Greece

Dubrovnik, Croatia To Sofia, Bulgaria: 400 Miles Apart Geographically, Yet Vastly Different In Crime Rates [As To The Other Nations Also]

It is interesting to comprehend how people can be so close to each other, yet so varied as to some of their behaviors. The excellent “Eurostat’s: ‘Crime, Violence, Or Vandalism In The Local Area” Report illustrates this reality. The reported crime in Croatia is listed at ‘2.7% of total population in 2019’ and in Bulgaria [Europe’s highest rated reporting percentage] is ‘20.2%’ which is almost ‘ten times’ as great [generally speaking].

We, in International Business, have engaged citizens of the aforementioned countries, as well as all members of the European Union [E.U.]. The ‘World View’ we have developed, over many years, is no different for our European friends. That is to say: “It is not the people of a country that may be problematic in business, it may be just the behaviors of a few that we question. Even then, those same people may be totally acceptable to engage ‘on a different day’?”

The wide disparity in reported crime levels: for example of Greece [16.9%] to neighboring Italy [9.4%] is easier to comprehend than some of the other nations’ rates. Italy has manufacturing in Aircraft, Automobiles, Ships [all of international renown]; Greece has none. The able Greeks, having had leaders of non-remarkable abilities, since World War II, and are now mired in National Economic debt of an estimated $400,000,000,000.00+/-. We think, this has been due to: Extremely poor choices in spending [especially in Military Hardware procurement]; Lack of direction to gain manufacturing prowess for greater employment of its citizenry; A public ethos of ‘Tax Evasion Is Our Salvation’ [at all levels of society].

Greece has: “location, location, location”, second-to-none of its European neighbors, [as the wise Chinese realize and are availing themselves for commerce]; exploitable mineral resources; great weather, Superb ‘Kalamata’ Olives; a very intelligent citizenry. These all bode well for it. Perhaps, the present Greeks Leaders, will show “business acumen” ‘by the bootstraps’, and thus, make Greece a ‘Commercial Manufacturing Entity’, as Italy has been, since the exact same time-frame. And most importantly of all: WITHOUT EXCUSES BY GREEK LEADERS, AS TO WHY THIS IS NOT BEING DONE FOR THEIR CITIZENS! Greek Leadership needs, ‘unowned’ impartial advisors for significant results.

We hope that the tie-up for electrical power transmission from Israel to Europe, through Greece, may have a benefit to the Greeks. The Israelis understand International Commerce and are well-respected for market products, as such. Maybe, Greeks can learn from the Israelis what to do, in that regard? Also, Greece’s tie-up with a strong leader, as is Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, of Egypt, to Gas and Oil projects, will gain it additional revenue.

Coronavirus [CV19] should have demonstrated to the Greeks, that their 20%+/- of national income being derived from tourism, is a ‘weak brother’ to have to rely on. Small virions can destroy the ‘Hospitality Industry’ forthwith.

We think the leaderships of Hungary [5.3%] and Poland [4.4%] evidence what can be done to minimize miscreant actors behavior and keep crime rates low. In both countries, strong leadership, decried by some weak leaders elsewhere, provides a ethos for their citizens of “RESPECT”. Both Leaders, are what we would deem to be “Internationalists”, not ‘Globalists’; this attitude we praise. These Gentlemen want the very best for their citizens [an admirable trait]. The European Union Leaders should think about Belgium [13.3%], (where the E.U. is headquartered) when they decide to deride Hungary’s and Poland’s leadership.

Reality: “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions” come about in nations with ‘Strong Leadership’ guiding a ‘Principled Public’.

Reference: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20210310-1?redirect=%2Feurostat%2F

“Transportation Corridors” Leading To Nowhere: Countries’ Political Corruptions

It is interesting that countries with great historical trade routes are not being facilitated with honest political leaders. For example, to quote Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani: “Afghanistan is one of these places of intersection, as historical trade roads ranging from the grand trunk road to the lapis lazuli and silk met here,” …. “Names given to us capture the significance of our location best: the heart of Asia; gates of India; land bridge; roundabout, a place where goods, ideas, and people freely move, circulate and interact; Switzerland of Asia.”. And of course, another example is Greece [superbly centrally located as to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East]; we shall discuss.

As to Afghanistan, First Vice President Amrullah Saleh has decried corruption on-going in his country. Mr. Saleh thinks there is ‘big-time’ corruption occurring, yet there are no investigations of the miscreants. Saleh said, “this is a forgotten corner,” and that “to this date, ministers, generals, directors and even politicians of high stature have been charged but no member of the parliament has paid any price for their involvement in corruption.” Benefits from Afghanistan’s 600,000+/- acres of Poppy fields down-stream productions, can be very enticing to some in Kabul. With America’s support of monies and personnel, the Poppy fields have greatly expanded as to acreage. Which Americans, we ask, have and will benefit from the downstream productions; it is more than ‘International Relations’ munificence that is the propulsion of this particular U.S. Aid.

As to Greece (10,000,000+ Population), long ago we had written that the $375,000,000,000.00+ [estimated government debt] was beyond being absolutely atrocious for a ‘small’ country. It had NO “ministers, generals, directors and even politicians of high stature” investigated, prosecuted, found guilty, and incarcerated in “Korydallos” Prison [or other secured containment location]. The rampant acquisition of military equipment it could not afford, at the time, such as submarines from Germany, and other ‘high-priced hardware, leads one to assume bribery flourished. Since that time, the lack of judicial redress to the ‘Financial Treason” by the perpetrators, suggest that bribery by some of the new ‘Operators’ of the country is possible. The corruption of the powerful in Greece has been “sárose káto apó to chalí”. As International Businessmen, we think this is such a shame to the honor of Greece, and such a theft to the Greek Citizenry; they deserve better.

China has determined that ‘location, location, location’ as to Greece, is of great benefit to the ‘Dragon’s’ commercial needs. It has paid substantial amounts to develop Piraeus harbor and can further assist in a transportation corridor to the rest of Europe. It is our hope that the monies paid, go towards the Greek people and not into Swiss Bank Accounts of the Greek ‘Untouchables’, as we have discussed. Of course, if challenged about ‘Bribery’ or ‘Embezzlement’, each ‘Untouchable ‘ will declare “Θεν έχω χπήματα”.

The upcoming Natural Gas flows eventually through Greece to Europe should make Greeks happy. However, one can assume that some Swiss Bankers will even be happier with their “Depositors from Athens”.

Reality: As to “Forks in the Road”, to the Injudicious, there is a quandary as to which way to go; to those of Integrity, the correct route is a “lighted superhighway”.

Reference: https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-167986

Cyprus Leads Other Clean Waters European Countries as Beaches Are To Be Enjoyed

Cyprus has lead the way in clean, clear waters for its beaches. Other countries in extremely close rankings are: Austria, Malta, Greece, and Croatia; all are to be congratulated. As International Businessmen, we know from our travels, how enticing is is to swim in clean, clear waters. Additionally, from a commercial point of view: ‘Cleanliness and Purity of Waters’ are sought for man’s psyche [beautiful, compelling, and rewarding].

International visitors, with much cash to spend, will seek out not only ‘Five Star’ hotels, but will also seek out beautiful beaches which are deemed ‘Safe’ in which to swim. Smart businessmen should certainly seek certification of their adjoining waters as an excellent marketing tool.

It behooves all businessmen to do everything possible to make sure their beaches and waters are not only ‘non-polluted’ but of the highest level in ‘cleanliness and clarity’. Clean waters can make for: Clear ‘Selling’ of one’s “ship” to possible ‘passengers’. It can mean more Euros into one’s business bank account.

Reality: A wholesome image, backed by verification, endures for those who want to win.

Reference: https://www.financialmirror.com/2020/06/09/cyprus-has-cleanest-beaches-in-europe/

Global Debt Of $199 Trillion: The Hole Is So Deep There Is No Light At Its Bottom

News Analysis: The amount of debt in the world has increased significantly since the economic collapse of Circa 2008. Since the Global Debt of $199 Trillion: The hole is so deep there is no light at its bottom, many economists think. Much akin to narcotics addicts insatiable appetites for “Fixes”, so too are the leaders of many Nations; in issuing their Fiat Currencies in uncontrollable fashion. Since there is very little to support the value of their currencies, what is received by purchasers is mere paper with ink on it, little else. They obviously have not gained financial wisdom from the “2008” debacle.
 
America’s $18+Trillion in debt is axiomatic evidence for how NOT TO MANAGE A COUNTRY’S FINANCES. Since it has fewer unique sought-after products [unavailable through other Nations’ suppliers] it can expect to have less Taxable Income of Export Sales, from which to pay Creditors. Comparable goods offered to the world can be purchased for less, elsewhere. 
 
Yet, America, at ‘break-neck’ speed, has Washington, D.C. leaders spending money like “Drunken Sailors on Shore Leave”. $4 Trillion in expenditures for the upcoming year, is anti-thetical to Conservative Money Management. All this Administration has done is to “Shackle future generations of Americans with the chains of debt repayment for today’s Washington, D.C. Follies”; sad, but true.
 
Greece, is burdened with more than $300 Billion in debt, of which it cannot possibly pay from its current level of Gross National Product; it also is a victim of former Corrupt Political and Military Leaders. As with America (principally in Banking), which Financial Miscreants have been prosecuted and have gone to prison for the 2008 “Economic Melt-Down”? None. 
 
