In The News

US Prepares Blueprint for Businesses to Export to Asia

March 4, 2003
Only one percent of small and medium businesses in America export abroad, and most of those export to Mexico and Canada. The US Commercial Service in cooperation with 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific is working on a plan to help such businesses get access to Asian markets. – YaleGlobal

Deal on Setting Up Single European Patent

Francesco Guerrera March 3, 2003
After thirty years of disagreement, governments of the European Union have reached a deal to set up a single European patent. The new patent will be valid in up to 25 nations by the time the agreement takes effect. The deal has been hailed as a testament to the EU’s ability to put aside the differences of member countries in order to shape a European economy that is more competitive globally. –...

Does the “Hyper-Power” Have Feet of Clay?

David Dapice March 3, 2003
If you look past its formidable military machine, America is not as powerful as it seems. Tufts University economist David Dapice points out that the current view of the United States as a “hyper-power” fails to take into account the country's many economic vulnerabilities. A country that relies on over $1.3 billion in capital inflow each day to finance its import appetite may not be able...

McDonald’s Strives to Regain Ground

Sherri Day March 3, 2003
McDonald’s is often considered the ultimate American business success, and, with restaurants in over 50 countries, a symbol of American cultural dominance. Changing tastes in America and many failed menu items have contributed to a long, slow decline for McDonald’s in the US, however, and the chain plans to stop operating in three countries. Owning a McDonald’s franchise is not the instant...

An Illicit Paradise for the Motion Picture Buff

Richard McGregor February 18, 2003
The movie piracy industry, which accounts for the sale of almost all movies in China, has managed to succeed due to new technology as well as lax regulations. The ability of these companies to mass-produce movies at low prices and short time has allowed Hollywood movies, a major item of American cultural export to penetrate widely into China. Although the producers are currently losing money...

Less Sheep for Sharing

Injy El-Kashef February 13, 2003
The sacrifice of sheep traditionally marks the Islamic celebration of Eid Al-Adha. For Muslims, the sacrifice is a non-obligatory act of charity, with those of all classes donating a share of their sheep to the less fortunate. In Egypt, however, recent economic troubles have interfered with the celebration. The floatation of the Egyptian pound and its subsequent decline in value in relation to...

Germans Export Soccer to Asia

February 7, 2003
After the success of the 2002 World Cup put China, Japan, and South Korea on the world soccer map, several German teams have begun to look to the region to recruit new players. Since signing three major Asian stars, German teams have seen their popularity rise in Asia, where twice as many people play soccer as in Europe. – YaleGlobal