2016 Global Retail Development Index Ranking
| Country | 2016 Rank |
|---|---|
| China | 1 |
| India | 2 |
| Malaysia | 3 |
| Kazakhstan | 4 |
| Indonesia | 5 |
| Turkey | 6 |
| United Arab Emirates | 7 |
| Saudi Arabia | 8 |
| Peru | 9 |
| Azerbaijan | 10 |
Source: A.T. Kearney Global Retail Development Index
China and India top the 2016 A.T. Kearney Global Retail Development Index ranking fueled by each nation’s sizable population, rising middle class and growth of the retail sales sector.
Aluminum Casting Plant Creates 300 Jobs in Telford
Magna International announced plans to build a 225,000-sq.-ft. (20,903-sq.-m.) aluminum casting facility in Telford, United Kingdom, which will make parts for Jaguar Land Rover. The expansion will create close to 300 new jobs. The plant will utilize Magna’s high-pressure vacuum die casting process to manufacture advanced lightweight aluminum castings. Construction will begin in late 2016 with production commencing in 2018.
The world’s first iron bridge was constructed over the River Severn near Telford in 1779.
Photo: Getty Images
Playmobil Expansion in Malta
Playmobil Malta Limited announced plans to add an additional 172,222 sq. ft. (16,000 sq. m.) to the company’s manufacturing facility in Malta. The $33.4-million investment will result in more than 200 new jobs.
Photo courtesy of Playmobil
KPMG Top Countries with the Lowest Business Costs
| 1 | Mexico |
| 2 | Canada |
| 3 | Netherlands |
| 4 | Italy |
| 5 | Australia |
| 6 | France |
| 7 | United Kingdom |
| 8 | Germany |
| 9 | Japan |
| 10 | United States |
Source: Competitive Alternatives 2016, KPMG
Expo 2020 - Dubai Master Plan
The Expo 2020 Dubai Master Plan, released in May, was designed to reflect the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” and to integrate three subthemes — Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability — into all facets of the mega-event. The Expo site will spread across 1 sq. mile (2.6 sq. km.). The Theme Districts will center around the Al Wasl meeting plaza — the figurative and literal heart of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Photo courtesy of ME NewsWire
