Stories about Economics & Business from September, 2015
China's State-Owned Enterprise Reform Is Missing the Point, Economists Argue
China is launching a reform of its state-owned enterprises, but economists argue the plan is too conservative and won't help address the issues of pervasive corruption and market dominance.
Consumers and Activists Take Action in Singapore to Stop Haze Pollution
"As consumers, we can contribute towards our collective fight against haze pollution by making informed and responsible purchases."
Twitter Users from Around the World Show Off Ukrainian Foods in Their Local Grocery Stores
Ukraine’s Agriculture Minister asked his Twitter followers to post photos of products made in Ukraine from grocery stores around the world to show the scope of the country's agricultural exports.
Most Bangladeshi Garment Workers Are Women, But Their Union Leaders Weren't—Until Now
Recent disasters in Bangladesh's garment industry have left hundreds of workers dead or injured. Women workers are taking more of a leadership role in the struggle to unionize.
What Could a Protest of Taxi Drivers in Lisbon and Jakarta Possibly Have in Common? Uber!
Uber is challenging the taxi business concept all around the world. Portuguese taxi drivers are reacting very seriously: with protests. The same is happening in Indonesia.
Russia's Favorite Beer-Eating Patriot Has Now Burned, Eaten, and Stomped on 20,000 ‘Dollars’
This week, Baretsky burned up, chewed up, stomped on, and then sprayed with beer a stack of dollars and euros. He said it was about $20,000—his supposed life savings.
Photos Show How Badly the Haze Is Affecting Southeast Asia
As a forest fire sends a thick haze above Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, face masks have become the fashion du jour for those venturing outdoors.
A Hong Kong Business Magnate ‘Runs Away’. Chinese Netizens Ask, Why Shouldn't He?
In an article that was quickly removed, a think tank affiliated with the Chinese government slammed Li Ka Shing for moving his business away from Hong Kong and mainland China.
Why the Start-Up Pitch in Zimbabwe Is a ‘Waste of Time’
Chief K.Masimba Biriwasha, a communications officer for HIVOS (full disclosure: HIVOS is one of Global Voices’ sponsors) explains why Zimbabwe must ditch the start-up pitch: The start-up pitch, which involves making a rapid fire presentation of an idea followed by a question and answer session involving selected judges, is increasingly a...
Haze Returns to Southeast Asia as Indonesia's Forest Fires Reach Critical Level
Smoke from forest fires in Indonesia has led to hazy skies in Malaysia and Singapore as well. Social media users reacted with concerns about health and jokes about "Haze Runner."
#NoVatOnEducation Student Movement Is on the Rise in Bangladesh
“Constitution requires free universal education, but government proposes tax on education.” A new value-added tax on private university tuition meets with disapproval and mass protests in Bangladesh.
In Northern Thailand, Massage Training Gives Female Prisoners a Second Chance
Every day, a line of customers wait patiently to book massage appointments at the Vocational Training Center. Slots fill up quickly, and many people are told to try again tomorrow.
More and More, India's Youth Are Swapping TV for Online Entertainment
Lack of relevant material which Indian youth can connect with coupled with the increasing number of Internet users in India mean that more people are turning to entertainment online.
Could Privatization Clean Out the Corruption in China's State-Owned Enterprises?
Liu Shengjun, a well-know economist and opinion leader, has audaciously called for the privatization of state-owned enterprises, a taboo idea given China's commitment to the idea of collective ownership.
For Animals and Their Humans, Love Speeds the Post-Quake Recovery in Nepal
From the outside, it’s easy to reduce livestock to economics, and that’s certainly one aspect of their existence. But they’re also members of the family.
A Syrian Refugee Wants to Crowdfund His Own Restaurant in Brazil
Syrian refugee Talal Al-Tinawi is making his new Brazilian dream come true by crowdfunding to open a Syrian-Lebanese restaurant to share his love for cooking with the locals.
Why Some Consider ‘Brand Jamaica’ a Problematic Idea
"It’s a matter of some irony that despite this history of inhumane servitude...Jamaica would develop in the 21st century into a country that fetishizes brands and branding."
‘Maximizing the Good, Hiding the Bad': How Poverty and Welfare Are Measured in Uzbekistan
In Uzbekistan, poverty has many different faces. Some of them are obscured from view.
Tech Communities in Francophone Africa Rise to the Challenge of Their Anglophone Counterparts
French-speaking Africa has been remarkably absent from the flurry of media coverage on "Silicon Savannah." But the emergence of promising new projects in tech innovation mean that may soon change.
