PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Branson mulls cheap airlines in India and China
Old 11th Aug 2004, 01:57
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Tunguska
 
Join Date: May 2004
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I wonder whether Sir Dick has factored (or is prepared to pay) bribes to government officials in both of those countries.

Seeing the effective problems with such basic fundamental elements such as certainty of title ( which is an absolute must for any foreign investment) then I would hesitate in thinking it worth while.

A fast food chain setting up shop in China encountered such a problem as was reported world-wide some years back.
3 days prior to opening, a government official told the store manager to be that the shop had to be relocated.
No funds were forthcoming (nudge nudge, wink wink) and shock horror, they were forced to move to a less desirable position and delay start up.

Yes, certain countries like that are attempting to crack down on corruption but lets face it, in a cut price airline they are going to get no tax breaks, no incentives and when the profit margin is so thin, their respective governments are going to want to protect their own government owned airlines!

I would say Sir Richard can do better elsewhere.
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