Are you trying to determine where to retire? Have you thought about retiring to a place other than the United States? Then this book is exactly what you need or are looking for.

"Retirement Without Borders: How to Retire Abroad -- in Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Panama, and Other Sunny, Foreign Places (And the Secret to Making It Happen Without Stress)" is authored by Barry Goldson, with Thia Golson and the Expert Expats (contributor).

Haven't read it yet. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?

Straight from Booklist:

Golson and his wife, experienced part-time and full-time expatriates, provide a fascinating road map for retirement planning outside the U.S. This book targets the 76 million baby boomers reaching age 65 in 2010 who may be intrigued by the idea of seeking another culture for retirement that offers many possibilities for new interests and friendships. The authors provide in-depth evaluation of 10 countries (plus brief information on others) emphasizing both positive and negative aspects of living there plus commentary by Americans who reside in each country. Finances are a major issue, and there are opportunities for those with modest budgets as well as larger incomes. Missing family and friends in the U.S. is the major downside to living abroad, but the benefits include a sense of adventure, lower cost of living in some instances, climate, and greater freedom. An excellent, valuable resource for library patrons who are seriously considering offshore retirement as well as those who may be dreaming about it. ~ Mary Whaley

To work the world with your site, Karen E. Klein at BusinessWeek offers these tips:

Attract International Clients to Your Web Site

I argue for globalization, not the simplicity (limitedness) of localization.

What do you think?

Read more here.

Here's what Gordon Brown thinks. He writes a crafty commentary, "Don't Go Wobbly On Trade," for The Wall Street Journal.

Here's what else he says:

We also need to reaffirm our commitment to resist protectionism, especially when rising unemployment increases the pressure and temptation to put up trade barriers. Creating more barriers to global trade is a surefire way to prolong the recession.

See what you think. Agree? Disagree? Weigh in to let us know your thoughts!

Thank you.

I updated this piece on what it's like to do business in Japan. It's a bit long (9-page PDF file) but hopefully it's worth the read.

An American Trader in Japan

Fred P. Hochberg (pictured) has been sworn-in as the 23rd president of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).

Read all about it here.

Growth of robust trade between the United States and powerhouse U.A.E. is reflected here (scan to Trade), "The U.S.-U.A.E. Trade and Investment Relationship: 2009" (PDF), and prepared March 2009 by Professor Michael O. Moore, Director, Institute for International Economic Policy, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University.

The U.A.E. is the largest export market for the United States in the Middle East. ~ U.S. Census Bureau

More information can be found at the US-UAE Business Council.