(a) Drawing conclusions from socio-economic data. Task: The below table shows socio-economic data of

(a) Drawing conclusions from socio-economic data.

Task: The below table shows socio-economic data of two fictitious countries. From the perspective of a business considering the possibility of undertaking business in these countries, consider what the data could mean and present three conclusions. Each conclusion should compare both countries using at least two variables. You can relate each conclusion to any type of international business (eg. you can present a conclusion from the perspective of a business choosing a new export market, a business seeking an import source, a business choosing a location for FDI, etc). Recommended length for each conclusion: approximately 200-250 words.

You will have used data from the table to arrive at very well-founded, realistic and clearly explained conclusions, which relate to the market potential and overall business environments of the two countries.

(4 marks per conclusion)

Country

Country                    A

Country                    B

1.                      Population

23.55                        million

125.96                      million

2.                      Area

35,980                      km²

1.96                  million km²

3.                      GDP

$1.19                        trillion

$1.15                        trillion

4.                      GDP Per capita (PPP)

$50,500

$19,900

5.                      Gini Coefficient

.336

.515

6.                      Population below poverty line

21.9%

46.2%

7.                      % of Urban Population

78.2%

80.2%

8.                      Main Exports

Semiconductors,                        computers, wireless communication equipment, automobile parts,                        electronics, plastics.

Manufactured                    goods, electronics, silver, plastics, fruits, vegetables, cotton.

9.                      Main Imports

Oil/petroleum,                   natural gas, coal, steel, automobiles, fine chemicals, textiles.

Agricultural                       machinery, electrical equipment, automobile parts, natural gas and                         oil products.

10.                    Inflation

2%

6%

11.                    Internet Users (% of Population)

88%

59.5%

12.                    UN Human Development Index (HDI)

.907

.774

13.                    Adult literacy rate                       14.                    Labour Force by Occupation

98.5%                       4.9%                         agriculture, 35.9% industry, 59.2% services

88.9%                       20%                  agriculture, 24.1% industry, 55.9% services

15.                    Unemployment

3.8%

6.9%