Finally, the event is over, the good was in the attendance and the support we gained from many of our friends in the business. Even better, we can confirm the next stop to be Bali, and judging by the comments made, we can expect everyone back.
I'm now getting ready for our annual coffee event, as well as a seminar of container shipping.
Must admit that the commodities world is finaly being recognised for its life-critical role in building economies and in the case of agri-commodities, food to the global table.
I still feel that GM will force the hand of the world to accept its offering as a solution to bringing food at a very cheap cost in spite of all the paranoia still around about "Frankenfoods" etc. Its only a matter of economics in the end, with a strong dose of politics.
Finally, on the back of our event in Vietnam, I will now work on a new project that takes us to the Americas for a rice event like no other.
Till next time.
visit my office website for more info on coffee etc: www.ibc-asia.com
Saturday, November 4, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
London, Marseille and the World Cup
Am in London now, and its all about the world cup. Evreryone here wants England. It was refreshing to watch Ghana and Korea show up for the underdogs. As much as I like Brazil from childhood, I would love to see Ghana make it to the quarters or even semis...will only heighten the case for more "world" representations at the world cup.
Otherwise, no surprises, expect more draws, extra time and penalties as groups tighten their grip as the cost of loss rises. Must atmit the it is refreshing to watch an exciting Germany - one of the most attacking minded German teams I have the pleasure of witnessing since 1978... plus the tournament itself seems to have been well run with German efficiency leading the way to a pleasing spectacle.
No surprises...the usual names of Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France as well as the Dutch (best team never to have won) still in the competition...
Had an interesting event in Marseille, focused on rice, with a closer look at African demand, European issues, as well as the push for greater free-trade...most importantly with some very nice people, and exciting social program, and more friends who have made both business and leisure a pleasure. People make life, and my life is blessed with people, people I can call friends!
Otherwise, no surprises, expect more draws, extra time and penalties as groups tighten their grip as the cost of loss rises. Must atmit the it is refreshing to watch an exciting Germany - one of the most attacking minded German teams I have the pleasure of witnessing since 1978... plus the tournament itself seems to have been well run with German efficiency leading the way to a pleasing spectacle.
No surprises...the usual names of Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France as well as the Dutch (best team never to have won) still in the competition...
Had an interesting event in Marseille, focused on rice, with a closer look at African demand, European issues, as well as the push for greater free-trade...most importantly with some very nice people, and exciting social program, and more friends who have made both business and leisure a pleasure. People make life, and my life is blessed with people, people I can call friends!
Am in London now, and its all about the world cup. Evreryone here wants England. It was refreshing to watch Ghana and Korea show up for the underdogs. As much as I like Brazil from childhood, I would love to see Ghana make it to the quarters or even semis...will only heighten the case for more "world" representations at the world cup.
Otherwise, no surprises, expect more draws, extra time and penalties as groups tighten their grip as the cost of loss rises. Must atmit the it is refreshing to watch an exciting Germany - one of the most attacking minded German teams I have the pleasure of witnessing since 1978... plus the tournament itself seems to have been well run with German efficiency leading the way to a pleasing spectacle.
No surprises...the usual names of Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France as well as the Dutch (best team never to have won) still in the competition...
Had an interesting event in Marseille, focused non rice, with some very nice people, and exciting social program, and more friends who have made both business and leisure a pleasure.
Otherwise, no surprises, expect more draws, extra time and penalties as groups tighten their grip as the cost of loss rises. Must atmit the it is refreshing to watch an exciting Germany - one of the most attacking minded German teams I have the pleasure of witnessing since 1978... plus the tournament itself seems to have been well run with German efficiency leading the way to a pleasing spectacle.
No surprises...the usual names of Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France as well as the Dutch (best team never to have won) still in the competition...
Had an interesting event in Marseille, focused non rice, with some very nice people, and exciting social program, and more friends who have made both business and leisure a pleasure.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Commodities...Boom, Bust...where are they heading?
Been too busy to update the site, but have some interesting thoughts now on rubber industry, coffee...also visited blackgoldmovie.com...my interest is more in Asia...and the mother of all commodities RICE.
Was in Vietnam last week, talking coffee and rice...and I must say, having visited blackgoldmovie.com there is also a case for the farmers in Vietnam...often missed by NGOs and others...my only guess is that the situation in Africa could be significantly worse.
