Paper Topic:

International Business

Running Head International Business

International Business

For the individual company , like the family owned UK firm , rapid changes in the international economy offer both threat and opportunity . There is great similarity between the domestic threat of hostile takeovers and the loss of market position owing to new foreign competition . In to survive and increase market share , companies penetrate new markets and find new niches abroad . Portugal is the countries selected for economic and political analysis

Similar to other countries of this region , Spain and Italy , Portugal obtains strong economic position

and a stable political situation Portugal has a population about 10 .6 million of people . Its growth rate is bout 0 .4 a year . GDP (US bn exchange rate ) - 192 .6 , GDP (US bn purchasing power parity ) - 233 .1 , GDP per head (US market exchange rate ) - 18 ,256 GDP per head (US purchasing power parity ) - 22 ,095 these indicators lower than in Italy and Spain , but economic policy provided by the government suggests that in 2 years the country will recover (Portuguese Economy 2007 . There was some recovery in 2006 but only a moderate expansion overall , based on an increase in exports and stronger internal consumption , with growth expected to remain below 2 (Market and recent developments 2007 . In spite of these economic indicators , Portugal proposes great opportunities for foreign companies having a favorable leniency regime and legal framework (Cowlley 2000

The president , Annbal Cavaco Silva , provides a serious of economic and social reforms aimed to improve and restructure social institutions The ongoing reform in the health sector is a good example of the strategy to improve the quality of public services and meet the population needs , while seeking to limit pressures on public expenditure over the medium-term (Economic Survey 2004 . In every dimension of a free enterprise society , the skill , dedication , and enlightened imagination of a nation 's workforce constitutes its true wealth . To take just one example - although it is among the most important underpinnings of the Portuguese economy - the tourist industry is fundamentally a human resource-based enterprise . It is all the more important in a country that lacks abundant natural resources . Of the county 's estimated 10 million population , 17 percent are under fifteen years old and 15 percent over sixty five . The rate of infant mortality caused by a combination of inadequate nutrition and insufficient medical services is currently 11 .5 deaths per thousand . The older age group is growing proportionately and has doubled within the past three decades . If the figures on birth are cause for concern , those of death can be perceived as grounds for desperation . Portugal represents a homogenous society based on strong cultural traditions and values . The main advantage is that : Portugal 's economy is predominantly based on traditional manufacturing industries such as textiles , clothing , wood products beverages and earthenware (Market and recent developments 2007 . This factor will help the firm speculating in consumer manufacturing goods to enter the market . Another advantage is low cost of labor...

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