In a couple of recent postings I have tried to elaborate the notion of a nation brand, to identify some of the salient issues surrounding the relationship between public diplomacy and branding, and to illuminate the more subtle distinctions.

METI hopes to facilitate the global entry of some of Japan's small and midsize companies, while luring their creative foreign counterparts here to give them a competitive edge. It is hoped that the increased presence of Japanese cultural products will attract more international travelers and boost domestic tourism, METI said.

According to Ambassador Pinak Chakravarty , India is entering a new phase in her ties with Africa. From a shared history of struggle against colonial oppression and economic exploitation to achieve freedom, they are now poised to take a great leap in developing partnership. The new relationship is based on economic partnership in a globalized, deeply interconnected world.