· April, 2010

Stories about Economics & Business from April, 2010

Bermuda: Campaign Finance

  30 April 2010

“I agree that political funding in Bermuda needs reform but doubt that our politicians – in any of the three tribes – have the stomach to tackle it”: Vexed Bermoothes thinks it's “because the disclosure of campaign contributions is just scratching the surface…”

China: Swiss army knife, meet the PLA super shovel

  30 April 2010

It chops, saws, snips, rips through clay rock, helps you up cliffs and slices your potatoes: it's the People's Liberation Army multifunction shovel. Seen here in this limited speed viral video, order yours today by calling this number — FREE SHIPPING WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

Ukraine: Chaotic Ratification of the Gas-for-Fleet Deal

  29 April 2010

Below is some of the Anglophone blog commentary on the ratification of the Ukrainian-Russian gas-for-fleet deal, which took place in a chaotic environment on April 27 in Kyiv. Among other things, security guards were forced to employ two umbrellas to shelter the parliament speaker from the eggs hurled at him by opposition members.

Cuba: It's the Economy

  28 April 2010

“You can count on one hand the number of foreign investors who have kept their businesses in Cuba”: Iván's File Cabinet thinks that the Cuban economy is sinking.

Bermuda: Lack of Governance

  28 April 2010

Vexed Bermoothes calls the extension of a hotel's lease to 120 years “stunning”, adding: “This is a failure in governance and in accountability.”

Egypt: Gearing up for May 2 Protests

Egyptian blogger Zeinobia is urging her readers to mark May 2 on their calendars. A massive sit-in is being planned to call for a higher minimum wage in front of the Egyptian Cabinet. The official minimum wage has been LE35 ($6) for the last 26 years.

Ukraine: Russian Black Sea Fleet Stays On in Crimea

  27 April 2010

236 Ukrainian MPs (UKR) have voted in favor of the ratification of an agreement allowing the Russian Black Sea Fleet to extend its stay in Crimea until 2042. Ukrainska Pravda posts a selection of photos and video (UKR) of fighting and egg-throwing inside the parliament building this morning. On Twitter,...

Ecuador: Latest Unemployment Figures

  27 April 2010

The National Institute of Statistics and Census released its quarterly report about unemployment in Ecuador. Some are investigating the causes for the increase in unemployment and how the government plans to address the situation.

Martinique: Hi-tech, High cost

  27 April 2010

Martinican Bondamanjak is stunned at the price of Apple's iPad on the island. Comments to the post tackle the link between insularity, high prices and limited choice of products, consumer credits and the relevance of such devices considering the digital divide.

PR career in China

  26 April 2010

Imagethief has written some advices for young foreigners who want to build a PR career in China.

China: New real estate policy hits market

  26 April 2010

A new housing policy in China issued on April 17 is being called “the strictest in history.” The State Council has requested a steep increase in down payments on loans for second homes.

Haiti: Food Aid

  22 April 2010

A mainstream media news story which highlights “the problems posed by continued food aid to Haiti”, grabs the attention of Ellen in Haiti, who says: “The problem with the article is that it just talks about food aid….in Port au Prince. There is so much else in Haiti that needs...