WEEKLY ROUND-UP #25 (05 JUNE-12 JUNE)

We will go back to some of our tweets of interest of the past week and expand further on the indicators that we presented as they affect the security situation of a country. When we produce vulnerability assessments for our clients, six threat factors are analyzed and assessed while four hazards are also analyzed and assessed. If gaps are identified they are covered by atmospherics elements. The goal of our tweets is to highlight and provide examples of the research that we do.

From 10 June:

1.  Peru update: Are you a mining firm operating in Apurimac area? We judge violence likely to soon escalate there targeting mining companies. Consult us to accurately evaluate your security needs. Our clients stay safer while abroad & return home "mission accomplished"

From 11 June:  

2.  China update: cases of H7N9 were fewer in March. Guangdong is still the province with most cases. Stay away from live poultry markets and farms. 

Our comment: We often aim our Weekly Round-Ups for the tourist. Business travelers and employees of corporations who operate abroad are likely to encounter some risks from time to time despite of carrying out due diligence (to include duty of care from the employer) and we will discuss further on these inherent possibilities to them. For instance the interior region (similar connotation to a province or state) of Apurimac is rich in several minerals (especially gold) and is a lucrative area for foreign mining companies to operate. Locals know this and have actually known this for hundreds of years. It is widely recognized that many of the residents who are Quechua indigenous people feel that they never got their fair share and this adds to their perception - quite rightfully at times - that foreign companies literally come barging in and regardless of any environmental consequences would exploit the land for its immense riches by excluding residents of reasonable employment prospects and from any share of indirect profits such as basic infrastructure upgrades or other community benefits. Thankfully that era is for the most part over, mainly driven by decades of grievances, grudges, protests and violence. However, the stigmas of the past have a real effect on local perceptions. This is when the likelihood for resurging or sporadic violence is possible but more specifically from a collateral nature to company representatives. It constitutes a remote and difficult threat to properly assess as the sources are at first unimportant in appearance albeit numerous such as from corrupt or lax officials, etc. 

From a different standpoint hazards also constitute potential risks to the business traveler and can occur despite taking a series of preventive measures. Often it is unclear of how or if a disease or a virus can be contained or how it may be transmitted, etc. Are there indications of an outbreak? Is there a vaccine in development? How can a person be confident to avoid coming in contact with a vector? These are all questions that certainly necessitate knowledge and for a dedicated team that can carry out pertinent research and monitoring of the many health hazards as we can, to include access to expert medical and virological advice that are available to us.

Our outlook: The two scenarios articulated above are real and at the same time often difficult to completely contain or avoid. We at PAR-SEC Consulting do accurately assess the likely atmospherics to better understand and interact with the many local populations worldwide. There are many other resources available to understand some of the peculiarities of conducting business abroad while accounting for cultural sensitivities however there is a fairly large margin for error that would be exposed.  

On the other hand we carefully and continuously focus our health hazard monitoring to areas where newer diseases or emerging strains are initially identified such as MERS so our clientele can be properly appraised of what it means to them along with our recommended courses of action. 

We welcome inquiries so we can determine your security needs. Your first consultation is always free. We invite you to review our past twitter posts @parsecconsult as well as this blog's entries. 

We encourage feedback and questions to our e-mail:parsec.consulting@gmail.com

Our website: http://parsecconsulting.wix.com/parsecconsulting

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