The recent energy crisis was a harsh reminder of our economies’ dependence on energy resources, which are a key economic growth driver.  As fossil fuels become less available, and with the need to transition to lower-carbon alternatives, isn’t tomorrow’s energy likely to be costlier and subject to greater uncertainty about availability?  What is the outlook?  And how can companies adapt?  In this episode, to answer these questions are Jean-Christophe Caffet, Coface Chief Economist, and...

China has recently reopened its doors after an unprecedented closure of its economy. Transformed by this challenging health crisis episode, the country is undergoing numerous changes, whether they are political, social, or economic. While it remains a land of opportunities for businesses, some balances seem precarious: a trade war with the United States, heightened tensions with Taiwan, a rapprochement with Russia, and complex relations with other Western powers. Is the world's second-largest...

From social unrest and uprisings to armed conflicts, mounting populism and protectionism, the world has rarely known such a period of social instability.   While some regions seems more at risk than others, Coface’s political and social risk indicator is overall flashing red.   Two experts from Coface give their insights into this phenomenon, which will probably last for some time: Ruben Nizard is an economist and an expert in social and political risk; Jean-Christophe Cavanna is the head...

Rare oasis of growth in a global economy on the brink of recession, the countries of the Persian Gulf have leveraged hydrocarbon wealth to drive their economies forwards. While they are known for their seemingly limitless wealth, how are these countries preparing for the post-oil transition? How are their relations with each other and their neighbors? What benefits does the region offer to businesses and entrepreneurs? What is the received wisdom and what are specific business features that...

The war in Ukraine is reshuffling the cards of an already delicate geopolitical balance between Europe, Russia and the former countries of the Soviet Union in central Asia. Beyond the human disasters related to the conflict, it is a war of influence, political alliances and economic and energy dependence that is at stake.  We discuss these issues with Tatiana Kastouéva Jean, director of the Russia and New Independent States Centre at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI),...

Consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, surging commodity prices and increasing interest rates… Africa has not been spared difficult global economic conditions.    However, this continent, with its many disparities, offers significant opportunities for companies, provided that they are well aware of the endogenous risks present.     We examine these challenges with three Coface experts: Cécile Paillard, CEO for the Mediterranean and Africa Region, and economists...

During crisis and recovery phases, financing is a major concern for businesses. Companies have to find the funds needed to mitigate the effects of cooling activity, and to identify the financing sources needed to support a full relaunch. Companies also need take into account the risks they face in a still fragile health, economic and geopolitical environment.      Grégoire Chauvière le Drian, Head of European Investment Bank Group Office in France and Carine Pichon, CEO for the Western...

Following COP 26, what is the current situation and where are we heading? New standards, constraints, taxation, new protectionism... How will the new rules change the game? What is the extent of the changes, and how quickly will they take place? Which countries and which companies will benefit – or suffer – from this transformation?Speakers Valérie Quiniou, Executive Director for Prospective and Research, French Agency for Energy Transition Geoffrey Bouquot, Chief Technology Officer &...

The effects of the pandemic have varied greatly between developed and emerging countries, with the latter generally having difficulty managing the health crisis due to much more limited fiscal and monetary capabilities, and more difficulties accessing vaccinations. The recovery is also very uneven, even more so within the "emerging bloc" where situations are very diverse. In many countries, particularly among the less developed, the crisis will have a lasting impact and the scars will take...

The challenges associated with the economic recovery are many and varied: inflation, supply chain difficulties, and environmental issues, to name a few. Although global trade is recovering after the pandemic, it remains prey to weaknesses. What is the current state of affairs? And how can companies best adjust to the disrupted international situation? Economist Isabelle Méjean and Jochen Boehm, Coface Risk Underwriting Director, tackle these questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and...