The Airport Economist

by Tim Harcourt

Traveling the globe in pursuit of the whys and wherefores of Australian international business success, this narrative unravels the economic life of several diverse countries. From Sydney, Singapore, and Seoul to St Petersburg, Seattle, and Santiago, this witty and informative guide draws from interviews with business leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, academics, farmers, and even celebrities to uncover the world of export beyond economic textbooks and financial spreadsheets. With a clever turn of phrase, clever observations, and the grunt of supporting data, this investigation paints an eccentric and uncommon picture of financial fortune down under.

Genres: Economics

228 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know your market: ‘Bringing it all home to Kath and Kim’

This book is fun, and informative. It could well be just the book to read on a flight as you take Mr Harcourt’s advice to ‘Go forth and export!’ The book has a particular Australian focus but many of the points are relevant to those seeking to understand the dynamics of international business success, and the delicate balance between art, science and culture.

I enjoyed the snapshots of other countries and the insights into what appears to work in a dynamic world where relationships can be as important as formal country to country agreements. Custom, culture and presence are each important in many markets, and effective relationships take time to build. I am delighted to know that Tim Tams are kosher, and pleased to read that we export them to Israel. I am equally delighted to read that we export Billabong and Rip Curl (surfwear) to Europe – including France.

Mr Harcourt combines humour, simple but effective explanation with comments by business leaders, government officials and others involved in the world of exports. Interviewing Megan Gale in Milan and watching Sachin Tendulkar building an innings in Mumbai are important, but using the characters of ‘Kath and Kim’ to explain the working of an export market is simply brilliant. And fun as well. Throw in the Airport Economist’s ten commandments and a number of interesting websites and economics appears much simpler.

[Synthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of a 3.5. It's good in the sense that he's an Aussie talking about how Australians and other countries impact each other. It's interesting because we don't hear enough about Australia in the US. The way he cut up the book was fine too. I just didn't care for his writing style. He spiced it up with a bit of humor but at points I wanted it to be more fluid. Nevertheless, it was a good book for my commute.

[Kes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a seriously dated book (published 2008) written for Australian exporters who are considering exporting overseas. The author goes through most countries, and ends with “ten commandments” on how to start an export business (basically, networks like alumni/school/country networks, learn something about the target country). Written in a very jocular tone.

The title is from an incident in 1974 when Milton Friedman gave a talk about economics upon arrival at an Australian airport, before he had a chance to examine Australian conditions. Basically whether there is a one size fits all to policy making.

Reading the take on eg Russia opening up makes me think this is a time capsule into the world around 2007 (before the 2008 recession). Interesting for historians, or youngsters who can’t remember that time. Probably not for everyone else.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great overview of the trade/export siuation facing many Australian companies in many important countries that we trade with. I also liked the inclusion of personal anecdotes particularly in the final chapters describing the South American economies, particularly the description of hosting a small seminar on social issues, at the World Social Forum in Brazil with down to earth, bearded metals union official named Lula, who the Airport Economist then later notes is the incoming President of Brazil that year.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating.