BEYOND BUSINESS

Is Venezuela open for business? President Hugo Chavez has been upping the pressure on foreign and domestic firms: either they buy into his economic model or they face nationalisation. Last year alone, some 250 companies were nationalised. But despite the hazards of doing business there, it seems many multinationals will not be discouraged.

Is your smartphone at risk of a computer virus? Security experts warn the increased use of internet connected mobile devices is a hacker's dream. In this edition of Beyond Business, you'll find out how your privacy and the business you work for could be hit.

There’s a legal battle brewing over a food product that’s been billed as a miracle cure for starving children. Two American not-for-profit organisations are asking a court to lift the patent held by a French company. They say it hinders their efforts to save lives. But the French firm is fighting back, saying it’s only protecting the interests of developing nations.

Is the city of lights losing some of its sheen? That's the impression given by a recent report comparing the nightlife in Paris with that of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin and London. At a time when city breaks are out-growing other parts of the tourism industry, good bars, clubs and cafes could be key to bringing in revenue. But as we found out, Paris lags behind other European capitals when it comes to partying.

Globalisation is often billed as key to global growth and development, but there are those who feel disappointed by it. In this Beyond Business we meet with former employees at a company in western France. Their case sparks questions about the globalised economy; are small- and medium sized businesses at a disadvantage? How do they survive a tough economic climate?

In this Beyond Business we look at the controversial business of security contractors. Private military companies have attracted much criticism in the past few years, but at the same time their business has expanded rapidly. It’s believed the segment is worth more than $100billion per year. We speak to a French company about its hopes to break the British and American domination of the market.

Doing business in Russia : a dream investment or a cobweb of bureaucracy and corruption? The French government,is making relations between the two countries a priority at every level. There are signs that things are getting easier for foreign investors almost two decades since the breakup of the Soviet Union. UBI France -- the body in charge of promoting French interests abroad -- invited a France 24 team to accompany a delegation of French entrepreneurs to Russia.