The new global economy

Business leaders in developed countries are encouraged to look out for RDEs, or rapidly developing economies, once known as Third World countries.

RDEs include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Thailand and Turkey. Twenty years ago we referred to many such places as Third World countries. Today the 14 countries listed above are major centers of economic growth, attracting $245 billion in foreign direct investment in 2006 and generating some 17.3% of total global gross domestic product. The countries are increasingly home to your competition. They also are home to current or potential customers, suppliers, and partners.