In The News

‘Dubai Aid City’ Launched

Jamila Qadir June 16, 2003
Plans for “Dubai Aid City” were recently released by the United Arab Emirates with promises that the complex will have both humanitarian and economic benefits. The site, described as a “fully integrated aid distribution and storage facility,” will provide a strategic location for international aid organizations to dispense aid to surrounding locales, including Iraq, Eastern Europe, the Indian...

Showdown for a Tool in Human Rights Lawsuits

Alex Markels June 15, 2003
Multinational corporations (MNCs) are often subject to accusations by human rights and anti-globalization activists. To add to a long list of MNCs brought before US courts, energy giant Unocal currently faces a lawsuit filed by villagers from southeastern Myanmar, in a California court. Unocal is accused of aiding military authorities in Myanmar (Burma) in human rights abuses against local...

The Noble Feat of Nike

Johan Norberg June 13, 2003
What really are the pros and cons of globalization? In this article, Johan Norberg, an advocate of globalization, uses the example of Nike in Vietnam to demonstrate the benefits of globalization. According to Norberg, in Vietnam Nike pays its workers three times higher than the minimum wage earned in state-owned enterprises, provides its workers free or subsidized meals, education, and training,...

Time Running Out for Hub Strategy

Yoo Cheong-mo June 12, 2003
South Korean economists and government leaders hope to make the country a regional business hub for Northeast Asia, but such a lofty goal isn't easily achieved. A group meeting to explore ways to improve the country's prospects suggested the government should try to attract multinational companies by creating a more comfortable living environment for foreign executives and their...

Global Automotive Players Raise Their Profile in Singapore

Ven Sreenivasan June 9, 2003
As the implementation date of the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) approaches, the automotive industry in Southeast Asia has started adjusting to new policies and regulations, in anticipation of the changes to come once AFTA is in place. Due to its position as a transportation hub and a strong supplier base, plus its excellent service infrastructure and good intellectual property protection,...

E-Mail Message Blitz Creates What May Be Fastest Fad Ever

Saul Hansell June 9, 2003
After the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency announced that they would create a deck of playing cards with the names and photos of the top Iraqi leaders to be distributed to border guards, Internet marketing companies all rushed to get reproduction rights. One company, GreatUSAflags.com, along with its partner Lionstone International, sold 1.5 million decks via email within a matter of days,...

Airlines' Unwanted Fleet Grows in the Desert

Edward Wong June 7, 2003
In the midst of a slowing US economy, companies such as Avtel that provide storage and maintenance facilities for airlines, are doing lucrative business. In fact, the amount of business airlines do with a company like Avtel is a good way to gauge both the failing airline industry's health and the remaining strength of individual airlines. Indeed, post September 11 declines in air travel and...