Global Business Environment

SUMMARY: Although China has moved from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, the political system has remained the same. The Communist Party of China (CPC) still reigns supreme. The leaders of the CPC take the major policy decisions that determine the future of China. The final authority rests with the 21-member CPC politburo. Major power centers in China are: Conservatives, Liberals, the current President Hu Jintao, the former President Jiang Zemin, Labor, Military, and Pragmatists.

With a population over 1 billion, India is the largest democracy in the world. It is a federal republic, consisting of 29 states and 6 union territories. The Indian Parliament consists of two houses: Upper House or Rajya Sabha and Lower House or Lok Sabha. 250 members are elected to the Rajya Sabha. Of the 250, 238 members represent states and union territories.