Examples of GEA Emerging Markets Projects

• Analysis of a Middle Eastern country's GSM mobile networks ahead of anticipated privatization of the country's GSM sector
• Comparison study of banking systems to include identification of key banking institutions, most popular investment options, and private-public partnerships
• Study of best means of exporting agricultural products into a new emerging market to include analysis of potential local distributors, trade regulations, FDI requirements, and registration requirements
• Direct meetings with potential local distributors on behalf of exporting clients to assess business models and partnership viability
• Partnership with a media research company to undertake targeted surveys and data collection
• Macroeconomic analysis of investment opportunities for hedge funds and private equity clients to include key economic indicators, political risk factors, and risk versus gain assessments

Hurdles to Overcome in Identifying Emerging Market Opportunities

• Political and Social Systems: Research the foreign market's political system as it affects product, labor, and capital markets. Relationships between ethnic, regional, and linguistic groups in emerging markets also affect foreign investors.
• Openness: The more open a country's economy, the more likely it is that global intermediaries will be allowed to operate there and the more likely that it will welcome direct investment by non-native companies.
• Product Markets: Developing countries have opened up their markets and grown rapidly during the past decade, but it may still be difficult to obtain reliable information about various types of native consumers.
• Labor Markets: There are relatively few search firms and recruiting agencies in low-income countries, and it may be difficult to recruit managers and skilled workers in foreign markets.
• Capital Markets: Capital and financial markets in developing countries may lack sophistication, and there may not be many reliable intermediaries like credit-rating agencies, investment analysts, merchant bankers, or venture capital firms.