Top Executives Find It Pays to Spend Time in Asia

Kasper Rorsted, CEO of German company Henkel (above), just spent nearly six weeks working in Asia, an unusually long time away from headquarters for a CEO.  His trip spanned 9 countries and involved nearly 100 meetings.  The company makes 14 percent of its sales and 20 percent of its profits in Asia Pacific, and nearly 20 percent of its employees are based in the region with that number poised to grow to one-third in the coming years.  Many companies are now considering moving headquarters to Asia, or splitting their headquarters to include a "co-HQ" in Asia.  Once Cisco executive puts it this way: after changes in trade, manufacturing, development and research, "the next phase of globalization will be the decentralization of headquarters functions."

Top Executives Find It Pays to Spend Time in Asia - NYTimes.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

One-on-One With Thailand's PM

Thailand's economy is one of the best performing in Asia, as this video demonstrates.

One-on-One With Thailand's PM - CNBC.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Thai Property Fundamentals Very Sound

Thai Property Fundamentals Very Sound - CNBC.com

China's Premier Threatens Japan Over Boat Dispute

Japan's arrest of a Chinese fisherman in disputed waters is causing a major rift between China and Japan. For the Chinese, this is a chance to show domination over a former invader. For Japan, it's a chance to stand up to a growing power. For the U.S., it's a chance to countervail China's growing influence in the region. No resolution is in sight.

China's Premier Threatens Japan Over Boat Dispute : NPR

Ikea Expects to Double Buying of Goods in India

Swedish furniture giant Ikea is privately held, which means it does not have to worry about declaring dividends to shareholders.  As such, its strategy is driven by long term growth, not short term profits.  The company therefore adheres to a management style that is not always the norm.  For example, Ikea will not form joint ventures even if local law requires it.  This week, Ikea CEO Mikael Ohlsson (above) announced IKEA is scrapping plans to open stores in India because of the local requirement that foreign retailers partner with an Indian partner and own a maximum of 51% of the Indian operation.  In spite of that, Ikea plans to spend about 1 Billion Euros in the next three to four years on Indian suppliers, mainly in textiles and fabrics.

Ikea Expects to Double Buying of Goods in India -- NY Times.com

Toiling Far From Home for Philippine Dreams

The town of Mabini, in the Philippines, is filled with large new homes much more luxurious than standard Filipino homes.  They are largely unoccupied, built by the 15% of the town's citizens who are OFWs -- Overseas Filipino Workers.  Working mainly as maids, nurses or service workers, these Filipinos return money to the Philippines as remittances, which rose from $7.6 billion in 2003 to $17.3 billion in 2009.  These payments now account for more than 10% of Phillipines' GDP and are the main factor driving the country's economic growth.

Toiling Far From Home for Philippine Dreams - NYTimes.com

U.S. Steps Up Criticism of China’s Practices

China spends $1 billion a day to maintain the value of its currency against the US Dollar.  By buying its own currency, it artificially maintains the currency at around 6.7 RMB to the USD, allowing its exporters an advantage in important foreign markets.  Now, the Obama administration, led by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner (above), is stepping up attacks on China and its trade practices, including currency manipulation, theft of intellectual property, and continued market restrictions for U.S. products and services.

U.S. Steps Up Criticism of China’s Practices - NYTimes.com

A Thai City of Sleaze Tries to Clean Up

For years, Pattaya has been known as a sleazy, drug-infested town rife with prostitution and organized crime.  Now, the beachside town, only a two hour drive from Bangkok, is re-inventing itself as a family-friendly resort with luxury hotels, shopping malls, fancy restaurants, and polo tournaments.

