KnowlEdge Series

Emerging Economies and the Evolving Economic Landscape: Will they Still be the Engines of Growth?

Economists and corporate strategists alike have focused on emerging markets as the main source of economic growth in coming years. From the economists' perspective, emerging markets seemed the best hope for keeping the global economy expanding as the US unwound from the consumption binge of recent years. In addition, the healthy growth rates of emerging economies, especially China and India, made them the focus of strategic plans and ambitious investment for global corporations as well. The banking and financial tsunami that has engulfed advanced economies has also had a drastic effect on even the largest emerging economies. This series will examine how the current downturn has affected a group of countries, including China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Russia and the emerging economies of southeast Asia and emerging Europe. Discussions with senior executives from global companies with emerging market strategies will examine how their short and long term plans may or may not be changing in response to the evolving economic situation.

The Business Issue: What effect has the downturn had on emerging economies and what role will they play in the recovery and future growth of the global economy? How are companies viewing these markets? Will their strategy change appreciably in the short and long term?

PART 1: From Rapid Growth to Free Fall: The Turbulent World of Emerging Economies… view details

07 May, 2009 11:00 AM EST [11:00] | (1 hr)

This first session will look at emerging markets globally and give an overview of how they are faring in the economic downturn from an economic perspective. What factors are the most crucial for determining the long term effects of the current situation and how do these factors vary by country? What are the prospects for recovery in these economies and what are the timelines?

Key Points to be covered:

• The contribution of emerging and developing economies to world growth
• The relative impact of the downturn on these economies
• A framework for analyzing the business implications

Speakers

Barry P. Bosworth Senior Fellow, Economic Studies, Global Economy and Development The Brookings Institution A former presidential advisor, Barry Bosworth is an expert on fiscal and monetary policy, economic growth, capital formation, and Social Security. His recent projects include studies of U.S. saving behavior and economic growth in China and India. ... Full Bio

PART 2: Assessing the Opportunities: A Global Manufacturing Perspective… view details

14 May, 2009 11:00 AM EST [11:00] | (1 hr)

From the perspective of a global manufacturer, has the attractiveness of these markets changed for the better or the worse? How should companies be thinking about investing in these markets? Has the game changed in any fundamental way? What is a useful analytic framework for assessing risks and opportunities in different markets?

Key points to be covered:

• From the perspective of a global consumer company, has their view of emerging markets changed?
• How do consumer companies analyze the opportunities and risks in these markets?

Speakers

Bert De Graeve Chief Executive Officer Bekaert Bekaert is a global market leader in drawn steel wire products and applications and a technological leader in its two core competences: advanced metal transformation and advanced materials and coatings. Bekaert is headquartered in Belgium and empl... Full Bio

PART 3: Can Local Consumer Markets Play a Bigger Role?… view details

28 May, 2009 11:00 AM EST [11:00] | (1 hr)

Beyond the immediate crisis, where will future growth come from? With American consumption declining, export growth will no longer be enough to fuel developing economies. Will their governments take the necessary steps to encourage local consumption? Are these countries still attractive markets for global companies seeking to enter or expand? Where are companies focusing their attention in the next 5-10 years?

Key points to be covered:

• From the perspective of a global consumer company, has their view of emerging markets changed?
• How do consumer companies analyze the opportunities and risks in these markets?

Speakers

Chris Delaney President-Emerging Markets Campbell Soup Company Working with the Emerging Markets Team, Chris Delaney is responsible for building Campbell's businesses in key markets such as Greater China and Russia. He joined Campbell in 2004 as Vice President-International Sales and was appointed President-E... Full Bio

Series Hosts

	Bart van Ark Executive Vice President & Chief Economist The Conference Board Bart van Ark is executive vice president and chief economist of The Conference Board. He leads a team of almost two dozen economists who produce a range of widely watched economic indicators and growth forecasts, as well as indepth global economic... Full Bio
	Utsav Kumar Utsav Kumar was a former Economist in the Economics Program (Domestic and International Research Products) of The Conference Board. His research covers topics such as India's growth pattern, understanding differential economic outcomes across regi... Full Bio