Thursday 25 August 2011

The Egyptian Defense Industry - Market Opportunities and Entry Strategies, Analyses and Forecasts to 2015

Growth of the Egyptian Defense industry is expected to be driven by the increased internal stability of the country following the political unrest and resultant need for modern military hardware, maintenance and support.

London - 25 August 2011 - The Egyptian defense industry is dominated by US manufacturers as a result of the US$1.3 billion Egypt receives annually through US Foreign Military Financing (FMF). This military aid must be spent on US-made products and is also a financial incentive for Egypt not to attack Israel, its closest neighbor. With this agreement in place since the Camp David Egypt–Israel peace treaty of 1979, Egypt has thus far received approximately US$40 billion through US FMF. This reliance on US-made technology has left the country’s domestic defense manufacturers struggling with exports negligible from 2006 to 2010.

Seeking to counter this decline, the Egyptian Government favors license manufacturing and technology transfer agreements and this is a key entry route for foreign manufacturers challenged by the lack of transparency in the industry. From 2011 to 2015, growth of the Egyptian defense industry is expected to be driven by increased procurement for all armed forces.

Defense Expenditure to record a CAGR of 0.89% in the forecast period
The Egyptian defense industry, which valued just over US$4.5 billion in 2010, is expected to record a CAGR of 0.89% over the forecast period and value approximately US$4.8 billion by 2015. Egypt is expected to allocate 2% of its GDP for defense expenditure during the forecast period, despite its relatively small economy, although this may change given the political uprising and subsequent downturn in the country’s economy.

Procurement of new defense systems and maintenance and support for existing equipment to drive the Egyptian defense market
Egypt is expected to procure equipment to strengthen all branches of its armed forces. Procurements expected to be made during the forecast period include attack , transport and maritime patrol aircraft, attack and cargo helicopters, various weapon systems including anti-tank, anti-ship, air-to-air missiles and rockets, unmanned systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) equipment, and engines, maintenance and support for the country’s existing aircraft fleet. The navy has recently signed contracts for fleet maintenance and support and a procurement contract for the delivery of four patrol boats called Fast Missile Craft (FMC). The air defense force has also been vigorously modernizing its Soviet air defense systems during the review period. As most of these systems are old, fleet wide upgrading and new procurements are expected to continue in the forecast period.

Egypt relies heavily on the US for its defense procurement
Egypt is currently undergoing a major political upheaval and the outcome of this period of change is expected to shape the domestic and foreign policies of the country in the forecast period. Consequently it will also have a major impact on the country’s defense policy. The country signed the US-brokered Camp David peace accord in 1979 and was assured Foreign Military Financing (FMF) of US$1.3 billion per year from the US. Egypt has thus far received FMF amounting to nearly US$40 billion through which it has replaced most of its Soviet-made inventory with US-made equipment. Provided a liberal democracy evolves in Cairo, the FMF to Egypt is expected to continue and make up 80% of the country’s capital expenditure, making the US the country’s major arms supplier. Other major suppliers to Egypt include China, Germany, France, the UK and Russia. Exclusive of US FMF, Egypt is expected to spend just over US$23.4 billion on defense in the forecast period.

Military prioritizes license manufacturing and technology transfer
Egypt’s domestic defense industry is completely controlled by the military through the Ministry of Military Production and the presence of private and foreign companies is seen as a threat to the country’s national interest and security. The main customers of Egyptian defense manufacturers are the country’s armed forces due to the limitations placed on the industry by a lack of advanced weapons manufacturing capabilities and international export sanctions placed on former customers such as Iraq. Egypt’s defense industry is also characterized by low R&D spending and a focus on labor-intensive manufacturing products. Egypt’s military industry base aims to develop the country’s defense industry by agreeing license and technology transfer agreements with foreign companies, meaning that non-domestic firms often enter the market through government-to-government deals.

Historically, US defense firms have entered the Egyptian defense industry through government initiated foreign military financing initiatives. Furthermore, Egypt’s preference for manufacturing of defense systems through license agreements has resulted in a number of production activities with Chinese, German and French companies in fields such as trainer aircraft and anti-tank missiles.

Unstable political system and lack of transparency key challenges for foreign OEMs
The recent political unrest and the uncertainty surrounding the political outcome makes the Egypt defense industry an unattractive market for foreign OEMs, a situation compounded by the dominance of the industry by US firms as a result of the FMF agreement between the two
countries. Another factor discouraging foreign firms is the lack of transparency within Egypt’s military establishment regarding defense budgets and weapons procurement plans.

To purchase the full version of the report, “The Egyptian Defense Industry - Market Opportunities and Entry Strategies, Analyses and Forecasts to 2015,” please click here.

About Industry Review:
Industry Review is a collection of incisive, regularly updated market reports across 40+ industry sectors and 100+ countries.