A Thai City of Sleaze Tries to Clean Up - NYTimes.com

Boeing Received Illegal Aid, WTO Says

A preliminary report by a WTO dispute panel ruled that Boeing received illegal aid from the federal government as well as Washington state.  Airbus is jumping on the report claiming that it vindicates their claim of illegal aid to Boeing, but Boeing and American officials are urging restraint until the report is made public
Boeing Received Illegal Aid, WTO Says - WSJ.com

Volvo's Big China Gamble

When Chinese car manufacturer Geely bought Swedish car manufacturer Volvo, it announced plans to expand the Volvo brand in China, where it is currently tiny (selling only 24,000 cars last year, in a market of over 13 million).  Yesterday, Geely group chairman Li Shufu revealed much more ambitious plans -- Volvo will build as many as three assembly plants in China, each capable of producing 100,000 cars a year, and all for sale in China.  This would cement Geely as one of China's largest auto makers, and may position the ambitious Chinese company for global growth.

Volvo's Big China Gamble - WSJ.com

EU Raises Tariffs on Wheels

At the urging of wheel manufacturers in Europe, the European Union has agreed to extend antidumping duties on aluminum wheels from China, and to raise those duties to more than 23%.  The move was fiercely opposed by car manufacturers like BMW and Volkswagen, who fear that their businesses in China may be affected by retaliation by the Chinese government.

EU Raises Tariffs on Wheels - WSJ.com

Cuba to Cut State Workers in Tilt Toward Free Market

More than 85% of Cuba's 5.5 million workers are employed by the communist state.  Now, in a recognition that this is a failed policy, the government has announced plans to lay off half a million workers and create hundreds of thousands of private sector jobs.  Up next: a recognition that private wealth is good?

Cuba to Cut State Workers in Tilt Toward Free Market - WSJ.com

Chinese Remake the ‘Made in Italy’ Fashion Label

Prato, Italy, is now home to Europe's largest concentration of Chinese.  In this city, in the heart of Tuscany, they work for over 3,200 companies making low-end clothes, shoes, and accessories, often with materials imported from China.  Their products get the exclusive "Made in Italy" label, and now Italians are growing resentful at how the Chinese are beating them at their own game.

Chinese Remake the ‘Made in Italy’ Fashion Label - NYTimes.com

Entrepreneurs Rise in Ashes of India’s Caste System

In India, the caste system has worked for decades to keep members of the lower caste from advancing.  That's changing in India's southern region, where entrepreneurship and the growth of high tech businesses has allowed people like Chezi Ganesan (above), to rise to riches.  In India's north, however, progress is much slower, as this NY Times report illustrates.

Entrepreneurs Rise in Ashes of India’s Caste System - NYTimes.com

A Very Curious IKEA UK Commercial

On Clean Energy, China Skirts Rules

China is now the world's leading producer of solar panels and other key technologies to implement Green Power (above, a wind turbine made in China being unloaded at the port in Los Angeles).  It got that way through heavy government subsidies such as free land grants and low interest loans.  Those measures are not WTO-compliant, and today a U.S. union filed a complaint with the Obama administration, forcing it to open an investigation into Chinese practices into growing its green manufacturing industry.

On Clean Energy, China Skirts Rules - NYTimes.com

Sweden Is A Better Place To Do Business Than The U.S. - Great Speculations - Buys, holds, and hopes - Forbes

The World Economic Forum has released its annual ranking of the world's top ten most competitive economies.  A couple years ago, the United States ranked #1, a position it has held for a long time.  Then last year Switzerland took the top spot, leaving the U.S. in the #2 position.  This year, Sweden and Singapore have taken over the United States, leaving the U.S. in the #4 position.

Sweden Is A Better Place To Do Business Than The U.S. - Great Speculations - Buys, holds, and hopes - Forbes

Maersk to Use Cleaner Fuel in Hong Kong Shipping

Hong Kong has a pollution problem.  Air pollution there regularly soars above the levels deemed safe for humans by the World Health Organization.  A major contributor to the problem is the city's proximity to deep sea ports, and the ships that dock there.  Container ships that dock in Hong Kong as well as other Asian cities use bunker fuel, a cheap fuel that is high in sulfur and nitrogen.  When the same ships traverse European shipping lanes, however, they have to use a far cleaner low-sulfur fuel.  Now, Maersk shipping lines is voluntarily adopting the use of low-sulfur fuel for all its ships that dock in Hong Kong port.  The move will cost the company $1 million a year, and already other companies have said they will follow suit.  The most interesting thing about this story is that the Hong Kong government had nothing to do with this move to clean up the air.  It dd, however, issue a statement that it welcomed the move.

