In 2008 there were 293 reported incidents of maritime piracy with the Somalia & Gulf of Aden region contributing 111 reported incidents and Nigeria coming in second with 40 reported incidents.

Keep in mind that these are only reported incidents. In the highly competitive shipping market, many carriers prefer to cover the losses out of their own resources rather then report the incident and causing a large increase in their insurance premiums and risking long delays due to government investigation and bureaucratic red-tape.

The top 3 zones for maritime piracy are:
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
AFRICA
LATIN AMERICA

The four common denominators that factor into all 3 zones are:
- multitude of islands and chains of archipelagos facilitating numerous hiding spots (minus Africa)
- widespread government corruption
- lack of general population cooperation with investigations due to fear of criminal reprisals
- large and healthy black markets facilitating ease and speed of stolen cargo sale

The primary players affected are the shippers (manufacturers who were selling the stolen cargo), the carriers (the company that owns the stolen sea vessel), and the insurers of the shippers and carriers.

Emboldened acts of maritime piracy have increased by enough volume that the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), founded by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), broadcasts daily reports of piracy via satellite to all shipping companies.

The international community is beginning to pursue curbing maritime piracy much more aggressively on many fronts ranging from ICC/IMB sponsored seminars to the hiring of Private Military Companies (PMCs) by shipping companies.

Recent notable events in regards to the rising international trade threat is the Blackwater Worldwide (PMC) offering of their 830-ton, 183-foot ship the "MacArthur" to the Somali government to assist in battling the pirates that are plaguing the east coast of Africa and also the sending of two warships by China to patrol the same pirate infested waters.

Both events have been received with high mixed emotion by the international community.

Bottom line is that companies who are finding it hard enough to maintain sustainable long term success in today's strained global economy don't feel that the possibility of the hijacking of their goods on the high seas should be allowed to continue in threatening their security.

We can expect to see much more reporting and activity on this as hijackings escalate and tensions increase with the corridors of business and government powers.

Andrey Polston manages Optimum Outcomes, LLC an export management company (EMC) helping small and medium sized business' find and develop global sales markets.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrey_Polston

Talking about exporting, importing and manufacturing business, India goes ahead in all of these areas. India's skilled talent manufactures and exports a great array of products, which make a huge marketplace offshore.

Several of the major parts which see India as exporting and manufacturing are:-

Agriculture Industry - India's financial system is different from others, with farming being its foundation. India exports a huge hunk from its agriculture stock, and various stuffs are heartily valued in the international bazaar. A few goods that reach out to international audience directly from nations farms are Sugar, Tea, Spices, Wheat, Rice, Tobacco, etc.

Textile and Apparel Industry - Apparel industry has a unique place in India's export import data bank. After agriculture, textile industry sees India possibly, as the 2nd largest center of exporting to other country. If reviews are to be believed, Indian textile trade creates about 30% of the total exports! Specialist orate that keeping in view the constantly increasing demand of Indian textile and apparel industry, the position of this sector is bound to raise.

Chemical Industry - Chemical trade makes a most important part of the Indian economy, contributing around 7% of the Indian GDP. India is inextricably connected with major chemical manufacturing, then whether it deals with chemical drugs used in medicines, toiletries and soap, dyes and paints or varied types of pesticides. These progression and accomplishments have forced India to take added proposal in the field and hold the competition directly.

Home Furnishing goods - Manufacturing of home products like tapestry, curtains, linen, cushions, etc., is not a single countries stance. India on the other hand leads the field by designing excellent textile items that speak their worth. The knitting, weaving and spinning structure of these house-hold furnishing goods showcase India's ethnic and artistic design model that has made an extraordinary place around the world. India earns a good-looking amount with the export and manufacture of Table Linen, Bed Linen, Curtains, Toilet and Kitchen Linen, Carpet and Floor Coverings, and other clothing accessories.

Indian Jewelry - Indian jewelry region is completely attributed to the ancient Indian society and civilization. The outstanding gems and jewels that India has under its lap, clubbed with the astonishing artwork, makes it renowned in the international market. India trade jewelry and gems to U.S, UAE, U.K, Hong Kong, Singapore, Belgium, among others nations.

Discussed above were the some areas where India has shown its guts in export and manufacturing arena. The Indian export industry is enormous and caters to an ample market. Like any other nation, a big part of India's economy is reliant on its exporting.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aana_Sharma

Supply Meeting Demand for Investigation

Ghana is a developing nation in West Africa, where foreign investment is rapidly on the rise. In addition to increased commercial activity, more and more Ghana residents are finding their way online, and tourism activity from foreign visitors continues to increase. The result is there are more international relationships developing with citizens of Ghana. Due to the high level of fraud in that country, there is a strong demand for Ghana background checks. This article discusses some of the services available, and how to choose a reliable company.

Whether you have met someone via the Internet from Ghana, or whether you are involved in foreign investment in Ghana, it would be wise to have this person or company verified. The amount of scams in Ghana is staggering. To be sure the person is who he or she claims to be, a background check by a professional investigation firm can serve as valuable insurance.

The Warning Signs, and the Advance Fee

Be wary of Ghana business deals or romantic relationships, especially those begun over the Internet, that request financial assistance as some form of advance payment. A request for money from someone in Ghana as an advance payment or as payment for some form of emergency is a red flag, and should be verified. There are many good people in Ghana and many competitive business ventures. A background check should be used in any case, however, due to the risk of fraud.

Private Investigator Supply Meets Demand

As the demand for private investigation and background checks has increased, so too has the supply of competent investigators operating in Ghana. Wymoo now has field investigators in Accra and is probably the most reliable and professional firm offering background checks and investigation in West Africa. Extra caution should be used if choosing a local company in Ghana, since many local firms lack the proper training, tools and ethical business practices.

Beware of websites that offer "background checks" for a very low price, such as $39.95 or $99.95. Almost all of these sites are scams themselves. For a real background check investigation, with real research and evidence, expect to pay somewhere between $300 and $600. Often, you get what you pay for.

Lastly, be sure to search the Internet for any company that you are considering for a Ghana background check to find out what others are saying about the company. As the services available increase, consumers should stick to industry leaders.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Birch