We provide access to the latest data on global and local markets, key industries, top companies, M&A activity, new product launches and trends so you can make faster and better informed business decisions.

The reports in our store draw on robust primary and secondary research, proprietary databases, industry surveys and insightful analysis from our own expert teams and from carefully selected third-party publishers.

With access to over 400 in-house analysts and journalists, and a global media presence in over 30 industries, Industry Review delivers in-depth knowledge of local markets worldwide.

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For more information on the article, please contact:
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shelly.wills@industryreview.com

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Indian Mining Industry Forecast Through 2015

During 2010–15, the expansion of key end markets such as construction, infrastructure and power generation will continue to drive demand for minerals.

London – 17 August 2011 - As a result of strong economic growth, the Indian mining industry increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% during 2004–09 (the review period) to value over US$20 billion in 2009. The mining equipment market is expected to grow from under US$3 billion in 2010 to US$4.5 billion in 2015. The majority of demand will continue to be met by domestic equipment manufacturers, though the growing market will begin to attract foreign companies.

While coal accounts for over half of all Indian mining activity, iron ore dominates the metallic mineral category, accounting for four-fifths of this category’s mining activity. Limestone accounts for three-quarters of Indian non-metallic mineral production.
The Indian government has increasingly liberalized its mining sector to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI). However, the government recently adopted an increase in mining royalties for minerals such as copper, zinc and lead. The new system is designed to make assessment and collection simpler and enhance royalty accruals to state governments.

Strong growth in the Indian mining industry
As a result of strong economic growth, the Indian mining industry increased at a CAGR of 11.1% during the review period (2004–09), to value over US$20 billion in 2009. Total mineral production grew at a CAGR of 7.6% in the same period, to reach an estimated 1.1 billion tons in 2009. During the forecast period (2010–15), the expansion of key end markets such as construction, infrastructure and power generation will continue to drive the demand for minerals. As a result, the Indian mining industry is forecast to produce over 1.5 billion tons of minerals by 2015, growing at a CAGR of almost 6% during the forecast period.

Increase in royalty rates will affect company revenue
The Indian government adopted an increase in mining royalties in August 2009 for minerals such as copper, zinc and lead. For instance, the government increased royalties on zinc ore from 6.6% to 8%, and imposed a 10% value-added royalty on iron ore mining. For iron ore mining companies, the new royalty will mean switching to a tax regime under which the companies will be charged based on the market value of the minerals produced, rather than the existing system of flat rates based on volumes. The new system is designed to make assessment and collection simpler and enhance royalty accruals to state governments. However, the revised rates will also increase production costs for miners, depending on the value of the mineral.

Coal dominates the Indian mining sector
Coal was India’s most valued mineral in 2009, accounting for half of the total mineral production. Iron ore dominates the metallic mineral category, with its total production valued at US$4.8 billion in 2009. The non-metallic category is dominated by limestone, with its production valued at US$0.6 billion in 2009, or 2.8% of the total Indian mineral production.
While coal accounts for over half of all Indian mining activity, iron ore dominates the metallic mineral category, accounting for four-fifths of this category’s mining activity. Limestone accounts for three-quarters of Indian non-metallic mineral production.

Government policies favor FDI
The Indian mining industry was largely under government control until 1993, when the government announced a new Mineral Policy opening the mining industry to FDI. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board was established to consider FDI proposals on an individual case basis.

In accordance with the new policy, foreign equity is limited to 50% for participation in mining projects, and limited to 74% for participation in services relating to mining. The policy was further relaxed in 1997, by allowing an ‘automatic approval’ route, and again in 2006, by allowing 100% FDI through this route in all metallic and non-metallic ores, with the exception of titanium. In particular, captive coal and lignite attracted significant FDI, and are expected to continue to do so over the forecast period

Domestic equipment manufacturers will meet a majority of demand
The mining equipment market is expected to grow from under US$3 billion in 2010 to US$4.5 billion in 2015, at a CAGR of 10.0%. The majority of demand will continue to be met by domestic equipment manufacturers. However, the recent liberalization of the mining sector means that it is likely that the upgrade of mining equipment will result in investment opportunities for foreign equipment manufacturers.

To purchase the full version of The Indian Mining Industry - Market Opportunities and Entry Strategies, Analyses and Forecasts to 2015, please click here.

About Industry Review:
Industry Review is a collection of incisive, regularly updated market reports across 40+ industry sectors and 100+ countries.

We provide access to the latest data on global and local markets, key industries, top companies, M&A activity, new product launches and trends so you can make faster and better informed business decisions.

The reports in our store draw on robust primary and secondary research, proprietary databases, industry surveys and insightful analysis from our own expert teams and from carefully selected third-party publishers.

With access to over 400 in-house analysts and journalists, and a global media presence in over 30 industries, Industry Review delivers in-depth knowledge of local markets worldwide.

