Americas • Economic Development

Financial Challenges Facing Foreign Executives

by Felicia Speetjens Atlanta is a crossroads for international business and attracts top foreign executives from around the world who come here to work and live, whether temporarily or permanently. Unfortunately while this is an increasingly common occurrence, the transition – financially – is not always smooth. Many highly educated, successful individuals find it difficult to perform such routine functions as leasing a car, securing a credit card or opening a bank account – basic needs for most people who live in Atlanta or any U.S. city. More
Americas • Education

Palestinian Posturing, Not Settlements Is Main Obstacle

by Dov Wilker Global Atlanta's interview with Hrair Balian, director of the conflict resolution program at the Carter Center, published on Dec. 21 prompted the following commentary by Dov Wilker, regional director of the American Jewish Committee Atlanta. David Harris, the national executive director of the committee, is to speak on Monday, Jan. 14, at a luncheon to be held at the 103 West restaurant, 103 West Paces Ferry Road. For more information, call 404-233-5501. More
Europe • Business

Commentary: Enforcing Patent Rights at German Trade Fairs

by Kai Rueting, Christian Paul From a patent law perspective, trade fairs carry significant risks but also offer far-reaching opportunities. More
Africa • Business

Eye on Equatorial Guinea: Small Country, Big Potential

by Kwame Som-Pimpong When the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation decided to hold a summit on African leadership in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, some were left scratching their heads. More
Europe • Education

Beautiful Minds – A Remarkable Journey Through a GSU Course

by Daniela Almeida It was a long journey. From Brazil to Atlanta, I've spent 28 hours traveling. Then, from Istanbul to Brazil it took me another 36 hours traveling, which included a layover in Dubai. But that was not the memorable part of my experience. I'm talking about being away from home for 30 days, sleeping and eating, learning and conversing, and living with 24 students from several countries. Not to mention learning from at least 15 academics or more than 35 major company executives we've met in Atlanta and Istanbul. I'm talking about those beautiful minds I had the opportunity to meet through Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business interdiciplinary course, “Media, Journalism & Business in a Global Context.” More
Asia • Business

Commentary: Know When to Dollar, When to Yuan

by Emily C. Sanders, MBA, CPA While the world changes at a rapid pace, the U.S. dollar is still used to settle a majority of global trade in 2012.  In the 1960s, global leaders took to calling it our nation’s “exorbitant privilege,” and it most certainly is.  Dollars can be used internationally to buy all the basic commodities that fuel economic activity. More
Europe • Culture

What America Can Learn From the Irish

by D. Fitzgerald/K. Conboy Dave Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of Fitzgerald+Co., and Kevin Conboy, president of the Irish Chamber of Atlanta, are members of the "Global Irish Network," which is committed to facilitating Ireland's economic recovery and promoting its cultural and educational strengths. More
Africa • Economic Development

House Bill Would Undermine Global Investment in Georgia

by John L. Watkins A bill introduced this year in the Georgia General Assembly intended to prevent the use of Sharia law but which is much more broadly written is being closely watched by the international business community.  The bill in question is HB242, which is entitled the “American Laws for Georgia Act.” Although aimed at the application of Sharia law, the law would prevent the application of international law generally in certain circumstances if determined to be against Georgia public policy. More