A look ahead to 2019 in Expatland

I have just completed my final trip of 2018 and I’m feeling excited about the year ahead. So I thought I would spend some time thinking about 2019, and specifically what the year ahead has in-store for all those living in Expatland.

Of course it’s impossible to predict events in the next 24 hours, nevermind the next year, in Expatland. This is due to the vast number of governments, cultures, geopolitical challenges and potential issues involved, but I’ve tried to nail down some of likely challenges, innovations and opportunities that are likely to impact our world.

Trade Wars

You could argue that the world is already engaged in a trade war and there isn’t much sign of peace breaking out before 2019. The disruption to trade appears extensive enough to factor negatively into forecasts for economic growth. For example, tensions between China and the U.S continue to escalate slowing the U.S. GDP growth to 2.75% for the year, but will this continue into 2019?

The short answer is yes, the decision by the U.S. to focus inwardly and bolster internal production by imposing tariffs on imports has potentially wide ranging impact on international economic stability, but we hope this stance will ease as we head deeper into the new year.

Brexit and the expat conundrum

The issue of Brexit has been weighing heavily on my friends in the UK and wider Eurozone. The current political turmoil in the UK is testament to the issues that this decision has caused and when I was in London earlier this month it was clear that no one was sure how Brexit will play out.

British expats around the world and expats in Britain are naturally concerned, and while the future may be uncertain, the UK remains a key player in Expatland, as it does in the worldwide economy.

Therefore, although the issue of Brexit means clarity is missing from the UK and wider Eurozone currently, I am hopeful that a solution will be found that allows the UK to prosper in the long term.

Technology takes centre stage

Another important trend in Expatland is the development of technology. It not only fuels the movement of people within the tech industry, it also improves global mobility and communication.

5G is looming on the horizon and although it won’t be available worldwide at the same time, it will begin popping up from next year. In fact, areas of Korea, Qatar, Bangladesh and some parts of Africa already have it, with the UK looking to starting to roll it out in 2019.

A recent report, like this one from Ericsson, https://www.ericsson.com/cn/en/press-releases/2018/11/5g-estimated-to-reach-1.5-billion-subscriptions-in-2024--ericsson-mobility-report

forecast that 1.5 billion users will be subscribed to a 5G network by 2024, and that coverage will blanket over 40 percent of the world's population.

Sporting Events

As an Aussie in Expatland, I’m excited by two huge sporting events in 2019 at opposite ends of the globe.

The Cricket World Cup, held in England and Wales May 30th - Jul 14th, and the Rugby World Cup held in Japan September 20th - November 2nd. Both will have a significant boost on local economies and create many jobs as well as driving tourism. They are also prime examples of Expatland coming together with the nations of the world to celebrate cultures and sporting achievement. This is a positive that shouldn’t be overlooked at these times of uncertainty

Old enemies new friends

Earlier this month I attended The Economist’s Cyprus event, interweaving extroversion with aspiration, which focused on the Cypriot recovery from economic crisis and success in positioning itself as a business hub.

I enjoyed the excellent line up including Harris Georgiades, Minister of Finance, Cyprus, John Peet, political and Brexit editor, the Economist and Kenneth Clarke, Father or the House of Commons in the UK.

The day was full of stories of success from Cyprus and as someone who has business and personal interests on the Island I was encouraged by the general eagerness to progress beyond the geopolitical issues that have held Cyprus back.

The event encapsulated my hopes for 2019.

There was no shortage of willingness to move forward and a huge amount of economic, political and personal investment from all those present to continue building Cyprus on the international stage.

The Expatland Global Network

This year has been an amazing one for me and the team at Expatland Global Network.

Not only did we launch 8 E teams in around 8 months we have another 7 in development and our global reach is now introducing people to each other to do business all over the world.

This year saw me travel to a number of new cities and I am very much looking forward to the journey continuing in 2019.

I wish you all a happy healthy and safe holiday season.