Definition Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are entities that manage production or deliver services in more than one country. They typically have a centralized head office where they coordinate global management. MNCs are often characterized by their extensive resources, capabilities and the ability to leverage opportunities in diverse markets.
The unique aspect of MNCs is their ability to adapt to local cultures while maintaining a cohesive global strategy. This duality allows them to thrive in various economic environments and navigate the complexities of international trade.
Definition Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is an economic theory which states that in the absence of transportation costs and other trade barriers, identical goods should have the same price in different countries when expressed in a common currency. This concept is primarily utilized for comparing economic productivity and standards of living between nations, as it takes into account the relative cost of local goods and services.
Key Principles PPP is based on two key principles:
Definition Trade balance is a key economic indicator that represents the difference between a nation’s exports and imports over a specific period. It helps assess a country’s economic health by showing how much it sells to the world versus how much it buys from it. A positive trade balance or trade surplus, occurs when exports exceed imports, while a negative trade balance or trade deficit, occurs when imports surpass exports.
Definition A trade deficit is an economic measure that represents the difference between a country’s imports and exports over a specific period. When a country imports more goods and services than it exports, it experiences a trade deficit, which is often expressed as a negative balance in trade. This phenomenon is a crucial insight into the economic health of a nation and provides significant implications for currency values and overall economic stability.
Definition A trade surplus is an economic condition where a country’s exports of goods and services exceed its imports over a specified period. This positive balance of trade indicates that the nation is selling more to foreign markets than it is purchasing, resulting in net inflows of foreign currency.
Components The key components of trade surplus include:
Exports: Goods and services sold to foreign countries, which bring money into the country.
Definition The World Bank is a vital institution in the realm of global finance that aims to reduce poverty and support development in low and middle-income countries. Established in 1944, it plays a critical role in providing financial and technical assistance for a range of projects, from infrastructure to education, in an effort to foster sustainable economic growth.
Components of the World Bank The World Bank is composed of two main institutions:
Definition The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that regulates trade between nations. Established on January 1, 1995, it replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which had been in place since 1948. The WTO’s main goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly and predictably as possible.
Components of the WTO The WTO consists of several key components that work collectively to facilitate trade: