In each of these cases, the firm is attempting to extend overseas its unique advantage in production, marketing, technology, or management without putting its capital at risk overseas.

This is known as a comparative advantage - an individual has an advantage in production of a specific service if they are relatively proficient at producing that service over other services.

Ahmet Arda, managing director of AMR Resources, says his company has accelerated the production of rare earths in southern Turkey to take advantage of the shortage.