In The News

Friends with the Dragon

C.V. Ranganathan June 24, 2003
Indian Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee’s visit to China has attracted the world's attention. Many are hopeful that a mutual agreement can be reached to thaw cold political relations of the past. In this opinion piece in Outlook India, C.V. Ranganathan, a former Indian ambassador to China, emphasizes the importance of more mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries....

Europe Set to Begin Digital Tax

Bob Tedeschi June 23, 2003
Unlike traditional trade transaction, e-commerce conducted online across national borders creates new tax issues that can be confusing. As Europe's number of internet users grows and overtakes the US and Canada, the European Union (EU) is scheduled to begin a new value-added tax plan, which will levy taxes on all imported goods and services purchased over the Internet. Foreign companies,...

The Poor Like Globalization

David Dollar June 23, 2003
More, not less, economic integration is good for the world, according to a worldwide poll, conducted by the Pew Global Attitude Survey. David Dollar, Director of Developmental Policy at the World Bank, cites findings from the survey to support the argument he has made in the past that globalization indeed helps reduce poverty and inequality. He points to a significant decrease in the number of...

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,...