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Following the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, which was completed on December 18 2011, the country is now contemplating the eventual withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan; a process that will begin in mid-2012, and is expected to be completed by 2015.

The Russia Tourism Report examines the long-term prospects for the tourism sector but, in the short term, considers the negative consequences of an economic slowdown in the key source markets. The strong pick-up in growth in 2011 in visitor numbers from major markets (outside the former Soviet Union), including the eurozone, China, Poland and the UK, is expected to slow sharply, halving growth in arrivals to some 5% year-on-year (y-o-y) in 2012. Some recovery, however, is anticipated in 2013. The report analyses official data on the number of foreign visitors to Russia, which showed sharp negative growth in 2009 (after years of low growth) but relative buoyancy in 2011. BMI also considers figures on the departure of Russian citizens abroad, which, aside from 2009's negative growth, have witnessed continual healthy growth rates in recent years.

BMI View: Egypt's attentions are focused almost exclusively on the country's presidential election, which will go a long way to determining future strategy in the water sector. By the time this report appears, the likely winner should be known. The best outcome is that the uneasy interregnum that has been sustained since Hosni Mubarak left the presidential palace in February 2011 will give way to a more coherent political climate, in which longer-term planning on critical infrastructure will be facilitated.

GlobalData's clinical trial report, "Lip Cancer Global Clinical Trials Review, H2, 2012" provides data on the Lip Cancer clinical trial scenario. This report provides elemental information and data relating to the clinical trials on Lip Cancer. It includes an overview of the trial numbers and their recruitment status as per the site of trial conduction across the globe. The databook offers a preliminary coverage of disease clinical trials by their phase, trial status, prominence of the sponsors and also provides briefing pertaining to the number of trials for the key drugs for treating Lip Cancer. This report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalData's team of industry experts.

GlobalData's report, "E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Petrochemicals Capacity and SWOT Analysis - 2012 Update" provides detailed information of company's business activities. The report covers its petrochemical capacity, plants details and capacity share information. In addition, it presents company's financial details and deals landscape. It also details recent developments related to the company.

GlobalData's "Pharmaceutical Leaders 2012 - Key Trends, Emerging Strategies and Financial Analysis of the Top Performers" Report integrates deep research of top players in the pharmaceutical industry with our proprietary analysis and ranking methodology to reveal top performers, industry trends, and the strategies that successful companies are using to stay ahead in the increasingly demanding pharmaceutical marketplace. Clients can use this report for strategic planning and tracking of competitor strategies. The report covers major drug approvals and significant M&A and license agreements, as well as other significant cost-containment and operations strategies.

China has become the leader in methanol-gasoline blending as the demand for methanol from this sector has soared in the last decade. As the largest producer of methanol, the country has an abundant supply for gasoline blending. The trend of using methanol in gasoline blending started after the provincial governments in China standardized methanol-gasoline blends, which were cheaper than gasoline. As of 2012, 11 provincial governments have set up standards for methanol-based fuel. The central government has also established standards for methanol-gasoline blends containing 85% methanol and is now in the final stages of standardizing blends containing 15% methanol. The easy availability of methanol, lower costs and strong regulatory support will strengthen China's already dominant position in the methanol-gasoline fuel market and will raise its share from 87.3% in 2011 to 92.8% in 2016.

Chevron Corporation (Chevron) is an integrated oil and gas company involved in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas; the refining and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; and the manufacture of petroleum products. The company's exploration and production operations are primarily located in Angola, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chad, China, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, the Partitioned Zone between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the Philippines, the Republic of the Congo, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, the US, Venezuela, and Vietnam. The company's total production and reserves were 975.5 MMboe and 11,235.5 MMboe in 2011, respectively.

GlobalData's report, "Singapore Petrochemicals Industry Outlook to 2016 - Market Size, Company Share, Price Trends and Capacity Forecasts" provides an in-depth coverage of Singapore petrochemicals industry. The report covers Singapore petrochemical complexes details and presents installed capacity by process and technology. In addition, it presents petrochemicals demand and production forecasts, end use market share, price trends, trade balance data and company shares of the major petrochemicals producers in Singapore.

"Small Hydropower (SHP) - Installed Capacity, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Competitive Landscape, Opportunity and Key Country Analysis to 2020" is the latest report from industry analysis specialists GlobalData, offering comprehensive information and understanding of the current challenges in offshore wind industry. The report provides clear understanding of the small hydropower market. It provides deep insight into the key drivers and challenges impacting the market, swot analysis, technology analysis and also provides data regarding historic and forecast growth. The report also provides information onlevelized cost of energy (LCOE) analysis, cost-benefit analysis, turbine manufacturer's share, opportunity analysis, major regulations and support programs for key countries such as China, India, Japan, The US, Canada, Brazil, Italy and France.

GlobalData's new report, "Neurostimulation Devices - Global Pipeline Analysis, Competitive Landscape and Market Forecasts to 2018" provides key data, information and analysis on the global neurostimulation devices market. It outlines the market landscape and provides comprehensive information on the key trends affecting the market, and key analytical content on the market dynamics. The report also reviews the competitive landscape and technology offerings.

GlobalData's report, Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) Industry Outlook in the UK to 2016 - Market Size, Price Trends and Trade Balance provides an in-depth coverage of the UK EPS industry. The research presents EPS demand and production forecasts, end use demand forecasts, price trends, and trade balance data. Overall, the report presents a comprehensive coverage of the UK EPS industry including all the major parameters.

