http://www.sourcing-from-china.com Sourcing from china review. china products sourcing,sourcing in china Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:39:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/establishment-and-operations-of-investment-centre-for-economic-and-cultural-relations-between-pr-china-and-the-lusophone-countries/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/establishment-and-operations-of-investment-centre-for-economic-and-cultural-relations-between-pr-china-and-the-lusophone-countries/#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:24:11 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/establishment-and-operations-of-investment-centre-for-economic-and-cultural-relations-between-pr-china-and-the-lusophone-countries/ Background

The Lusophone countries ( Portugal, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guine – Bissau, Angola Mozambique and East Timor) are a unique group of states and regions, spread all over the world, with common language and cultural heritage and at the same time – with diverse levels of economic development and institutional capacity.

Among these States and Regions the Special Administrative Region of Macau plays an unique and important role – it offers the PRC a unique platform for global outreach, investment opportunities and developmental activities. Because of its position in the history of economic and cultural relations between China and Portugal, it can serve as a genuine bridge between cultures that are otherwise quite different.

 

People’s Republic of China is rapidly expanding the global ambitions. China is an interesting – and increasingly important economic and cultural partner of many countries. China’s relations with third countries in an increasingly integral part of China’s globalization process and is considered an essential part of the world’s economic and cultural center. Astonishing economic growth, a thousand-year tradition, the growing volume of Chinese companies and institutions from China’s economic growth is indispensable. But the effectiveness of economic relations is directly related to a knowledge and understanding of the economic, political and cultural context of each country. With this regard an important role in Macau as a launching pad for China’s economic and development policy initiatives to combat the Lusophone world to play. To facilitate this, the cultural and economic exchange, economic and cultural relations between the EIC between China and the Lusophone countries was established to:

 

To stimulate and facilitate the cultural and economic cooperation between China and the Lusophone Countries by creating a permanent platform of intercultural dialogue and by supporting initiatives between China and the Portuguese speaking countries  through research, education, debate and exchange between specialists from the areas involved.

Objectives:

 

Facilitation of economic and cultural cooperation is a process and not a goal by itself; therefore the activities of the Centre have to be viewed as a series of interrelated steps that are adapting to the reality and are at the same time striving to change it – to bring about a vision of the future where China and the Lusophone world work together to achieve economic prosperity, institutional effectiveness, mutual respect and understanding.

The initial objectives of the Centre for the year 2008-2009 are the following:

To build an institutional framework, where it will be possible to carry out meaningful Analysis of the economic, political, governance etc. situation in a given Lusophone country, including an analysis of the current status and the perspectives before the Country/China relations. . This would require a series of Country Studies to be carried out through a unified methodology, reviewing the most important aspects f the potential China/Country relations. It would be important to have the output of these studies translated into three languages – Chinese, Portuguese and English; the country studies will be regularly updated in order to reflect the changing reality.

To stimulate the exchange of experiences between China and the Lusophone countries through the following vehicles:

To implement a series of standardised yet reflecting the local specificity interventions in selected Lusophone countries both as a trust-building exercise and to initiate the cultural dialogue in order to “pave the way” for further deepening of the PRC-Country relations. The projects must have attainable and realistic goals and should be able to effectively make a difference in the given country.

Organizational Structure – The Precondition

In order to achieve our mission an organizational structure must be put in place to provide backstopping, expertise and support. The existence of such structure also guarantees the long-term sustainability and consistency of the project approaches. The following organizational Structure is proposed:

 

Programs Coordinator – Macau

Program Officer, Training

Program Officer, Analyses and Governance

Program Officer, Investments

Office support staff

 

National structures / coordinators maintain contact with the Academia, the Government and the Business

Stakeholders:

TIRI / PIEN, IIUM, Governments, Academia, Business

Programs Coordinator – Lusophone

 

The Centre will have a provisional office at the Inter University Institute of Macau – IIUM; thus being supported initially by IIUM staff and donors. This will minimize the initial start-up costs and will allow for more funds to be allocated for actual programmatic activities. To guarantee professional quality of the services of the Centre, though the number of the paid staff initially will be minimal, at least the position of the Programs Coordinator has to be filled. The Program Officer positions may be initially filled on voluntary basis; with Program officers based either in or outside Macau. With the expansion of the project activities, local (national) structures will have to be established. The transitional period may envisage also the position of a National Coordinator (voluntary or paid, depending on the availability of resources).

An important element of the Centre activities will be the distribution of a Magazine and building and maintenance of a web-site.

Proposed Interventions

 

Needs analysis and diagnostic surveys of selected Lusophone countries. This will be carried out by a team of experts – both international and local – that will initially develop a methodology and next will apply the methodology to selected Lusophone countries. The survey must address several specific issues :

 

 

 

Lusophone Masters Program – China relations, and research

Inter-University Institute of Macau offers a masters program in Lusophone studies, which can be repeated in all destination countries to pay due attention to the changes necessary to reflect local circumstances. The program includes, inter alia, issues of development, institutional capacity building, good governance, Portuguese and Chinese courses in music and art of China and Portuguese origin. They stimulate academic exchanges between China (Macau SAR), and Lusophone countries, and gives us a bridgehead for further action, as well as access to a large pool of experts.

 

 

 

Strengthening the public administration capacity of the Relevant Lusophone Country public administration through upgrading the existing means of communication within and outside the Government.

One of the most serious problems related to the expansion of the economic and cultural contacts is the lack of reliable information regarding the different Government procedures, laws and regulations. The Goal of this project would be to improve the access to Government information of the participating country to the rest of the world by building a series of Government web-sites, connected to a Government web-portal, where all the information will be available regarding the national legislation, procedures and practices, functions of the state bodies etc. In fact such a project may also be regarded as an initial step to building an effective e-government in the specific country. At least at the initial stage of the project the maintenance of the e-infrastructure (portals, sites etc as well as their content) must be outsourced when is no local capacity; simultaneously a process of building local capacity and local ownership must be put in place. Through this project we are not simply building web sites – we are creating an information web and we generate content that allows to access Government information; we build contacts in the respective country; we enhance the transparency of the country, support the efforts of the civil society in the country and facilitate the work of the potential investors, trade and professional associations.

 


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

30 years economic reforms in China: Market Analysis Process [Publisher]Force India F1, developing countries such as China remains the world SpectatorBrand Translation: Packaging Design Differences between China and the WestCultural Festival the Fifth China Shek Wan CeramicsThe Economic Role Of Agriculture In ChinaChinese-English bilingual education in kindergartens in China 2010 Cultural Festival – Kindergarten – [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/establishment-and-operations-of-investment-centre-for-economic-and-cultural-relations-between-pr-china-and-the-lusophone-countries/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/force-india-f1-developing-countries-such-as-china-remains-the-world-spectator/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/force-india-f1-developing-countries-such-as-china-remains-the-world-spectator/#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:19:06 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/force-india-f1-developing-countries-such-as-china-remains-the-world-spectator/ The Indian Formula One Racing team Force India, while yet to get of the bottom of the pile, came close to winning their first F1 points in Shanghai last week. The team sports the Indian flag as its team colors and has attracted sponsorship from Indian companies Kingfisher, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries and Kanyan Capital. Force India was formed after Indian businessmen Vijay Mallya and Michiel Mol bought the Spyker F1 team for US$115 million. The team races its own designed cars, powered by Mercedes-Benz, and was able to rise from 18th to as high as sixth with just 5 laps to go. What would have been the first points of the season for Force India slipped away when Adrian Sutil’s car hydroplaned off the track and into the tire wall. Force India has been in the hunt over the last few races, but a combination of bad luck and occasional driving mistakes has left them empty handed to date. With Delhi being added to the Grand Prix circuit in 2011, Force India are learning and may well be a team to reckon with by the time the Delhi Grand Prix arrives. The team has just signed a five year agreement with Mercedes for engines, and a partisan Indian crowd in Delhi may make a large impact at the event. The participation in, and rise to prominence of an Indian team in F1 is in marked contrast to China, which despite having hosted the F1 in Shanghai for the past few years, does not field a competing team. This is somewhat surprising, given that both China and India are poised to be the world’s largest auto markets in the next two to three years, with more vehicles having been sold last year in China than in the United States for the first time. The Chinese logic for hosting the event, but not participating, seems a little skewed. The Chinese government pays Formula One about US$50million each year to host the Shanghai event, yet the country has not followed that up with a competing presence, cars or drivers, in the rest of the series. The prices to attend the Shanghai event also seem bizarre if China wants to use it to promote its auto industry. Shanghai wages averaging at about US$500 a month, that’s equivalent to the price of the cheapest ticket on offer for the Shanghai F1. You’d need to charge US$4,000 to attend the Indianapolis 500 in the United States to achieve a similar disparity. So while Force India prepares the world for Indian cars and trucks – Tata having already acquired global brands Jaguar and Land Rover, and about to launch Tata as a brand name in Europe and the United States through the Nano and its trucking division – the Chinese are just not getting on board. It’s a curious state of affairs, especially since F1 have apparently re-signed with Shanghai to host the event for another seven years. US$50 million seems a lot to pay for a one off annual event that the local Chinese cannot generally afford to attend, in which no Chinese team participates, in a 17 race series which is broadcast globally and attracts hundreds of millions of viewers. Force India meanwhile are pushing forward at the top end the concept of Indian vehicles as reliable, and developing India as a manufacturing brand in auto that will assist its national auto manufacturers integrate into and penetrate international markets. I’d love to see a Chinese team participate in F1. But perhaps, while the Chinese auto industry remains largely under state ownership, a once-a-year Shanghai Grand Prix is deemed enough to promote the Chinese auto industry globally. If that is the case, the advent of Force India as a competing team may be a bridge too far for the Chinese state marketing strategists when it comes to developing Team China as a brand on which its domestic auto industry can begin to globally compete.


