In The News

More Heat Than Light Shed on GM Corn

Kenneth Emmond November 30, 2004
Genetically modified (GM) corn has ballooned into a major source of debate between the United States and Mexico. However, the public has a surprisingly muddled grasp of the situation. Respected news agencies have drawn completely opposite conclusions from the same NAFTA research report. According to this columnist, confusion is only natural, because the safety of GM products is not the real point...

No Fair Trade Without Free Trade

Herbert Oberhaensli November 29, 2004
Those critical of globalization often see neo-liberal business interests as one rapacious, profit-hungry monolith, eating away at the pockets of starved workers and consumers. Such conceptualizations perhaps oversimplify the complexity of the global economic landscape. According to Herbert Oberhaensli, head of economics and international relations at Nestlé, free trade does more good than harm....

Companies Should Set Own Hours

Heike Göbel November 19, 2004
Years of economic stagnation and high unemployment have forced the world’s “leisure-time champions” to accept that stronger economic performance requires a longer workweek. “But it takes a very long time before the recognition of a mistake actually leads to a correction - at least in Germany,” writes columnist Heike Göbel. Germany’s unions add to the problem. Despite agreeing to some concessions...

Thailand as an FDI Oasis

Arumugam Rajenthran November 18, 2004
Despite living in China's shadow during a regional recession, the Thai economy continues to grow. According to the Business Times, Thailand is emerging as a strong magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI) due to the Thai government's recent efforts to cultivate a business-friendly environment. Although Thailand has historically rated poorly in terms of intellectual property rights and...

Is America Losing Its Edge?

Adam Segal November 17, 2004
The long-standing pre-eminence of US technology and innovation worldwide may now face a challenge, as the changing face of the global marketplace takes its toll. As US trade and development has expanded overseas, partner nations have taken advantage of this access. Particularly in Asia, nations are making large strides in research and development (R&D) and other scientific technology. Budget...

Microentrepreneurs' Contribution to Microcredit Too Long Ignored

Ron Luhur November 17, 2004
Banks and credit facilities have long been hailed for providing small loans, or microcredit, to the poor so they can start businesses and thus raise themselves from poverty. And indeed, thanks to these loans, 94 percent of the business entities in Indonesia are small businesses, employing over 136 million people, or two-thirds of the population. But credit institutions are not alone in igniting...

The Looming Revolution

November 16, 2004
As the expiration of international textile quotas draws near, China emerges as a force to be feared by both rich and poor countries. Many believe that China, if unchecked, will soon have a global monopoly in textiles, forcing countries currently depending on textile exports into economic disaster. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan - China's main competitors - are hedging their bets. Indian...