Maersk to Use Cleaner Fuel in Hong Kong Shipping - nytimes.com

Lack of Security Leads Japanese to Seek 2nd Jobs

An interesting phenomenon is taking shape in Japan, long known as the land of lifelong job security.  The workplace is transforming, more companies are willing to let workers go, and salaries have stagnated or declined. As a result, more and more Japanese, such as Hiroko Yokogawa (above), are taking on second and third jobs.  In fact, a startling 17% of workers between 20 and 50 have a side job.
Lack of Security Leads Japanese to Seek 2nd Jobs - NYTimes.com

Red Shirts Test Thai Limits

Months after a deadly government crackdown on Thai protesters, the "Red Shirts" are regrouping and re-organizing.  This weekend, they held a rally in Pattaya that drew 4000 people and featured a telephone call from their leader, ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.  Whether this means the Red Shirts will escalate their demands again or whether this is a limited display remains to be seen.  One thing's for sure -- efforts at healing and reconciliation in Thailand will remain slow and measured.

Red Shirts Test Thai Limits - WSJ.com

Hon Hai Looks to China's Interior

If you've never heard of Hon Hai before, you should. Hon Hai is the world's biggest electronics contract manufacturer. Its factories produce iPads, iPhones, and other PCs, videogame consoles, printers, cell phones and other electronics for Dell, HP, Sony, Nokia, and Nintendo. The company's revenue will reach $85 billion this year, and it has grown tremendously -- it is 30 times bigger than it was a decade ago, and this year has cut back it's forecast growth -- from a historical trend of 30% to "only" 15%. In China, Hon Hai is the largest private employer and the third largest employer overall. Now, the company is betting big in China, with plans to invest $3.5 billion in new facilities in China's inland. Within two years, 50% of Hon Hai's workers will be in inland China, up from 20% today. Eventually, the company expects it will have 1.5 million employees on its workforce.


Hon Hai Looks to China's Interior - WSJ.com

Toyota Feels Exchange-Rate Pinch as Rivals Gain

The Japanese Yen is at a 15-year high against the US dollar, and a 9 year high against the Euro.  While this makes it a nice time to be a Japanese tourist going to the U.S. or Europe, it's killing Japanese manufacturers like Canon and Sony.  For a large industrial powerhouse like Toyota, it's a real crisis.  Toyota, which imports 35% of its American-sold vehicles from Japan (Honda only imports 10%), is going to lose more money with currency losses than the massive recall it recently conducted to fix accelerator pedals.

For every yen that the Japanese currency gains in value against its assumed dollar rate of ¥90, Toyota says, it loses ¥30 billion, or $357 million, in operating profit. If the exchange rate stays at the current ¥84 to a dollar, Toyota’s operating profit for its financial year ending next March, which the company forecasts will reach ¥330 billion, could fall by half.

Toyota Feels Exchange-Rate Pinch as Rivals Gain - NYTimes.com

Currency Trading Hits $4 Trillion

Currency trading volume has hit a whopping $4 trillion worldwide, a 20% gain from the $3.3 trillion last recorded in 2007.

Currency Trading Hits $4 Trillion - WSJ.com

In China, Western Firms Keep Secrets Close

Cree, a North Carolina-based manufacturer of LED diodes and lights (above), continues to manufacture wafers in the United States even though it owns a factory in China.  Why?  Because of fears that the valuable intellectual property may fall into the hands of competitors or rivals willing to steal the technology.  More and more Western firms are following Cree's example as intellectual property theft and violations continue to be a serious problems for companies doing business in China.

