The Suez canal is one of the most important sources of Foreign Exchange for Egypt(alongwith Tourism and Gas exports).Now that Tourism is out of the question thanks to political uncertainty,this revenue becomes even more important.
So the Militiary will do whatever it takes to keep the Suez canal open.No questions about that.Its a question of justifying the legitimacy of militiary rule now.They can't be found wanting here.
It’s so kind Marc, Even I didn’t taken in that sense and hope nothing hurt you too. Thanks for the kind and detailed info about one of your previous work.
Pirates are really a true menace for international merchant vessels and cargo movements, especially in areas near to African continent. They used to kidnapping ships on high seas and then demand heavy ransom for the release of ships and kidnapped persons. They are well equipped with high speed motor boats and advanced arms and weapons. Latest reports showing that International maritime community (USA, India, France and other countries) had decided to increase the patrolling due to the latest developments in Egypt, for safeguard the sea trade and to protect maritime interests.
Toms, by all means I take the comment as seriously as intended. I mean funny in the sense of coincidental or striking, not in the sense of lighthearted. (As in, "Yes, it's a funny thing about that.." is rarely actually suggesting something is hilarious). Please forgive me for the wrong impression.
The piracy issue crossing paths with the Egyptian political tumult is to me an example of how inter-connected seemingly unrelated events can turn out to be. That's sometimes curious to me. For people who work maintaining supply lines, it's more obvious how these events link to each other. However, to much of the world, I think, it's a surprise when events that seem discrete start to reflect each other's influence. In this case -- the proximity of Egypt to Somalia -- Geography is one of those issues that so often goes missing, and I'm not really sure why. A glance at a map shows how physically close the effects of piracy are to the effects of an Egyptian political crisis. But it's rare to read those links expressed clearly. I'd find it amusing, in a good sense, to see such themes emerging more in the conversation about Egypt. Amusing because when it does, it tends to arise in print as some clever or grand discovery, when it really is fairly obvious. At least, it is all but shouting its importance right there on a world map.
I've written a little about piracy in the past. If you're interested, an example is here (sorry no link, you'd have to cut/paste the URL):
Marc, it’s a real fact, am not joking or making any funny statements. Due to the presents of pirates, many countries had sent their Navys for safeguarding cargo movements. Even 06 months back also such an incident happens.
“Navy captured 14 Somali pirates near the Gulf of Eden. Navy which had started its operations against the Somali pirates in June, 2008 met with a grand success on 28th Jan. when it was able to catch the 14 dreaded pirates and handed them over to the police to face the law. The navy also rescued 20 people who had been kidnapped by these pirates. It may be entioned here that the Somali Pirates are a menace to International merchant vessels and are notorious for kidnapping ships on high seas and then demand heavy ransom for the release of the ships and kidnapped personnel. USA, India, France and other countries had decided to fight this menace to safeguard the sea trade. The Indian Navy has launched a heavy patrolling in the Arabian Sea to protect its maritime interests”.
Funny you mention pirates. A number of sources are claiming that ships coming eastward through the canal have had difficulty coordinating with the various navies providing armed escort through the Gulf of Aden. I can't confirm the scope of those problems, such as they really exist. It would, though, be comical if among the supply chain actors affected by the overthrow of an Egyptian dictator were 1) Asian electronics suppliers and 2) high-seas pirates. Globalization can be fun after all!
Marc, movement of electronic or other goods are very much necessary as a part of global supply chain process. Due to availability of raw materials, Economic advantages or cheaper labour availability, companies are forced to establish their foot print on certain locations across the globe. Even though Air freight and road cargo services are alternate way of shipment, majority still prefer ships for cargo services. This is because of considering the availability and cheaper economic or cost factors.
As we know that Suez Canal is a major sea route, connecting the Middle East with rest of the world. So any political instability in these countries is going to be effect the easy navigation through this region and we had seen the same thing during the Gulf war also. The same story is repeating with Egypt, since they are facing with some sort of political instability, they are not able to contribute or concentrate much for the costal security. Moreover, presence of ship looters and pirates also creating problems, for the shipment of the products through Suez Canal.
The Egyptian government has made several questionable calls over the past week. It seemed, in some cases, that they were trying to hurt the Egyptian people to the detriment of the entire Egyptian economy. In his efforts to hold on to power, Mubarak has essentially brought the Egyptian economy to a screeching halt. I am sure the government wants to keep the canal open but something tells me that Mubarak wants to be president even more. This uprising is because Mubarak did not do the right thing by the Egyptian people and unfortunately, unless the US and other major forces step in, I'm not sure that Mubarak cares enough about the Egypt or its people to protect its economy.
I wonder how much Toshiba factored general unrest in the region into their decision to build manufacturing capacity there. It may still turn out to be a great investment, but the uncertainty has increased some for the near term.
The Suez Canal is not only a life line to the world, but also to Egypt. These protests are in retaliation to a government that has not listened to the people, and the people want change. The Egyptian government is trying to remain in control, but also knows that they too rely on the canal being open to generate revenue for the country.
Manufacturers and their suppliers need to keep a close eye on what's going on in case there is a temporary shutdown that could dramatically affect their pipeline. With the global economy trying to repair itself and continue growth, it would be a shame to see a setback due to the political unrest in Egypt.
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Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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