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BMI's Croatia Defence & Security Report examines the military and security posture of this Balkans nation. The report has been written to provide a comprehensive overview of the security challenges faced by Croatia both now, and in the future. Several facets of Croatia's defence and security posture are examined by the report including its defence procurement processes, military posture and strategic risks. The report posits that, despite the current financial challenges faced by the country, Croatia is broadly continuing on a path of military modernisation.

Colombia's underdeveloped infrastructure fleet remains its biggest obstacle to fully exploiting the country's growth potential, which stems from a booming extractive sector. However, the government continues to prioritise investment into the construction sector and President Santos has carried through several structural changes, all of which underpins our strong real growth forecast of 5.4% for 2012. The main reasons for this bullish outlook are: healthy economic growth; a free-trade agreement between Colombia and the United States that was signed on May 15 2012; continuing expansion in the resource extracting sector; the 10-year US$55bn transport infrastructure budget; the creation of a national infrastructure agency; and the passing of a public-private partnership (PPP) law to facilitate procurement and propel infrastructure growth.

BMI View: As a net importer of energy, Slovakia faces the challenge of securing long-term gas supplies without becoming too dependent on Russia. Linking its gas network to others in the region is therefore a priority, as it will allow for more flexibility when negotiating gas purchases. Reduced nuclear power usage points to a greater reliance on gas, until sufficient renewables capacity can be established.

The Shanghai local authorities, partnering with hotels and travel agencies, are focused on the establishment of Shanghai as an international tourism and MICE destination. In the short term the city has to contend with oversupply and a drop in demand following the Shanghai Expo. However, with continued investment in infrastructure and more open national and international policies, tourism in Shanghai is expected to gain momentum.

"Industry Dynamics, Growth, Threats & Opportunities in the Global Banking Industry 2012-2013: Survey Intelligence" is a new report by Timetric and VRL that extensively analyzes how industry dynamics and threats and opportunities are set to change in 2012-2013. The report also identifies future growth areas for banks and other financial institutions, and investigates M&A activity. This report not only grants access to the opinions and strategies of business decision makers and competitors, but also examines their actions and business priorities. The report also provides access to information categorized by company type and region.

The accompanying tables present the latest economic data and five-year forecast scenario for the country's banking system. Also included is SWOT analysis of the commercial banking system as a whole.

Following a year-on-year (y-o-y) increase of 8.82% in 2011, Slovenia's defence expenditure declined by 5.89% to US$756.56mn in 2012 as the country's government continued to rein in spending to appease its economic recession. However, BMI expects Slovenia's defence budget should rise marginally to US$757.78mn in 2013 and grow steadily from there to US$1.19bn by the end of our forecast period in 2021. The country joined NATO in 2004 and was given until 2014 to have its defence spending account for at least 2% of GDP. This deadline now appears likely to be missed: its defence budget as a percentage of GDP was 1.62% in 2012 and is only expected to grow to 1.64% by 2013 and 1.67% by 2014. Slovenia joined the EU in 2004 but only entered the eurozone in 2007, It has since has suffered as a result of its unfortunate timing, the global economic crisis beginning in September the following year. Previously one of the wealthiest of the former Yugoslav republics, shifting smoothly from communism to free market capitalism, Slovenia's housing and banking sectors are now in a dire state.

We remain vigilant towards the Korean Peninsula in 2013, as North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un consolidates his power and a new president takes office in the South. Kim Jong Un has shown signs of wanting to reduce the influence of the military so that he can devote more of North Korea's limited resources towards the civilian sector and reform the economy, but he faces powerful vested interests that favour preserving the status quo. Kim will thus be forced to retain a tough policy towards the South, regardless of who is elected president there in December 2012. However, in doing so he would risk losing an opportunity to improve inter-Korean relations.

The Eurozone crisis has had a deeper impact on the Italian economy than was at first hoped, dragging GDP into an estimated 2.3% contraction in 2012 and a predicted standstill (0% growth) in 2013. While the worst of the fiscal crisis is now over, and we do see a recovery on the way, the resumption of growth in 2014 will be a modest affair, at 1.1%. Indeed, we do not see annual growth getting much beyond the 1% mark in the years between now and 2017. This sets a significant constraint on the local freight transport industry, although some positive industry-specific factors will allow a degree of 'de-coupling' from the macroeconomic gloom. For example, rail freight operators believe that growing intra-European business will boost tonnage at higher-than-GDP rates.

BMI View: Plans to develop Iran's nuclear capacity are central to the country's power industry and its ability to meet its energy requirements. Given huge international resistance, there is no certainty of continuing nuclear availability, let alone additional reactors. Efforts to halt the nuclear programme will persist and sanctions will make it hard to maintain a high level of investment. Iran would benefit from more rapid development of its renewables potential as a means of reducing oil and gas dependency.

Global Market Direct's pharmaceuticals report, "Bristol-Myers Squibb Company - Product Pipeline Review - 2012" provides data on the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company's research and development focus. The report includes information on current developmental pipeline, complete with latest updates, and features on discontinued and dormant projects.