The aforementioned two examples of Mis-managed Countries, is representative of an Endemic Problem facing the World in 2015: “Financial Leadership of Nations by Whim and Caprice”.
 
It will not take much by (a) Hegemonic Nation(s) with hidden agendas,  to add inertia to this Economic Avalanche that may bury  the World’s Citizenry, and future generations, in a “Snow Bank of Debt”.
 
Reality.
 
 

★ Greece: When Following Other Nations’ Leaders Down A Steep Rocky Hillside, Make Sure They Do Not Suffer From Cataracts [Or Hidden Agendas]

News Analysis: The current on-going lethargy in World Economic Markets, which suffered a Real Estate Implosion in 2008 and now is undergoing a predicted Oil Price Implosion, is worsening; This from the current “Trade War” between American and European Union (EU) Members vis-à-vis Russia.

Beyond the current sufferings of ‘EU’ Member Greece (due principally to its former Government Blatant Mis-management and Political and Military Corruption at its highest levels) its Citizens now suffer from the aforementioned “Trade War”. As a Proviso for Greece: When following other Nations’ Leaders down a steep rocky hillside, make sure they do not suffer from cataracts (or Hidden Agendas). 

Hellas currently losing over $46+ Million Dollars in lost Produce Sales to Russia surely hurts even more in its not-even-tepid economy. As Greece has followed along with other Nations’ Leaders dictates, its citizens are suffering immeasurably. Which of these other leaders care? Surely not the leaders across the Atlantic Ocean;  Nor any of those to its West. 

Rather than the Politicians in Athens blindly following along and thereby punishing their voters, Real Leadership is needed at this immediate moment in time. Others to the West may have Hidden Agendas.

That which will ease Hellas Citizens’ financial suffering and  allow for partial debt forgiveness by creditors is a plan which should immediately be negotiated and employed. The idea that its $300+/- Billion Dollars in debt can be repaid is a mere Hologram of Financial Fantasy ideated by ‘Sharks’. Other Nations have had large debt forgiveness actions realized. Why not now with Greece?

While the current debt situation is being dealt with, Greeks need to show “Sophia” and, if necessary, tell the Americans and other ‘EU’ Leaders: “‘Oxi”!; “Then exo xpimata”.

Others should be aware: as for the Country’s dealings with Russia: Greeks, did,  do, and will consider Russians as Brothers.

Different countries are also feeling the Economic Pain created by this foolishly designed Trade War, while various other Nations are benefitting handsomely. Hopefully, logic will prevail in this Financial Debacle; Hopefully the ‘EU’ relents.

The only one’s that have not Personally felt any financial pain are the American and ‘EU’ leaders who planned this Cabal. 

Interesting: Even the Country, over which this scheme was allegedly based, is far worse off today than it was before the plotters commenced their machinations three years+ years ago.

Reality.

Reference: http://sputniknews.com/business/20150112/1016812560.html

☆ Greece: Does Washington, D.C. Care About Super-Power Financial Harm To A Weakened Friend’s Economy?

News Analysis: “Greece: Does Washington, D.C. Care About Super-Power Financial Harm To A Weakened Friend’s Economy?” so ask many Hellenic Citizens when they evaluate Economic Sanctions Against Russia.

In America, Greek-Americans, who are overwhelmingly members of the Democratic Party, often exhibit Myopia when it comes to the current Political Regime’s actions Internationally. For example, the VERY POOR relationship that now exists by America with Egypt or Libya, Greece’s friends across the Sea, does not aid Greece economically.  

The ENTIRE LEVANT appears to have at best “Tepid” relations with America; although they are still ‘Warm’ to Greece. This Administration’s inability to help solve the Cyprus Division shows it is effete; ‘a “Super-Power”?’ some people ask.

It would seem that the Economic Interests of the European Union (EU) would be best served by Extensive Communication and Cooperation with Russia. The well-known Cabal, which toppled the Ukrainian Government, was so naively operated by America and the ‘EU’ to be laughable; Telephone recordings of the Plot by U.S. Officials were aired to the World? Amateurs at Best!

Greek-Americans should use their ‘εγκεφάλους’ and realize “The Blind following the Blind accomplishes little”. If they care for ‘Hellas’ they should decry that which harms it; Russia Sanctioned does hurt Greece.

The current Washington’s Regime blunders in the Mediterranean Area as well as the Middle East, with our Arab Friends, shows very poor Leadership in America. “Ostrich Behavior” by Greek-Americans in tolerating such Administration Gaffes is remarkable for a Nationality supposedly known for its past Genius.

Telling Politicians in Washington, D.C. about Economic Sanctions against Russia should contain one word: “όχι”; This they may understand since it has fewer letters than “Μάλιστα”.

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/kylttox

Piraeus, Greece To Become Chinese Electronic Center Serving Southeastern Europe

News Analysis: Piraeus, Greece To Become Chinese Electronic Center Serving Southeastern Europe as China continues its Wise Investments in Greece. Greece has at least one Asset not many other countries offer: Strategic Location. For China to step in as it has already done relative to Ship Container Operations in Piraeus,  evidences wonderful Foresight; something many other Nations apparently lost.

Now the Chinese can develop their Electronic Assembly/Repair capability in Greece when the Country asks for Citizen’s Employment Opportunities.

Southeastern European Countries to be beneficiaries of this Electronics Investment are: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. 

Astute Entrepreneurs and Investors should consider utilizing China’s Concept and Fund Projects in Greece. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of Greece will surely be receptive to Projects which employ his Citizenry.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite2_1_19/03/2014_538321

Greek Investors Expand Into The Pastoral Area Of Bulgaria

News Analysis: Greek Investors Expand Into The Pastoral Area Of Bulgaria by seeking 2,000 Dekares (494 Acres) of land to create a large Dairy Processing Operation. The Wisdom of  this move can be, in part, supported by the purported 10% Corporate and Maximum Personal Tax Rates in Bulgaria Vs. 26% Corporate and 42% Maximum Personal Tax Rates in Greece. Additionally, the widely reported Corruption of Greek Military and Political Leaders regarding past Defense Contracts with Foreign Companies dissuades many to invest in Greece.  Until Greek Authorities Get Serious about Prosecuting those ‘Economic Traitors’ and Incarcerating those found Guilty, No Change will occur. It will be “Same-O, Same-O”; merely “Changes in the Actors but the same Script”. Other Greek Investors may go to Bulgaria as a result.

The Bulgarian Government in Sofia is wise to keep the Tax Rates at 10%; Entrepreneurs and Investors will put their Monies where they can get a Decent Financial Return for their Risk. The 28 Provinces of Bulgaria allow for a wide sphere of Agricultural Endeavors, Industrial Manufacturing, Mining, and Research and Development Opportunities.

For those who locate in Sofia, a City of 1.2+ Million People, will find it as modern of a European City as any. The friendly, hard-working, and intelligent Bulgarians will be great assets to companies locating therein (especially for the Greeks).

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/lom3mq6

Israel Proposes Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) For Its Neighbors: Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey

News Analysis:  A Wise Business Strategy by Israeli Commercial Interests is the Vessel Shipping of  Compressed Natural Gas ‘CNG’ to those countries rather than by Undersea Pipelines.  Natural Gas Reserves in Israeli Waters are substantial and  Israel can afford to sell to those Countries ‘CNG’ at a heavily discounted price; this from Current Liquefied Natural Gas being sold today. The Negation of Pipelines in the Delivery Process bodes well for large projected costs savings for the corporations involved.

Due to the fact that Territorial Issues for Undersea Pipelines are not an element in this Business Model, much Time can be saved in the Delivery Process by using  ‘CNG’ Ships.

Innovative Thinking can go a long way towards producing Substantial Profits for those who are in Business.

The World Belongs to the Aggressive.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-tamar-partners-plan-15b-regional-gas-sales-1000916420

What Is In A Name That Stirs Emotions: “East Sea” Or “Sea Of Japan”

News Analysis: The State of Virginia in America has taken ‘Bi-Lingualism’ and morphed it into ‘Bi-Identification’ of “East Sea” (Korean Preference) and “Sea of Japan” (Japanese Preference) for the body of water separating the two countries.

Elsewhere:

In Vietnam, “Saigon” became “Ho Chi Minh City” after America’s failed attempt to ‘Deliver the Country’ to the U.S. President’s Businessman Father for his Fiefdom. 

In “Myanmar”, its name change came from the former moniker “Burma”.

Name identification of Geographic areas can be usurped by Hegemonic Nations such as: “Hellas” becoming “Greece” for example (as was the preference of  countries to the West of this Nation).

After the break-up of Yugoslavia, the name “Republic of Macedonia” was usurped by Yugoslavian residents (to the great chagrin of “Macedonian Greeks” whose History in this area goes back many  centuries).

In Africa, “Harare, Zimbabwe” (1982) morphed from “Salisbury, Rhodesia” (1890) as the former name was deemed “Too White” by the new Regime which took power.

In Canada, “Nunavut” Territory came from a portion of Northwest Territory in 1999. Again, Cultural Sensitivities of the Indigenous Tribes acted as a catalyst for change. 

The list is endless (going back in time) but is important for International Businessmen ‘to get the names correct’. If they do not, it could be costly; the persons ‘sitting across the table from them’ may be profoundly attached to their present Geographic Name(s).

Reality.

Reference: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140124000474