Emerging markets

So in my last post, I made two bold predictions on the economy in the coming century: that emerging markets in Asia and Africa will be the driving force of many of the changes we see in the world.

East Timor

Is a war-torn nation that no one knows much about, or has even heard of. The currency of choice here is single American dollars. The country is extremely poor and lacks almost any infrastructure of any kind. Will any entrepreneurs step up and make a difference in this country? Where there are problems, there is an opportunity.

Sri Lanka

I have a friend who recently raised 30 million from the largest telecom company in the country after being in the country for just 3 months. They now have the ENTIRE e-commerce marketplace to themselves. They are quite literally, the only company doing e-commerce at scale in the entire country. After a few weeks of operation, they eclipsed 101 employees today. Their headliner is a daily deals site / group-on clone: anything.lk

Burma

I’ll report back from Myanmar next week, as I’ll be jumping on a plane to head there shortly. For those who are interested in visiting, the visa situation is a pain! I decided to go last minute to attend a conference, and although I qualify for a “visa on arrival”, the process is anything but clear. You need a letter from a Burmese business with an address IN Myanmar (as well as permission from a ministry). Full details are available at this site. It is much, much easier to arrange a visa in advance at a local embassy. [UPDATE: I have written about Myanmar – Investing, Corporate Structuring and Doing Business in Myanmar]

Indonesia

From what I’ve seen so far from Indonesia, I enjoy this country. However, corruption at the lowest levels, as dealing with police (or the local Banjar) can be burdensome for entrepreneurs. As for most places around the world, it’s best to enjoy your time here, follow the rules and don’t make too much noise. Although it is one of the largest emerging markets, if you are going to start a business here, you better have a great understanding of the culture, a well-connected local partner and deep pockets. I’ve written about starting a business in Bali in this post. If you are able to start a business, you’ll find incredible local talent for an inexpensive rate. The workforce is (by and large) more technically skilled than many other countries in the region, and there are great developers and designers.

South Korea

Korea is a place I don’t know much about. From an outsiders perspective, it’s not an emerging market, it seems expensive and difficult to penetrate as a foreigner without extensive time and effort. Although I have Korean friends who I know and love, it doesn’t attract me from a macroeconomic perspective and I can’t see this economy having the growth potential of others in the region. It is very well developed and in many ways the polar opposite of its neighbor to the north…

North Korea

North Korea is the last frontier of Asia – hidden behind a communist veil, much of the society is kept in secrecy. I do know some people who have been able to visit and do business in the country. Believe it or not, they run a consultancy that teaches social skills. I guess that proves that maybe there is a market in NK? Recently it came out that Google is trying to penetrate into the economy here, and bring peace to the people. This is an admirable goal in my mind and displays how the free market and private business can accomplish something that bureaucracy and governments could never accomplish in the country – freedom, peace and profitability.

China

China is intimidating. A huge market full of opportunities. Learn more on how to incorporate a company and do business in China.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is amazing, I love spending time in this country and it is just so damn entertaining to go out for a night on the town in this city. Hong Kong has a great culture – it’s not overbearing with centuries of tradition, but its deep enough to have caught its voice and be able to proudly proclaim: this is what it’s like to be Hongkongnese.

Hong Kong simultaneously both IS and IS NOT China. Technically, it is a “special administrative republic” and Hong Kong S.A.R. is an exemplar for an efficient free market economy, yet for all intents and purposes, it is subservient to the centrally controlled Mainland. Although the quality of life, language, a way of doing business, food, travel documents, and a lot of other things are completely different – Hong Kong IS China.

The food and the people are great, the city is so much fun, and Hong Kong is the best place to open a bank account. Scratch that, it is the 2nd best place in the world for banking and starting a business, right behind…

Singapore

Singapore is THE best place in the world to start a business. I’ve written about Singapore city here. I have a deep respect for the ability of the government to spur entrepreneurship and innovation and raise the quality of life of a society. Living here is a joy, and I love being here for that reason. Now if I could only find some interests outside of my work…

Thailand

I write too much about this country already. I’m redacting my previous statements on the LOS. There is “nothing” to see in Thailand, please move along… My advice to backpacking tourists looking to “find themselves” and “see elephants” and “ladyboys” is to stay for a day, visit Phuket and then get out. We never wanted you here anyway.

For those of you who want to see the real Thailand… I recommend at least a year on the ground. Learning the language, starting a business, getting a multiple entry visa in Thailand through a Thai Company, and living in Bangkok city.

Cambodia

Cambodia is the future rice bowl of SE Asia. Along with Thailand and Vietnam, this is where the bulk of food will be produced in the 21st century. it’s also a very young society, and it’s developing quickly. I’ve seen ventures fail here (premium beer, commerce) and others succeed (citizenship by investment, property investment, fund management, rice, microlending) – the business field is wide open. Read more about Cambodia’s Flag Theory and How to Get Cambodian Citizenship | Frontier Investing | Private Equity

Vietnam

Vietnam has an emerging tech community. You would not believe the talent that comes out of this country in terms of technical ability. The currency is a dong, and the government makes it near impossible to start a business unless you know the right people. Even the locals have to go and stand in a room and be read a number in order to start a company here. I spoke to a young girl that did it herself (instead of pay a company roughly $200). From the beginning, you should only pick a venture that the government will LIKE – because if they don’t like you – bye bye. Take for instance Facebook – which saw a countrywide ban when groups starting popping up opposing the incumbent party. Check this article on How to set up a Vietnam LLC for further information.

Philippines

Ahhh the Philippines. The friendliest people on earth. Despite having one of the lowest GDP per capita, they have one of the highest happiness ratings. The women here are very intelligent. If you want to set up a business here, make sure you have strong females on your side, and great government connections. They are open to foreigners doing business, but all of the guys I know here that have had success know when to show their palms, and when to show their teeth. REAL power rules.

If you are interested in setting up a company in the Philippines or learning more, check out this post on why it’s more fun in the Philippines…

There are a lot of opportunities here, partially displayed by the fact that Google is setting up a HQ in the Philippines. As a societal whole, you really want to root for them. They have the potential, they could do better, they even know it themselves (see this commentary called “get real Philippines” or just look at the town slogans: “aim high!”

TWO OTHER NOTES…

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P.p.s. If you are looking for more help with Flag Theory, or want to learn more about the first step of flag theory – obtaining a 2^nd passport – you can check out this book I’ve written on alternative citizenship which will also make you a PT member of Flag Theory with premium subscription and monthly updates.