In China, Western Firms Keep Secrets Close - WSJ.com

U.S. Likely to Find China Subsidized Aluminum

The U.S. Commerce Department is expected to announce tomorrow that China illegally subsidized about $550 million worth of extruded aluminum (aluminum squeezed into shapes like the window frames above), opening the door for higher duties as early as next week.


U.S. Likely to Find China Subsidized Aluminum - WSJ.com

In Toledo, the 'Glass City,' New Label: Made in China

In 1900, there were over 100 glassmakers in Toledo.  The Toledo Museum of Art is building a $30 million Glass Pavilion to reflect the legacy of America's "Glass City."  Unfortunately, none of the glass in the Museum of Art is made in Toledo -- it is all made in China.

In Toledo, the 'Glass City,' New Label: Made in China - WSJ.com

Protests Fan Hong Kong Anger Over Manila Killings

A tragedy unfolded last week when a fired police officer in Manila took a tourist bus full of visitors from Hong Kong hostage.  The crisis ended more than 12 hours later when the gunman started shooting at tourists and Filipino commandos began storming the bus in heavy rain.  Eight tourists died, as did the gunman.  Now, new details are emerging that are angering Hong Kong citizens, causing tens of thousands to march today in memory of those killed and to express anger at the Philippine government.  This is a real test for newly elected President of the Philippines, as his handling of this matter may determine the future success of one of his key economic strategies for future growth - promoting tourism especially among rich Asians such as those from Hong Kong.

Protests Fan Hong Kong Anger Over Manila Killings - NYTimes.com

New Dissent in Japan Is Loudly Anti-Foreign

 In famously polite Japan, a new wave of ultra-right citizens are protesting the presence of all things foreign, from Korean workers to Halloween.  The result is embarrassing for the majority of Japanese, and hopefully not a sign of things to come for visitors to Japan.

New Dissent in Japan Is Loudly Anti-Foreign - NYTimes.com

Outsourced Call Centers Return Home to the U.S.

The world is changing rapidly -- just a couple years ago, call center jobs were routinely outsourced to India and the Philippines. Now, falling wages in the U.S., rising wages in Asia, and customer satisfaction means that some call centers are returning home to the U.S.

After Upheaval, Not All Is Well With Thai Youth

As Thailand struggles to rebuild its economy and society after the deadly anti-government protests earlier this year, a new threat is emerging -- bored, listless, drug-addicted youth. Thailand's schools, permissive social attitudes, general disrespect for rule of law, and widespread availability of addictive drugs are all to blame, as this report points out.


After Upheaval, Not All Is Well With Thai Youth - NYTimes.com

How Big Really?

What would the Great Wall of China look like if it was built in the U.S.? How much area would the flooding in Pakistan cover if it is was in Ohio? These questions, and more, are depicted visually and with great effect by the BBC's new website, Dimensions. Some pretty cool stuff.

Flash Mob Hits Target

Cool Nissan Commercial from the EU

Southeast Asia Links Up to Compete

The average factory worker in Vietnam makes $136 a month, in Indonesia it's $129 a month. In China? $413 a month. As wages continue an upward spiral in China and the country moves further up the value chain, companies are scrambling to line up lower cost factories in Southeast Asia. Corruption and infrastructure problems continue to impede growth in the region, however.

Southeast Asia Links Up to Compete - WSJ.com

EU Ordered to Remove High-Tech Tariffs

The 1996 Information Technology Agreement required 70+ countries to reduce tariffs on high tech goods to 0%. The European Union refused to drop tariffs on three HTS categories: cable television boxes that also deliver Internet content, flat panel computer screens, and printers that can also scan, fax or copy. These products were subject to a tariff of 6-14%, leading to higher prices in the E.U. for imported products in these categories. In 2008, the U.S., Japan and Taiwan filed suit against the E.U. in the WTO arguing these tariffs were illegal, and this week the WTO handed the three countries a victory, ordering the EU to bring their tariffs into line with the agreement. The EU now has 60 days to appeal.


