David and Ricardo, this is an interesting set of comments. --- When one of my books was launched in Delhi, probably in 2004 -- that would be 'The 21st Century Ambassador', the Amb of France, Singapore and the UK spoke. Two of them affirmed that much of their time (one said 60%, the other 70%), was taken up with economic work....That was also my experience at 5 ambassadorships (and one as CG in SF).....So my response, barring in major neighbors, or the major powers, EVERY embassy today is first an economic dip promoter....I welcome contrary views -- an exception might be very busy consulates overwhelmed with consular tasks.e

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com