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Packing for Peru

Business Insider recently published an article looking at global trends going forward (You can find it at http://t.co/G8ayyQ4DAw). While the article is worth a read for some interesting insights, the views expressed on the BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are especially interesting. In a nutshell, these countries are no longer the stars of the global economy.

If you’re looking for the new bright eyed kids, economically speaking, you need to look to the MINT countries. The new favourites are Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria (they really are kicking SA’s butt) and Turkey. Who knew?

It seems the MINTs are getting their acts together while the BRICs are losing the plot. I’m not qualified to offer an opinion on the accuracy of the article, except to say that the writers seem to have good sources. However, one thing which did jump out was the use of the word 'BRIC'.

Having convinced ourselves that we are part of the club, it seems that we don’t even feature. So much for the idea of BRICS, South Africa just isn’t a contender in the minds of the international people with money.

I realise that talking about South Africa’s future is a risk. I recently received a few uncomplimentary (putting it politely) comments on Facebook for simply linking to an article by a respected financial commentator who was rather negative in his outlook on the country. This was Facebook so I’m inclined to stoke the flames rather than take anything too seriously.

But personal opinions aside, there is more than enough information out there to cast doubt on the success or future potential of the country. This is one of those occasions when solid leadership is sorely needed. Sadly, that’s exactly what we don’t have. Luckily we do have a pretty palace in KZN. Well, we don’t have it, but we paid for it so we can go and play in the fire pool whenever we want to.

While there are concerns, serious concerns about the South African economy and other parts of the country when looking ahead, in this issue we ask a few people in the security industry for their take on the coming year’s trends. Our interviewees are not naïve, and they seem cautious, but somewhat optimistic about the coming year. None have divulged plans to pack for Perth.

On that note, the same research suggests that Australia may be in for a tough time as well, so perhaps one should be packing for somewhere else. Reading all the slides in the presentation, it’s easy to conclude that there is no Utopia. The world is in a shabby state economically. Europe has a problem with high levels of unemployed youth (who doesn’t?) and they also have a problem of too many old people – you just can’t win.

So what’s to be done? Pack for Peru? Hi-Tech Security Solutions would like to gather your opinions on what the next year or two holds and what we can expect from a weak global economy and what seems to be a failing South Africa – read http://t.co/ViIjUtTMqR for more on that and contribute your opinion.

In the meantime, here’s hoping for miracles and a successful 2015. Keep calm and carry on.

Andrew Seldon

Editor

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