The former Soviet republics that now make up the Commonwealth of Independent States have long been a fertile ground for German investors. This association is continuing to pay dividends, with German companies reaping the benefits of doing business in countries in which others in the West are more cautious about entering.

Vast reserves of precious metals and oil make Afghanistan an attractive proposition for investors bold enough to risk the country's security threats, poor infrastructure and widespread corruption.

Afghanistan's minister of mines, Wahidullah Shahrani, tells fDithat by exploiting its mineral resources, the country can end its dependence on aid and banish security concerns about doing business there.

Companies setting up shop in Brazil, Russia, India and China are becoming increasingly dependent on financial outsourcing to navigate unfamiliar and often complex local legislation. While there are many advantages to outsourcing financial operations, there are myriad factors to consider before these can be realised.

The aviation industry was one of the main casualties of the global economic crisis in many regions around the world, but in the Middle East its growth has continued unabated. Central to this growth has been the expansion of Qatar Airways, which, according to its CEO, has no plans to slow down.