Stories about Economics & Business from June, 2012
Sri Lanka: Mobile Payment System Launched
Indi.ca informs that the Sri Lankan Central Bank has given permission to launch mobile payment systems in Sri Lanka for the first time.
Russia: Interview with Jesse Heath of The Russia Monitor
As an American lawyer and Anglophone blogger writing about Russia, Jesse Heath's work is distinct for its detailed focus on technical aspects of Russian law, economics, and politics. Kevin Rothrock recently spoke with Heath by telephone, to learn more about his history as a blogger and his contributions to the RuNet.
Lebanon: Beirut Most Expensive City in Middle East
Blog Baladi shares this advice: “Beirut has become so expensive that even expats no longer can afford it. Maybe we should stop building 1000 square meters apartments for Arabs to rent/buy and start building reasonable flats with rational prices for Lebanese and the average tourist.”
Spain: 15M Presents Legal Complaint Against Bankia
The 15M has presented a legal complaint before the National Audience against commercial fraud committed by Bankia executives. Social media have played a key role in the campaign.
Bulgaria: Protests Against Forest Act in Sofia
For two days, June 13 and 14, Bulgaria's capital Sofia was blocked due to the unsanctioned protests against the modification of the vague Forest Act. The third rally is scheduled to take place today. Ruslan Trad reports.
Development Model for Myanmar
Myat Thu Pan discusses the possible development model for Myanmar by studying the development histories of Singapore and Thailand. The author advises Myanmar to learn from the mistakes of its neighbors in the region
Mozambique: NGO Launches “Corporate Interests” Transparency Platform
Mozambican NGO Centro de Integridade Pública (Public Integrity Center) [pt] released on June 12, 2012, the transparency database Interesses Empresariais (Corporate Interests) [pt]. This participatory platform aims to make the profiles of corporations and public figures more accessible, as well as to show their connections with the so-called Nomenklatura and national...
Nepal: The Confusion With MRP
Passu writes about the inconsistent retail prices printed on the products in Bhutanese market which lead to overcharging consumers.
Vietnam: Vanishing Green Space in Ho Chi Minh City
Backwater Views writes about the “severe lack of green space” in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The author cites a report that the city lost 50 percent of its green spaces between 1998-2008.
Croatia: President Josipovic Uses Facebook to Invite IT Investor Group
President Ivo Josipović used Facebook to invite an IT investor group to Croatia and Southeast Europe, showing that the region is ready for innovation and development. Danica Radisic reports.
Cuba: Economic Deja Vu?
A few Cuban bloggers have been voicing their economic concerns - and wondering whether the island's recent reforms, some of which include a more open approach to self-employment - could translate into political change as well.
Trinidad & Tobago: The People & the Prado
“The Audi people must be thanking their good fortune that politicians and their stooges prefer Toyota”: aka_lol explains “why Prados now suck”.
Myanmar: Concern About Inflation
Netizens expressed[my] their concern about inflation with the release of 10000 kyats note after the formal announcement[my] of the Myanmar government.
Spain: Crowdfunding Against the Impunity of the Banks
In view of the indifference of the government and the district attorney’s office to investigate the management of Bankia by it's ex chairman, Rodrigo Rato, people in Spain raised money from donations to submit a complaint before the court. In 24 hours, more than the €15, 000 (Euros) of the required funds were raised, resulting in the collapse for a few hours of the crowdfunding website.
Cameroon: Electric Dreams for Development by 2035
Cameroon hopes to reach the status of emerging market by 2035 through a series of “great achievements” in transport and energy infrastructure development. It's a deadline that fails to convince many commentators, if only because the challenges are so great.
Pakistan: Exploding Population And Depleting Resources
Saad Hirani sheds a light on the population explosion in Pakistan and the bleak future it shows with depleting resources.
Zambia Fixes Maize Price Again, Flustering World Bank
Increases in the price of maize, a staple food of Zambia, has previously led citizens to riot and even stage a government coup. Despite warnings from the World Bank that it will damage the agriculture sector, Zambian leaders continue to fix the floor price.
India: Renewing The Solar Pledge On World Environment Day
On World Environment Day, India, amidst growing concerns of energy security and climate change, renews its pledge to harness solar power in search of cleaner, renewable energy.
Tunisia: Netizens Voice Frustration Over Slow Legislature
Tunisian netizens are turning to their keyboards and touch screens to voice their frustration with the performance of their representatives at the country's Constituent Assembly. Six months after their election, Members of Parliament and government officials seem to be having serious challenges meeting the people's various, and often exaggerated, expectations.
Mozambique: A train journey tweeted in photos
Mozambican journalist Hermínio José Doce has been tweeting a train journey in southern Mozambique. His photos document the way charcoal vendors arrive in the city of Maputo, supplying residents with cooking fuel.
Mexico, USA: Who Will Pay the Price for Wal-Mart's Corruption?
One of the largest corporations in the world, Walmart, is taking a hit after evidence surfaced that their Mexican subsidiary paid $24 million US dollars of bribes to Mexican officials between 2002-2005.
