Stories about Economics & Business from March, 2006
Bermuda: E-commerce Obstacles
“High cost of living; small size; restrictive immigration policy; poor state education system; lack of IT professionalism and work ethic issues; reliance of IT sector on expats; prohibitive telecoms costs; shortage of accommodation; expensive airfares; “political instability” and racial tension; punitive and indiscriminate customs duties; and the Island's location in...
Cuba: Inner tube
Pac Mclaurin posts a lovely photo of a Cuban fisherman, his girlfriend, and the “pneumático” or inner tube which is his fishing vessel.
South Korea: general strike
Joshua from The Korea Liberator examines the relevant labor issues leading up to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ general strike planned for next week.
Indonesia: the military's business empire
Indonesia Today says the armed forces is so powerful that it has amassed its own business empire that include interests in luxury hotels, golf courses and commercial banks. The military has promised to divest itself of such interests. The sale of its share in one of these banks is valued...
Tourism, Islamic Vietnam & Blogs
IranMehr (Persian) talks about tourism industry problems in Iran. He writes despite country’s attractiveness such as historical monuments, ancient villages, ecosystems…He talks also about government’s politics to attract 20 million tourists to Iran whose share of global tourism revenue has been less that 1 percent. According to him: “How Iranian...
Kenyan Sphere Dispatch
After the kenyan government raid on standard newspaper early this month, (Something that was covered by MSM around the world), there was talk in Kenya of mercenaries operating in Kenya. Nationmedia (free subscription) had an interview with one of the Artur brothers. The mystery of their involvement can be confusing....
Ethiopia: Permanently in debt?
Weichegud!ET comments on the waste of aid money to Ethiopia which has not alliviated poverty and the country is in the midst of yet another drought. She asks why does Ethiopia want to be a “permanent welfare mother” “International aid comes with more strings attached to it than Donald Trump’s...
Zimbabwe: Mining & Financial sectors
Eddie Cross writing in Zimbabwean Pundit comments on the mining and financial services sector in Zimbabwe which has survived Zanu PF but have been battered and bruised in the process.
Mongolia: Ivanhoe's Muscle
Shards of Mongolia notes that former US Secretary of State James Baker has paid a visit to Mongolia's prime minister and minister of trade and industry on behalf of Ivanhoe Mines. Shards of Mongolia says that the government absolutely must resist this pressure.
Turkmenistan: Agreement
Writing at neweurasia, Peter discusses the agreement between Turkmenistan and Ukraine to settle gas debts and says Russia looks to be the winner in the dispute.
Philippines: More on Rent Control
Another Hundred Years Hence responds to a reader, a Filipino-American who owns some apartment buildings in New York, who argues that rent control may help the urban poor stay in cities and protect them from gentrification.
Hong Kong: Scary Superman
The biggest threat to Hong Kong's democracy, security and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is none other than Li “Superman” Ka-shing, argues Tom Legg at Daai Tou Laam.
Ukraine: Tymoshenko and the Economy
Scott W. Clark of Foreign Notes describes what it might be like for Ukrainian economy if Yulia Tymoshenko becomes prime minister again. LEvko posts a Monday update following Sunday's parliamentary vote.
Cayman Islands: But the old brooms know the corners
OddBlog sings the praises of the older staff members at the Reef Resort.
Barbados: Friends in high places and Human Rights Treaty
Barbados Free Press reports that a friend of a government minister has been receiving lucrative contracts for consulting on dance and choreography, and is concerned that the new Human Rights Treaty being drafted by CARICOM promotes an agenda that is primarily economic.
Belize: An oil producer?
Melody reports that oil has been discovered in commercial quantities in Belize. Her report also quotes the measured and practical responses of government spokespersons to the discovery.
Polish Blogosphere Update
Apparently, according to Real Warsaw, Poland is single-handedly styming EU progress. Poland's recently elected populist government isn't seen as a solution since future-oriented policies appear off the table. However, according to Bernski in the comments section, the problems may be deeper than a newly elected government — shibboleths such as...
Africa: We Can't Blame Everything on the West
Le Pangolin writes (FR): “So long as we fail to entertain critiques of our destructive ways, we will always be dominated by the West. Imagine for a moment all Africans living in Europe creating investment funds; they could then purchase on [various] stock markets the very companies that determine the...
Costa Rica: Constitutional Court Kills New Tax Plan
Libertarian expat Jacqueline Passey is gleeful that Costa Rica's high court rejected a proposed, new tax plan.
Thailand, Singapore: Crashing Investment
Singapore Election Watch reposts a forum comment by someone pointing out that the value of state-owned Temasek Holdings’ controversial investment in Thailand's Shin Corp. — which triggered a political crisis in Bangkok — has plummeted, costing Singaporeans $2.21 billion in three days.
China: Rabbis wanted
The Opposite End of China streams a clip from the NPR program “Marketplace” about an increase in demand for the services of rabbis in China, who can certify kosher food.