GlobalData's report, North America Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Industry Outlook to 2016 - Market Size, Company Share, Price Trends, Capacity Forecasts of All Active and Planned Plants provides an in-depth coverage of North America PET industry. The research presents major market trends affecting PET in the region. It provides capacity growth and presents installed capacity by key feedstock, process and technology. In addition, it presents market size, demand and production forecasts, end use demand forecasts, and company shares of major PET producers in the region. The research also provides price trends and trade balance data. Supply and demand scenario for key countries within the region is also included in the report. Overall, the reports present a comprehensive analysis of the specific petrochemical in the region covering all the major parameters.

"Petrominerales Ltd." Analysis Across the Oil and Gas Value Chain is an essential source for data, analysis and strategic insight into "Petrominerales Ltd.". The report provides key information relating to oil and gas assets of the company along with its operations across the value chain. The report examines the company's business structure, operations and products, and provides an analysis of its key revenue lines.

"Southwestern Energy Company" Analysis Across the Oil and Gas Value Chain is an essential source for data, analysis and strategic insight into "Southwestern Energy Company". The report provides key information relating to oil and gas assets of the company along with its operations across the value chain. The report examines the company's business structure, operations and products, and provides an analysis of its key revenue lines.

The French hotel industry recorded 3,400 hotel closures during the last 15 years and more are expected over the forecast period. Most of the closures were in the independent budget category, which were not able to cope up with declining levels of demand due to the recession and marketing costs. Tax incentives are a strong stimulus for investments in the hotel industry, especially in urban areas, as they have the benefit of being less seasonal. Operators such as Accor, Park and Suites, Cerise by Exhor, Odalys City, Hipark and Citadines are expanding their operations in France.

The introduction of the Mining Law in 2009 encouraged investment in the Indonesian mining industry, while industry growth has also been driven by continued demand for key products and robust commodity prices. Indonesian mining production, which primarily comprises coal, tin, copper, gold, and ammonia mining, recorded a CAGR of 12.27% during the review period, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.27% over the forecast period (2012-2016). This growth is expected to be primarily driven by an increase in exports, as the escalating prices of minerals encourage companies to increase production. In terms of production volume, coal is the leading mineral in the Indonesian mining industry. Indonesia is the world's largest exporter of thermal coal and exports the majority of its production, with countries in Asia being the prime export destinations.

The Russian consumer finance market declined in 2009 but managed to recover strongly in 2010 and 2011. The recovery is primarily attributed to the stabilization of interest rates in consumer lending. The consumer finance market recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.46% during the review period (2007-2011). It is projected to retain a high CAGR of 19.85% over the forecast period (2012-2016). The strong growth will be driven by the country's improving macroeconomic fundamentals and rising domestic demand for consumer finance products. Personal loans is the largest category in the Russian consumer finance market. It recorded a CAGR of 23.79% during the review period. Russia's rising employment levels are expected to generate more demand for personal loans in the country. The improving employment conditions in the country will encourage Russians to increase their personal consumption expenditure, increasing the demand for personal loans. Most Russians take out personal loans to purchase furniture, large household appliances and mobile phones.

The education loan category recorded a significant CAGR of XX% during the review period, to reach a value of INRXX billion in 2011. This growth was primarily due to the rapid expansion of India's education services, as well as the rising number of students choosing to travel aboard to access higher education. The category is expected to continue recording a high CAGR of XX% over the forecast period, to reach a value of INRXX billion in 2016.

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

Sports Drinks in Portugal by Mintel Global Market Navigator provides you with annual year-end market size data, most recently updated in 2012. This market covers liquid sports drinks. Powder/tablets sports drinks are insignificant. Sports drinks are designed to replace energy and minerals lost during exercise. Market size comprises sales through all retail channels including direct to consumer including vending machines. Market value is calculated at prices in retailers. Market size for Sports Drinks in Portugal is given in %, EUR, USD and litres with a minimum of five years' historical data. Market Forecast is provided for five years. Included with this snapshot is socio-economic data for Portugal. Population, Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Exchange Rates.

Beer (retail) in France by Mintel Global Market Navigator provides you with annual year-end market size data, most recently updated in 2012. This market covers packaged extra strong, strong, standard, light and no alcohol beers. Market size is based on sales through all retail channels (off trade) including direct to consumer. Market size for Beer (retail) in France is given in %, EUR, USD and litres with a minimum of five years' historical data. Market Forecast is provided for five years. Included with this snapshot is socio-economic data for France. Population, Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Exchange Rates.

This expanded and fully revised 414-page report provides a complete picture of how robust the cardiovascular device sector is and how well companies are performing. The report is organised into 2 sections:

GlobalData's clinical trial report, "Huntington's Disease Global Clinical Trials Review, H2, 2012" provides data on the Huntington's Disease clinical trial scenario. This report provides elemental information and data relating to the clinical trials on Huntington's Disease. It includes an overview of the trial numbers and their recruitment status as per the site of trial conduction across the globe. The databook offers a preliminary coverage of disease clinical trials by their phase, trial status, prominence of the sponsors and also provides briefing pertaining to the number of trials for the key drugs for treating Huntington's Disease. This report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalData's team of industry experts.

BMI forecasts that all of Israel's ports will enjoy growth in throughput levels of both containers and total tonnage in 2012 following the 2011 contractions experienced at Haifa and Eilat. We caution that this will be very low, however, given the tough macroeconomic environment in Israel currently. Longer-term projects such as the development of a rail link between the Red Sea port of Eilat and the Mediterranean provide scope for future growth.