EU Ordered to Remove High-Tech Tariffs - WSJ.com

Mexico-U.S. Trucking Dispute Heats Up

Under NAFTA, the U.S. is required to permit semi trucks from Mexico on to U.S. highways, just like Canadian trucks are permitted. Under pressure from trade unions in the U.S., the Bush administration and now the Obama administration has resisted allowing Mexican trucks in, claiming they fail to meet U.S. safety standards. Mexico has now retaliated with tariffs on various U.S. products, including new tariffs announce this week on pork, certain cheeses, ketchup, chewing gum, dried and fresh apples, oranges, and pistachios. Mexico hopes targeting these industries, with powerful lobbying groups, will pressure these industries to press Washington to allow the trucks into the U.S.


Mexico-U.S. Trucking Dispute Heats Up - WSJ.com

Watch a 747 Get a New Paint Job

How do you make an aging 747 look brand new again? Get a new paint job of course! It's not quite as easy as going to Maaco, though, as this video aptly demonstrates.

Virgin Atlantic plane livery time-lapse movie from johnson banks on Vimeo.

The Rise of Text Messaging

Text messaging is quickly replacing email as a preferred form of communication, especially among teen girls, who send an average 100 text messages a day (compared to their male counterparts, who text 30 times a day or adults over 18, who text 10 times a day). Companies who understand this can reach a key demographic. In spite of that, the U.S. still lags the rest of the world. Check out the graphic and the link below for more information.


The Rise of Text Messaging

Japanese Retailer's New Policy: 'English Spoken Here'

What is the universal language of business? English of course! In Japan, Rakuten is joining a growing list of companies that moving to an English-only policy even for Japanese employees. The movement is driven by the desire to expand overseas and attract/retain top talent.

Japanese Retailer's New Policy: 'English Spoken Here' - WSJ.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Foreign Schools Court U.S. Professors

This is Dr. Xu Bin, a former tenured professor at the University of Florida's Warrington School of Business. He left his position there to become a faculty member at China Europe International Business School in 2003 in Shanghai. He becomes part of a growing number of foreign-born U.S. business school professors being lured overseas by more competitive salaries, lighter course loads, more research time, and access to emerging economies.


Foreign Schools Court U.S. Professors - WSJ.com

Bumpy Ride Ahead for Air Industries

Airlines are consolidating and becoming more efficient. Airfares are going lower. Temporarily stored planes are being dusted off and returned to service. This is good news for airlines, but not good news for Boeing and Airbus, who after decades of bitter competition are facing new market realities about their future. A bruising WTO battle that has drawn blood from both sides, plus renewed competition from Bombardier, are adding to their problems.

Special Report - Aviation - Bumpy Ride Ahead for Air Industries

Bulldozers Meet Historic Quarters in Beijing, to Mixed Reaction

The Gulou neighborhood, just north of the Forbidden City, is one of the few undeveloped areas left in Beijing. It's famous for its brick towers where drums and bells help locals tell the time. All that will change soon, when the government sends in bulldozers to redevelop the area into the "Beijing Time Cultural City." Not everyone is happy with this latest redevelopment plan.

Beijing Journal - Bulldozers Meet Historic Quarters in Beijing, to Mixed Reaction - NYTimes.com

Coke, Pepsi Grab for Pakistani Market Share

It's easy to forget, with news media obsessed with stories involving death and destruction, that Pakistan and India remain important emerging markets poised for growth. Pakistan, with 175 million people, is larger than many Asian countries attracting FDI, so it's only natural that companies are beginning to pay closer attention to it. Coke and Pepsi are always early entrants into emerging markets, but in Pakistan Pepsi had an early-mover advantage, with 80% market share in the late 1990's. Coke has now set its sights on conquering Pepsi. There's tremendous room for growth -- Pakistan's per-capita consumption of Coke is 15 bottles per year, while in Mexico (Coke's top per-capita market), it's a whopping 665 bottles per head.

