The latest International Monetary Fund predictions on world growth were little cause for celebration in the UK or the Eurozone.  But one eye-catching figure is they expect 80 per cent of this year’s growth to be fuelled by emerging markets.

Emerging markets represent around 50 per cent of the world’s GDP, but they’re growing much faster than developed economies. This means greater opportunities for British companies to reach out through global web marketing.

While GDP stagnates in much of Europe, China is predicted to contribute 37.4 per cent to global economic growth in 2012. India is expected to contribute 12.4 per cent, and Latin America, 9.5 per cent.

The United States was responsible for around 21 per cent of the world’s economic growth in the 1980s, but this is expected to slump to 10 per cent between 2010 and 2013. Meanwhile, the troubled Eurozone is expected to make a negative contribution of 2.1 per cent this year.

This doesn’t have to be bad news for British companies. This growth goes hand in hand with big rises in internet use in Asia, Africa and Latin America. It’s now easier – and more cost-effective -  than ever to reach out through global web marketing.

In November, the Confederation of British Industry warned that many companies were failing to take advantage of exporting to the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), as well as other fast-growing markets, such as Turkey, Indonesia and South Africa.

There’s no doubt there are plenty of customers out there. Scotch whisky exports are growing, with South Korea and Venezuela among the biggest buyers.  Last year’s figures from the Food and Drink Federation show a big increase in exports of high-quality products to China and Saudi Arabia. And British clothing and fashion companies are finding growing demand in Russia.

For small or medium-sized companies thinking of dipping their toes in global web marketing, 2012 could be the year. Translating and localising your websites can result in high returns on investment, and turn challenges into opportunities.

tags: Foreign Language Internet, global web marketing, Localisation, Translation