January 6 - Jim O'Neill, former chief economist and head of asset management at Goldman Sachs and recognised inventor of the 'BRIC' acronym, has taken to looking at the next four frontier economies that over the next 10 years could develop into global sta

In a four-part radio documentary produced by BBC World Service, O'Neill shines a light on Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (MINT), identifying them as countries with the necessary building blocks to encourage strong, long-term economic growth - similar to the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) countries distinguished in 2001.

O'Neill identifies a number of special characteristics that the MINTs enjoy, such as: young populations of working age; advantageous geographical positions; political softening and reforms; and infrastructure and energy generation improvements, among other criteria.

The BBC World Service production first aired on January 6, 2014 on Nigeria. A dedicated report on each potential economic powerhouse will follow at 09:06 GMT from January 7 - 9, 2014 where Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey will, in turn, be analysed and critiqued.

A BBC report on MINTs can be viewed here.

The first BBC World Service broadcast can be listened to here.

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