China Inc.

Yesterday, I bought some software. Thrilling - I know...

While trying to figure out if I'm VAT exempt, I complete my order, assuming that I was dealing with an EU company. When I get my receipt in my inbox, it turns out that I was actually dealing with a programmer in Shanghai... I'm thinking - cool!

Yes, China Inc. is open for business. Count me in as another customer.

Timely as it may seem, an article in this morning's Globe and Mail on the fact that China is solidifying its position in the global market:

"China is not just a huge market . . . it is also now becoming the birthplace for a lot of companies that have the potential to move into Western markets," said Malte Nuhn, an analyst with Millward Brown Optimor, which compiled the study. "We certainly will expect more Chinese companies to enter the top 100 in the next few years."

The point of the article is that the Top 100 Global Brands had a surprise addition to its top 10, namely China Mobile. Here's the top 10, just to show the magnitude of the shift:

Value in $million:

1. Microsoft 62,039

2. GE 55,834

3. Coca-Cola 41,406

4. China Mobile 39,168

5. Marlboro 38,510

6. Wal-Mart 37,567

7. Google 37,445

8. IBM 36,084

9. Citibank 31,028

10. Toyota 30,201

Yes, ahead of Toyota, Wal-Mart, and Google...