Weekend Hits
Things you might find interesting, but I haven’t had the time or inclination to blog about:
- Interesting that Google’s threat to withdraw from the Chinese market received very little coverage in China while it made headlines elsewhere. The only comments I have seen out of China come from people who appear to have found ways around the Great Firewall. In fact, the New York Times has a good article up about the world market for software that gets around government censorship.
- The January 2010 edition of National Geographic is a must read. The article on Asia’s illicit wildlife trade reveals the arrogance of the traders and the apparent complicity of some governments. The story is an indictment of Malaysia’s government in particular. This is the sort of thing that gives all business a bad name.
- The same issue of the National Geographic gives an update on how Singapore works. Should be of interest to anybody thinking about doing business in S.E. Asia.
- I have been skeptical about the China-ASEAN free trade agreement that went into effect January 1 - and some businesses in the ASEAN countries are in open opposition, fearing Chinese competition in their home markets. On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Indonesia has asked for a delay in going to zero duties for Chinese textiles, steel and chemicals. Some are lobbying in Jakarta to get an exemption for clothing, toys and electronic goods. I imagine Indonesian smugglers, and those they pay off, fear for their business.
- Hawaii is a small business state, so I was struck by European Union data on the percentage of privately-owned firms that have less than 250 employees. They show the United States at only 49%, compared to the EU at 70% and Japan with 67%. I recall being told once by a Brussels Eurocrat that small business is a disease, and that the EU would be the doctor to cure it. Hmmm … the vaccine must still be in the lab.
- Luxury car sales are picking up in India according to Time Magazine. I was intrigued that BMW had to change its marketing in India. Instead of emphasizing their vehicles’ driving prowess, they stress how comfortable the backseats are. Rich car owners in India don’t drive, but hire others to do that for them.
- Mainstream media, most bloggers and populist politicians all love to denigrate big business – and the condemnations are too often deserved. So give them credit when they do things right. Take a look at the Huffington Post‘s list of the contributions by major corporations for Haitian relief. Many of the companies we love to vilify are stepping up to the plate. By my count, they have pumped in more than $18 million and that is growing hourly. Have you stepped up?