Bluelineproducts.com, has newly introduced a powerful tetra weight loss combo pack that offers multiple weight loss benefits. The powerful weight loss formula includes Raspberry Ketones to cleanse and promote fat burning; Assist for sleep enhancement; Advantage formula to support adrenal function, and Reduce 1x drops to control appetite. The potency of natural, tetra-herbal combo is well-known to the public, health forums and its efficacy has been supported by the customers’ reviews and testimonials. People quote that they’ve benefitted from this strong tetra combination that contains various plant nutrients and minerals, which support beneficial weight management and promote multiple health benefits. Their unique tetra combination offers faster results by cleansing and initiating fat burning process; promoting sound sleep; sustaining adrenal function and boosting energy levels; and by controlling the appetite; to include a few.

Researchmoz.us announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue. This report is the result of SDI's extensive market and company research covering the global UAV payload industry. It provides detailed analysis of both historic and forecast global industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges faced by industry participants, analysis of the leading companies in the industry, and key news.

The Ant-wrinkle cream information website Buy Lifecell Creams has just published several new articles on anti-wrinkle creams and their effectiveness with several articles focusing on Lifecell Skin Cream. BuyLifecellCreams.com is a blog on the subject of anti-wrinkle creams and in particular, which of them women can trust.

Researchmoz.us announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:The Venezuelan Defense Industry Market Opportunities and Entry Strategies, Analyses and Forecasts to 2017 This report is the result of SDI's extensive market and company research covering the Venezuelan defense industry, and provides detailed analysis of both historic and forecast defense industry values including key growth stimulators, analysis of the leading companies in the industry, and key news.

Bright LED Signs, a leading source for all types of LED signs, is moving to a new operations base in Texas. The company’s new facility, which is located at 3215 Rufe Snow Dr. in Richland Hills, will incorporate its corporate offices as well as a central warehouse and shipping facility.

Charity52 proudly announces that this week they have released a limited edition "Achieve" t-shirt in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT). The shirt design seeks to raise awareness about the programs and services they offer. Charity52 is a socially conscious business that partners each week with one of the million or more registered 501(c)(3) charities and non-profits in the U.S. to put a spotlight on their cause.

Hotel and restaurant supplies were delivered to two needy community agencies after Super Storm Sandy hit the East Coast in late October, thanks to a New Jersey-based restaurant supply company.

Dental implants can be a life changing procedure for the patient. As well as the obvious aesthetic improvement, dental implants can help with chewing and swallowing. This improvement in appearance and functionality of the mouth provides a substantial boost in the quality of life of many patients.

Braverman Eye Center provides advanced Lasik eye surgery in Miami at affordable fees. Lasik has become the most popular and successful vision correction procedure worldwide because it reduces the patient’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Over the years, the center has treated over 8000 Lasik Patients.

As recent medical reports have indicated, mold growth in homes and businesses can cause some very serious health issues. While many types of mold are harmless, certain species like the black mold stachybotrys are toxic. Since mold often tends to look the same to the un-trained eye, it is vital that people who suspect or see mold in their homes contact a professional mold inspection team to handle the issue.

RSL ubber goalkeeper Nick Rimando has won the 2012 MLS Save of the Year. En route to the well-deserved award, he beat Vancouver goalkeeper Joe Cannon and even himself — twice. Rimando's award-winning save — a reflex save against Sporting KC's Kei Kamara — marks the end of a quality season for the goalkeeper. Despite holding three of the four final contenders and generally impressing through the year, he didn't even hit fourth in goalkeeper of the year tallies. Some will dispute Nick Rimando’s win, pointing to Rimando's diminutive stature as the cause of such spectacular saves, but it's worth remembering that his height (or, if you will, ability to jump) wasn't involved in the save of the year — it was pure reflex and an understanding of where his body is at all times.

Providing unbiased penny stocks trading tips, Peter Leeds has carved a niche for his expertise within the stock trading community. With his team of experts, he provides comprehensive analysis and shares his investmet opinions as to which penny stocks to invest in. He manages the industries’ only research team that exclusively focusses on penny stocks. In his daily newsletter, he unveils his penny stock trading safeguards to protect new investors from the risks of penny stock trading in today’s market.

Tracegains is the Big Data solution for the food industry. Kennedy noted that Big Data is about data size, complexity and speed rather than making actionable decisions automatically. TraceGains automates the assessment processes and presents a variety of results to both supplier and customer to use as a timely and solid foundation for their actionable decisions.

Systems Application Engineering (SAE) has developed patented Hybrid Voice Guidance Solutions. These hybrid designs harnesses each technology: voice, text, barcode scanning, and wearable printing; they are ideal for retail, wholesale and food service picking operations. The advanced technology includes the industry's first application certified GS1 compliant for item-level product traceability and a U.S. Patented technology for scanning and printing case labels at time of pick. SAE products will be demonstrated at ProMat 2013, located at Booth 3979 during ProMat 2013, from January 21-24, at Chicago's McCormick Place. ProMat will provide manufacturers the latest solutions to move business forward showcasing the very best in award-winning manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain equipment.