As the current global economy downturn reshapes the world over, you need to think beyond your traditional market boundaries.

Yet, venturing in new emerging markets can be challenging and risky:

* You are unfamiliar with business practices and customer expectations
* Your talent pool and supply chain is far from target market
* Local business partners are difficult to select and to monitor closely
* Some of these countries may be unstable, sometimes dangerous for your staff
* Distribution channels are fragmented
* Cultural barriers may leave you wondering
* There is a lack of data and demand can be difficult to predict.

The appeal of emerging markets steep growth curve comes coupled with macroeconomics, demographic, social and cultural forces that are rapidly shifting market trends. However they are also complex, chaotic and challenging.

* Custom regulations and duties
* Product standards and certificates required
* Local commercial laws
* Volatile exchange rate
* Some of these countries may be unstable, sometimes dangerous for your staff
* Payment and credit collection risk
* Transport risks and cost