetables, fruits, chicken and eggs.

DEMOGRAPHY. Brunei has a small population of slightly more than 370 thousand. Brunei Malays are the largest ethnic group and account for nearly 70% of population followed by Chinese accounting for 15%. Others include indigenous people and immigrants who have settled in the country. Islam is the official religion of the country and 70% of the population practice the Muslim faith. Other religions include Buddhism, Christianity and indigenous practices. The official language is Malay while Brunei’s Chinese community often used the Chinese language within the community. The population is generally proficient in English since schools teach the language and used in higher education, business and the sciences.
Three quarters or 75% of the population live in the urban areas and mostly work in government services, oil and gas industry, wholesale and retail trade and construction. Major urban areas include the nation’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara, Tutong, Seria and Kuala Belait.
Poverty is practically non-existent in the oil rich nation of Brunei. Brunei’s GDP per capita is half of Singapore but based on purchasing power parity (PPP) it is slightly less than Singapore. Nearly 70% of the households belong to the middle or high-income categories while the remaining 30% in the lower-income category.

INFRASTRUCTURE. Telecommunication services within the country well developed while reliability of services outside from Brunei is good. Internet access is available throughout many parts of the country but broadband services are limited. Towns well connected by roads and crosses the border into East Malaysia. Country served by single international airport at Bandar Seri Begawan.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE. Major trading partners include Japan, South Korea, Australia, US, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Singapore and Malaysia. Much of the imports from Singapore are Singapore’s re-exports from other countries. Major exports include crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products. Major imports include machineries and equipments, vehicles and vehicle parts, consumer goods, foods, construction materials and chemicals.

CONSUMER USAGE OF TECHNOLOGY. Nearly all homes in Brunei have fixed-line telephones and the penetration of mobile phones by population was 40% in 2004. Brunei’s general population have the financial means to install computers in their homes but the penetration in homes is low at 20%. Penetration of internet users is also low at 9% of the population or 34,000 users. Nevertheless, nearly all homes in Brunei have televisions and refrigerators.

RETAIL MARKET. Marketers into Southeast Asia often neglect Brunei as a potential market because of its small consumer population. However, the country has the second highest GDP per capita in the region after Singapore and depends on imports for nearly all of its consumer goods and foods. The estimated value of Brunei’s retail market in 2004 was US$390 million in 2004 of which foods accounted for nearly US$280 million. The “mom and pop” stores and mini markets dominate the retail industry alongside a few department stores and supermarkets. Consumers in Brunei often shop cross the border into Malaysia for wider choices of consumer goods.

FOOD CULTURE. Foods eaten by the Malays tend to be rice with spicy meat and vegetable dishes. However, the people of Brunei are accustomed to Indian foods due to the numerous small Indian eateries across the country. Thus, homes often serve fish, chicken or beef curry dishes. Popular food service establishments include Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Thai and Japanese restaurants but interestingly few Malay restaurants. Among the younger generation, many are accustomed to western style foods served by the fast food outlets and bakeries.

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Source by Khal Mastan

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REGIONAL TRADE BLOCKS

Companies need to adjust organizational structure and operating strategy to take advantage of regional trade groups. These are,

01. EU (European Union):

The EU is become a most powerful trade block in the world. It has members of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lather lands, Porchukcal, Spain, Sweden, and U.K.

02. NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement):

99% of the goods traded between Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. It is a large trading block but includes countries of different sizes and wealth.

Additional provisions are:

–          Workers right

–          Dispute resolution mechanism

03. LAFTA (Latin American Free Trade Association):

LAFTA and the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) changed their names to the Latin American Integration Association and Caribbean community and common market (CARICOM). It has U.S as their major export market.

04. ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations):

It is organized in 1967and it has Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Jan 1, 1993 ASEAN officially formed the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

Its goal is to cut tariffs on all intra-zonal trade to a maximum of 5%.

05. APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation):

It was formed in NOV 1989 to promote multilateral economic co-operation in trade and investment in the Pacific Rim. It is composed of 21 countries that border the Pacific Rim – both Asia as well as the America.

It’s creating new opportunities for American business and creating new employment for American workers.

06. EFTA (European Free Trade Association):

It was established in Jan 1960, EFTA currently joins 4 countries – Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Members are Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined on Jan 1, 1996.

07. SAARC (The South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation):

The SAARC involving seven countries, namely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, was formally launched in Dec 1985.

Objectives are:

1. To promote welfare of the people of South Asia.
2. To accelerate economic growth.
3. To strengthen co-operation with other developing countries.

08. SAPTA (The SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement):

The SAPTA has the members of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives.

1. Overall reciprocity and mutually of advantages.
2. Step by step negotiations and extension of preferential trade arrangement in stages.
3. Inclusion of all types of products – Raw, Semi-processed, Processed.
4. Special and favorable treatment to Least Development Countries (LDCs).

09. Indo – Lanka Free Trade Agreement:

According to the Bilateral Free Trade Area Agreement signed by India and Sri Lanka on 28th Dec 1998, a large number of items will be eligible for duty free trade.

It has offered to permit as much as 1000 items on Zero duty from Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka will allow duty free imports of 900 items from India.

Its Objectives are.

1. Expansion of trade the harmonious development of the economic relations between India and Sri Lanka.
2. Removal of barriers to trade.
3. Expansion of world trade.

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Source by A.V.HARIHARAN