When it comes to language translation services, and in particular, the foreign language internet, we get first-hand experience of emerging markets and global trends. Indeed, on this very blog we’ve waxed lyrical about the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and the opportunities these hold for exporting businesses.

And now a new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast that if Asia continues to grow at the current rates, it will account for half of all global economic output by 2050. These bold claims, if predicted correctly, would see Asia’s GDP increase from $17trillion to a mind-boggling $174trillion in just forty years.

This comes hot on the heels of a new 15,000-strong HSBC recruitment drive in the Asia-Pacific area, as they realise the scale of growth in such emerging markets.

‘Growth in the US and Europe is likely to remain sluggish as long as the impact of high debt levels and government budget cuts weigh on economic activity,’ its annual budget report said.

We reported last month that British fashion giant, Burberry, increased annual profits by 60% in the Asia-Pacific region by taking advantage of the foreign language internet to target their key markets in a number of languages.

It goes to show that huge international businesses are starting to catch on to the lucrative emerging markets in Asia. And while the ADB predictions may be very bold indeed, the time to jump on this particular bandwagon is now.

tags: BRIC countries, economy, emerging markets, Export, Foreign Language Internet