Coke, Pepsi Grab for Pakistani Market Share - WSJ.com

Retailers Push Apparel Suppliers for Shorter Lead-Time

Most clothes Americans wear are made in China. This means that the folks who design and make the clothes (retailers such as Aeropostale, Gap, Abercrombie, etc) have to place their orders with Chinese factories about nine months ahead of time in order to make manufacturing and shipping deadlines. That model doesn't work, however, in an uncertain economy where the consumer may or may not buy a particular line. Incorrect forecasting means lots of discounted items after a "fashion miss" which is not good for profits or the brand. Retailers are therefore turning to "chasing" where they purposely under-order lines to see how they do on the floor first. If the line is successful, they press suppliers for more product. This has caused some suppliers in turn to respond by pushing up prices and passing on more costs to the retailers.

Retailers Push Apparel Suppliers for Shorter Lead-Time - WSJ.com

FedEx Looks to 777s to Deliver an Edge

In the globalized economy, moving goods quickly between producer and customer is a key ingredient to success. FedEx is hoping to help make that transaction happen by developing and purchasing its own version of Boeing's 777 airliner, outfitted as a cargo plane. FedEx is the only shipper to purchase the 777, allowing it to carry heavy cargo between Asia and the U.S. without a fuel stop in Alaska. The result is that Chinese factories can work three extra hours and still make next day U.S. delivery. FedEx hopes this gives them the competitive edge as the shipper of choice for time critical shipments.

FedEx Looks to 777s to Deliver an Edge - WSJ.com

China Begins Planning for Slower Growth Future

Is China slowing down? All signs indicate the answer is yes. After an extraordinary period of economic expansion, lasting longer and reaching higher than most of human history, the economy is starting to slow down as the supply of cheap and ready labor begins to dry up. A major report on the future of China's economy at the link.


China Begins Planning for Slower Growth Future - WSJ.com

Happy Independence Day

What do you get when you combine the words of the Declaration of Independence with your favorite NPR hosts? Some spine-tingling moments, that's what. Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Chinese Tourists Flock to Japan

Last year, China became Japan's top export market, replacing the United States. Rising wages and an emerging middle class means more and more Chinese can afford to buy Japanese goods, and in the next logical step, visit Japan as tourists. In response, Japan has relaxed visa restrictions for Chinese citizens, which will allow a tenfold increase in the number of Chinese tourists to Japan. No surprise -- on average, Chinese tourists outspend Taiwanese and American tourists combined on trips to Japan.

Chinese Tourists Flock to Japan - WSJ.com

Thailand Targets Financial Backers of Red Shirt Demonstrations

In the wake of Red Shirt riots that tore Bangkok apart earlier this summer and led to multiple deaths, the Thai government has been cracking down on the funding sources for the red shirt protests, including many business owners tied to or sympathetic with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, seen as a key catalyst behind the protests.

Thailand Targets Financial Backers of Red Shirt Demonstrations - WSJ.com

Danone Expands Its Pantry to Woo the World's Poor - WSJ.com

Is it possible to make a profit selling a tube of yogurt for 10 cents in Senegal? Or a 15 cent sealed cup of water in Mexico? French dairy giant Danone is experimenting with these products at these price points, both to grow their base of consumers in emerging markets and as part of social responsibility efforts. Only the future will tell whether these efforts will provide a return to the company.


Danone Expands Its Pantry to Woo the World's Poor - WSJ.com

Careful Not to Backstroke Over the Edge of Singapore

The Sands resort in Singapore is open, and it includes a deck that spans across the top of the three towers that make up the resort and hotel complex. The deck includes the world's highest infinity pool and costs $20 for visitors to visit it. That has to be a thrilling swim.

Careful Not to Backstroke Over the Edge of Singapore

Taiwan, China to Sign Trade Pact

Taiwan and China, still formally in a state of war, have agreed to sign a far reaching trade agreement that will lower tariffs on important industrial goods and open sectors such as banking to greater liberalization and competition. In the process, greater stability and perhaps even a peace accord may be in the cards.