For more information, please visit our website at www.industryreview.com

For more information on the article, please contact:

Press Contact:
Shelly Wills
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7936 6671
shelly.wills@industryreview.com

Monday 15 August 2011

The Future of Construction in South Korea to 2015

Government stimulus plans, I.T. development, Digital Media City, the World Fair and the 2018 Winter Olympics have spurred growth in the South Korean construction industry leading to a positive outlook for all markets by 2015.

London – August 15, 2011 – Following two years of continuous decline, The South Korean construction industry underwent a period of gradual recovery in late 2009. The global financial crisis, which primarily affected the housing market, led to a decline in construction activity during 2008.

The industry experienced its sharpest decline in 2008, with the number of unsold apartments reaching 161,000 in July 2008, up from 103,000 a decade previously. However, the industry is showing clear signs of recovery as a government stimulus packages and measures to improve the liquidity position of builders gradually began to have an effect on the industry in 2010.

This period of economic recovery coupled with government measures such as a cut in property taxes have lead to a positive outlook for the South Korean construction industry going forward. Furthermore, the country is continuing efforts to move away from its reliance on oil as its core industry and is expected to focus on alternative energy projects, such as solar technology.

The government has played a key role in providing the required impetus to the infrastructure construction market. A reduction in taxes and interest rates for the corporate sector, enabling smaller construction firms to complete larger infrastructure projects, are under progress. For example, in January 2009, the government announced an investment over four years for infrastructure and environmental projects, expected to create 960,000 jobs. In February 2009, the government announced credit guarantees to firms and tax cuts for homeowners which further stimulated growth in the sector. With renewed strength in the economy, the government is eventually expected to gradually withdraw its supportive policies

I.T. Development

In addition to providing schemes and cuts for the infrastructure construction market the South Korean government is undertaking considerable measures to enhance the country’s information technology communications. It has been proposed that by the end of 2012, every home in the country is expected to have a one-gigabit-per-second internet connection, ten times faster than the already impressive national average and more than 200 times faster than the average US household. A pilot project, initiated by the government, is already under way with 5,000 households in five South Korean cities already connected. Furthermore, the project intendeds to significantly increase wireless broadband services to homes going forward.

Digital Media City

South Korea is focused on redeveloping its existing business complexes, promoting tourism and entertainment. Major cities, primarily Seoul and Incheon, have been the centre of such activities. For example, Seoul will create a film and entertainment complex hub by 2014 with the aim of promoting local entertainment business and tourism. The city government will expand Digital Media City (DMC) in Western Seoul to develop a cluster for the film, game and animation industries, with a central emphasis on South Korean pop culture known as ‘Hallyu’.

The construction plan includes building the world’s largest computer graphics centre by 2013.The centre is to have three virtual studios, city-themed movie sets, pre- and post-production facilities and a promotional exhibition hall of famous Korean dramas. A theme park featuring famous game and animation characters will be completed by 2012. For the convenience of visitors, the neighbourhood will turn into an entertainment and commercial district with shopping malls, spas and hotels. Additionally, research centres will move into the complex as part of the project’s aim to strengthen research capabilities in entertainment, information technology and design. All this is anticipated to create 68,000 jobs and propel growth in the commercial construction market over the period 2011–2015.

The World Fair and 2018 Winter Olympics

Several international events are expected to maintain growth in South Korea’s construction activities, the two most significant are the World Fair and the 2018 Winter Olympics. Culturally and economically the World Fair is the third-largest event in the world, only the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games are considered to have a greater impact.

South Korea will expedite rail and road construction projects that are already in place to provide the relevant infrastructure for the fair. Furthermore, government infrastructure expenditure is expected to increase over the review period as South Korea are to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games which further expected to drive government expenditure towards the construction industry.

However, increasing levels of construction activity is expected to place inflationary pressure on the South Korean economy as a result of a gradual rise in commodity prices. To counter this inflationary pressure, it is anticipated that South Korea’s Central Bank will raise interest rates towards the end of 2011. As monetary policies are tightened and fiscal stimulus measures withdrawn, real GDP growth in South Korea will slow to a more sustainable level and average 4.6% over the forecast period.

To purchase the full report, “The Future of Construction in South Korea to 2015,” please click here.

About Industry Review:

Industry Review is a collection of incisive, regularly updated market reports across 40+ industry sectors and 100+ countries.

We provide access to the latest data on global and local markets, key industries, top companies, M&A activity, new product launches and trends so you can make faster and better informed business decisions.

The reports in our store draw on robust primary and secondary research, proprietary databases, industry surveys and insightful analysis from our own expert teams and from carefully selected third-party publishers.

With access to over 400 in-house analysts and journalists, and a global media presence in over 30 industries, Industry Review delivers in-depth knowledge of local markets worldwide.
For more information, please visit our website at www.industryreview.com

For more information on the article, please contact:

Press Contact:
Shelly Wills
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7936 6671
shelly.wills@industryreview.com