In The News

Thai Workers Fly to Sweden Where the Wild Berries Are

Bertil Lintner September 23, 2009
Wet summer weather in Northern Sweden has affected not only the yield of wild berries growing there, but also the economic well-being of the berry pickers, which, in this case, happen to be temporary workers from Thailand. Journalist Bertil Lintner writes that in 2007, Sweden began to give Thais temporary work visas to pick berries, encouraging close to a five-fold increase in workers by 2009. It...

Something Is Fishy

Nayan Chanda September 15, 2009
A recent proposed treaty on illegal fishing has the potential to aid the world’s poor nations and improve global governance. If enforced, the proposal, formulated in Rome and signed by 91 countries, would prevent fishing boats from landing in various ports if inspectors deem the catch to be illegally procured. Such a system still relies on the honesty of the individuals that uphold it....

Obama's Trade Policy Taking Shape – Part I

Edward Gresser September 14, 2009
For all the furor about the US’ proposed tariff on Chinese car tires, the end result is more likely to be a whimper, according to trade specialist Edward Gresser of the Democratic Leadership Council in Washington. It is unlikely that this tariff will set off the next trade war, igniting a global depression similar to the 1930s precisely because such tariffs are usual and allowed by the WTO....

The Virtues of Deglobalization

Walden Bello September 10, 2009
In the last two years, globalization has gone from panacea to scourge. And the many policy responses to the current crisis reveal this sentiment, as governments focus on national initiatives to strengthen financial regulations, revealing how policymakers are beholden to their own constituents and domestic markets. While many of globalization's champions bemoan the erosion of economic...

The Noodle Bowl

September 8, 2009
Large economies like China, Japan and India have signed free trade agreements (FTA) with the regional grouping ASEAN. But in the absence of a comprehensive, multi-lateral free trade agreement, Asian countries are settling for bi-lateral FTAs. But this trend is not necessarily in response to the stalled Doha round of trade talks. Bi-laterial FTAs have increased from six in 1991 to 166 by mid-year...

China Tightens Grip on Rare Minerals

Keith Bradsher September 2, 2009
While one might not have heard of dysprosium and terbium – these elements are rare – they are critical ingredients in green technology and military hardware, and China, the country with some of the largest deposits, wants to limit their export. Though not as precious as gold or platinum, rare earth elements can fetch hefty prices. Some of their primary uses include components for the electric...

Numerous Foreign Trainees Forced to Work under Harsh Conditions in Japan

September 1, 2009
Far away from home and eager to work, migrant workers can be easy targets for exploitation. In Japan, the story is no different. Foreign vocational trainees in Japan, especially from China, have been forced to work overtime at little or no pay and are often paid illegally low wages. Even worse, foreign employment agencies charged exorbitant fees to send trainees to Japan, leaving many indebted...