Taiwan, China to Sign Trade Pact - WSJ.com

In Muslim Malaysia, 'Young Imam' Is the Show to Watch

Malaysia has always been home to a more tolerant form of Islam than most Americans are familiar with. As evidence, one of the hottest TV shows there now looks like "American Idol" where contestants vie with each other for a grand prize. The prize here is to become an imam at a mosque, and to prove their worth the contestants have to demonstrate their knowledge of Islam and Islamic rites.

In Muslim Malaysia, 'Young Imam' Is the Show to Watch - WSJ.com

Growing Organic in China

As affluence increases in China, more consumers are becoming more aware about the attraction of organic food. This is leading to a dramatic increase in organic farming in China, both for export and domestic consumption.

India’s Clogged Rail Lines Stall Economic Progress

India faces a severe infrastructure problem. For example, a standard container can sail from Singapore to Mumbai in 4-5 days, but that same container will take 2 weeks to travel to New Delhi at a cost three times of its sea voyage from Singapore. The main problem is railways, the backbone of India's transportation infrastructure. The system moved 7 billion passengers and 830 million tons of cargo last year, but slow expansion and modernization are severely crimping India's economy, as
this online video demonstrates.

India’s Clogged Rail Lines Stall Economic Progress - NYTimes.com

P&G Makes Push in India

Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble is facing slumping sales in the U.S. and Europe, and is therefore targeting developing markets like India. The packaged goods industry is growing at over 12% a year there. Among the brands being pushed are Olay and Pampers. Challenges include razor-thin margins, price competition with bigger competitor Unilever, and convincing small grocery store owners to carry bulky diapers.

P&G Makes Push in India - WSJ.com

Myanmar's Golden Pond

As globalization reaches to far corners of the world, it brings visitors and tourists to remote regions. They bring money and a worldview that locals crave, but they also leave behind accelerating changes that eventually may lead to the destruction of centuries-old lifestyles. Cambodia and Tibet are familiar with this destruction, and now Myanmar's Inle Lake may be next in line. The lake has is shrinking, and tourists are very much to blame, as this report points out.


Myanmar's Golden Pond - WSJ.com

Rising Costs Force Apparel Makers to Look Beyond China

China has the reputation of being the world's factory, where insanely low labor rates make it attractive to make things for consumers. As the economy matured, however, it was only a matter of time before other countries started to look cheaper than China.

This is already happening in the labor-intensive apparel industry. A lot of Coach bags are made in China since labor is cheap there. So are products made for Ann Taylor and Guess. Recent wage increases in China, however, are forcing these manufacturers to look at India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia as alternatives.

Rising Costs Force Apparel Makers to Look Beyond China - WSJ.com

High-End Tailor Zegna's Marco Polo Moment

The market for luxury goods in China seems insatiable. Most Americans have probably never heard of Ermenegildo Zegna, a high-end Italian menswear maker and retailer. Suits start at $1000, and bespoke garments run from $3800 to $8500. Its biggest market is now China, and Zegna has 60 boutiques on the mainland, where luxury spending is expected to grow another 15 percent this year.

High-End Tailor Zegna's Marco Polo Moment - BusinessWeek

Revealed: Japan’s bribes on whaling

Japan is trying to convince the international community to lift the ban on commercial whaling. In order to gain some smaller countries' votes, officials have been promising aid to the countries. When that fails, they've taken to offering cash and prostitutes for the votes, as this newspaper report reveals.


Revealed: Japan’s bribes on whaling - Times Online

Rent a White Guy

There are times that I think the Chinese are on their way to developing a sophisticated domestic-driven economy based on quality, cost control, and marketing. Then, at other times, I realize that the Chinese have some way to go still. Image, and "face," are still more important sometimes than cost or profit. This article is a great example. It's about a phenomenon in China where white guys are asked to do nothing other than put on a suit and go to a meeting, so that the Chinese company looks like they have Western connections. Crazy stuff.