On a business note, please do visit www.ibc-asia.com and take a look at some of our work in Rubber, Sugar, Rice, Coffee and all the hard commodities coal, iron ore, steel...the world is certainly revolving around Asia - commodity prices look good, but the big question seems to loom on the future of funds, as well as the whole sentiment factor...yes...sentiment factor that has driven equity markets down in the last couple of weeks...interesting to watch...everything is tied in with oil these days...even sugar..up on the possibility of ethanol (like in Brazil) making a viable option to oil...to replace imports...but this is where the true test lies...will commodity value as human feed (energy to people) eventually mean that products like corn, palm oil, sugar etc...all start feeling a difference when the consumer starts to feel the pinch.
Just look at the dominance of Asia:
- rising middle class (India, China...even SE Asian tigers are back)
- demand for coal, iron ore, steel...all very GDP...building blocks of economies
- food; we do have a rising population, with middle class growth, demand for options and quality..even a more US styled fast approach to everything
- all of above have benefitted shipping...tankers, dry bulk, liner shipping...yesnthey are all donw now, but that not because of a lack of demand...as shipping cycles have it, seems like noone's prepared to learn from past ...
anyway...having done this for more than 10 years now, I feel we're experiencing some of the world's most exciting times...on my part, the investment is in a grossly undervalued product .. FOOD... like to see more value reach the very poor placed that supply a large chunk of the world's food needs. Everything seems connected.
will come back with more specifics on some of the work...need time for that.
Was in Vietnam last week, talking coffee and rice...and I must say, having visited blackgoldmovie.com there is also a case for the farmers in Vietnam...often missed by NGOs and others...my only guess is that the situation in Africa could be significantly worse.
On a business note, please do visit www.ibc-asia.com and take a look at some of our work in Rubber, Sugar, Rice, Coffee and all the hard commodities coal, iron ore, steel...the world is certainly revolving around Asia - commodity prices look good, but the big question seems to loom on the future of funds, as well as the whole sentiment factor...yes...sentiment factor that has driven equity markets down in the last couple of weeks...interesting to watch...everything is tied in with oil these days...even sugar..up on the possibility of ethanol (like in Brazil) making a viable option to oil...to replace imports...but this is where the true test lies...will commodity value as human feed (energy to people) eventually mean that products like corn, palm oil, sugar etc...all start feeling a difference when the consumer starts to feel the pinch.
Just look at the dominance of Asia:
- rising middle class (India, China...even SE Asian tigers are back)
- demand for coal, iron ore, steel...all very GDP...building blocks of economies
- food; we do have a rising population, with middle class growth, demand for options and quality..even a more US styled fast approach to everything
- all of above have benefitted shipping...tankers, dry bulk, liner shipping...yesnthey are all donw now, but that not because of a lack of demand...as shipping cycles have it, seems like noone's prepared to learn from past ...
anyway...having done this for more than 10 years now, I feel we're experiencing some of the world's most exciting times...on my part, the investment is in a grossly undervalued product .. FOOD... like to see more value reach the very poor placed that supply a large chunk of the world's food needs. Everything seems connected.
will come back with more specifics on some of the work...need time for that.
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Subra's Commodities & Shipping Site
Rice, Sugar, Coffee, Corn...the list goes on and on..yet, I am thrilled by my work, as I dwell deeper and deeper into to business of commodities and the route it takes from farm to fork! I beleive that we have ignored the importance of life sustaining food products, and also beleive that commodities are the foundation stones of economies - today's stories on the thirst of China and India are ideas we have toyed with in the last twelve years. My work focuses on the resources or Asia, as well as her needs, to allow businesses to take a peek at the future. Create new bonds and oil the wheels of commerce that is so vital in taking commodities across thousands of miles into our homes.
After last year's focus on China...steel, iron ore, coal as well as the all important business of rice, wheat and all major and minor bulk commodities...we move 2006 into Vietnam, to look at pepper, coffee and rice - how a rising economy, so poor in comparison to the developed world is also what we rely on for food.
Watch this spot - I have many offerings and views lined up in the months to come. What will we look at:
April - Steel
June - Rice (and maybe the world cup)
August - Sugar and the power from ethanol
September - Shipping, marine fuels, dry bulk shipping and energy shipping in Asia
October - Rice...from Vietnam's rich heritage
December - Coffee in Asia
After last year's focus on China...steel, iron ore, coal as well as the all important business of rice, wheat and all major and minor bulk commodities...we move 2006 into Vietnam, to look at pepper, coffee and rice - how a rising economy, so poor in comparison to the developed world is also what we rely on for food.
Watch this spot - I have many offerings and views lined up in the months to come. What will we look at:
April - Steel
June - Rice (and maybe the world cup)
August - Sugar and the power from ethanol
September - Shipping, marine fuels, dry bulk shipping and energy shipping in Asia
October - Rice...from Vietnam's rich heritage
December - Coffee in Asia
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