In The News

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....

Central Asia: China's Mounting Influence

Jeremy Bransten November 24, 2004
From street markets to oil pipelines, China is extending its influence in Central Asian countries. As the Chinese economy booms, a major priority is securing natural resources to keep pace with demand. China and Kazakhstan have agreed to construct a regional pipeline, and in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, China has invested in hydroelectric projects. In addition to bolstering trade ties, Beijing...

Brazil Gives China Early X-Mas Present...

John Fitzpatrick November 23, 2004
Chinese president Hu Jintao’s visit to Brazil in this past week was highly successful: Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva formally recognized China as a “market economy,” foregoing the power to block “dumped” Chinese imports. The Chinese government is notorious for subsidizing national industries and “dumping” the products into foreign markets. Thanks to the subsidies, these exports...

Wal-Mart Gives in to China's Union Federation

Richard McGregor November 23, 2004
The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart has always been resistant to unionization in its stores around the world. As its business in China expands, the chain store is pressured by China's official All China Federation of Trade Unions to establish union branches in its many stores. In a recent statement, Wal-Mart stated that the company would be in full compliance with Chinese law, and...

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...

Oil Supply I: The Arabs Look to the East

Michael Vatikiotis November 18, 2004
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and its allies in the West may never be as warm as it once was in the pre-9/11 era. Luckily for the kingdom, it sits on one-quarter of the world’s reserves of crude oil, and East Asia desperately needs oil to fuel its staggering economic growth. China’s efforts to satiate its unquenchable thirst for oil have spawned greater economic and political ties to the...