Rent a White Guy - Magazine - The Atlantic

New BP Logo, Anyone?

BP cannot be happy about this contest.

A Well-Wired Hong Kong Offers a Link to the Dead

Hong Kong is one of the most wired societies in the world, with lightning-fast Internet access available for low prices. It's also a society that takes death very seriously, with a national holiday dedicated to sweeping out tombs of ancestors. Put the two together, and you get a government-run website to memorialize and remember the dead.

A Well-Wired Hong Kong Offers a Link to the Dead - NYTimes.com

Long Road to Adulthood Is Growing Even Longer

If you're in your late 20's and still live with your parents and haven't launched a career or marriage yet, don't feel so bad about yourself. Apparently a generational shift is taking place in the United States, a fundamental change that is making young adults more young and less adult. Hit the link for an explanation.

Long Road to Adulthood Is Growing Even Longer - NYTimes.com

Chinese Strikers Win Raises

China has long been known as the place for cheap labor. The Chinese government is trying to change that with passage of tough new labor laws, in an attempt to wean the economy off exports and create a consumer-driven domestic economy. Those efforts are paying off, as workers begin demanding wage increases all across the country. In some cases, the increases are dramatic -- double digit strong, and on top of increases within the last six months.

Chinese Strikers Win Raises - WSJ.com

Apple Strives for Global Markets

When iPhone 4 is released in the U.S. this month, the world will watch with envy as it usually does as U.S. consumers get first dibs on the latest Apple candy. This time, though, they won't have to wait too long for their own turn -- 88 countries will have iPhone 4 by September, the fastest international rollout for Apple ever. France, U.K., Germany and Japan will all get iPhone 4 at the same time as the U.S. It's an indication of how important the international market is for Apple now. 55% of iPhone sales are now outside the U.S., with triple digit growth in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Apple Strives for Global Markets - WSJ.com

Emirates Orders 32 Airbus A380

The United Arab Emirates is tiny -- Dubai's population is only 3.5 million. So why would the state-owned airline Emirates order 32 more giant double-decker A380's, making it the sole operator of roughly 40% of A380's worldwide? The answer is that Emirates is taking aim at traffic from other countries' traffic rights. Its latest target is Lufthansa and the huge German market -- by placing the order with Airbus (Germany is a huge shareholder in the Airbus parent company), Emirates is daring Germany to open the market and stop protecting Lufthansa. In doing so, Emirates may be re-writing the rules of open competition in the airline industry.


Emirates Orders 32 Airbus A380 - WSJ.com

What do iPhone 4 and Jane Lynch have in common?

I especially like the reference to Singapore and caning!

Changes in China Could Raise Prices Worldwide

FoxConn is nearly doubling wages in its China factory in response to withering criticisms about worker conditions and suicides. Honda is increasing wages at a key Chinese plant by 24% to settle a crippling two-week strike. The RMB is about to appreciate. A strict labor law is coming into force. The government wants to stimulate domestic consumption and reduce dependence on exports as a source of growth. All this points to one thing -- China is eventually stop going be the "world's factory" as prices for Chinese-made goods begin a slow and irreversible climb, as this important NYT story illustrates.



Changes in China Could Raise Prices Worldwide - NYTimes.com

BMW JOY 3D: Asia's 1st Interactive 3D Building Projection

Xinhua Official Shares Details of China’s News Cleanups

Xinhua is the official news agency in China. A senior official recently gave a speech admitting that Xinhua's primary mission isn't to report the news, but to maintain peace and harmony and social stability. As an example, when China's first astronaut returned from space he had blood all over his face from a busted lip (above). Workers cleaned him up, sealed the capsule again, and then when the cameras were rolling opened up the capsule as if they were doing it for the first time.


Xinhua Official Shares Details of China’s News Cleanups - NYTimes.com

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