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

China’s economy: Implications for the World Trading System (Chatham House China Task Force Report Series)Why are China and India will soon dominate the world – the American political class are doing something about it?Why China and India Will Soon Dominate The World – Will The American Political Class Do Anything About It?The role of developing [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/force-india-f1-developing-countries-such-as-china-remains-the-world-spectator/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/outsourcing-services-from-developing-countries/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/outsourcing-services-from-developing-countries/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:21:00 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/outsourcing-services-from-developing-countries/ First of all, you have to understand what offshore outsourcing services really imply. Offshore outsourcing means that a company will be hiring another company to work on their business processes. The company that offers offshore outsourcing services will be doing the business process or part of the business process. Companies in developed countries, such as the United States, Canada, and European nations are now outsourcing their business process or part of their business process in order to save money. This is the primary reason why companies today are now outsourcing their business processes. Companies that offer outsourcing services are usually offshore or are located in other countries. Usually, countries from developing nations do this because of the high demand for outsourcing services from western countries. If you have a company, then outsourcing can be one of the best things that can happen to your business, in case you choose to outsource your business process in offshore companies. Besides, because you can save your company from spending a lot of money and at the same time fully function as a whole company, who wouldn’t want to get outsourcing services from offshore companies?By outsourcing, your company will be able to save significant amounts of money. This is because offshore companies, particularly in developing nations, charges only a fraction of the amount to get the job done compared to your own country. Developing nations that usually offers outsourcing services are China, the Philippines, Mexico, and India. These countries are considered to have such a low labor cost that companies from developed countries are considering hiring their services to get their business process work done. Another benefit of outsourcing for your company is that it can take heavy workloads off and divide it to offshore companies to do part of your company’s workload. Because of this, your company will be able to focus on more important matters to make your company more competitive in the world of business. If you are in the software developing business, it is better that you should outsource part of your software development department in order to cut operational costs and at the same time, let your in-house software development department breathe. This is because IT professionals in developed countries, such as in the United States charge a high amount of fee for every software developed. If you outsource it to offshore companies, particularly in developing countries, such as India, and the Philippines, that has a large pool of qualified and equally talented IT professionals, they will charge you for only a fraction of the amount that IT professionals will charge you in your own country. For example, if a programming job costs about 100 dollars in your country and the same programming job in offshore countries cost only 20 dollars to develop, you would want to hire the cheaper alternative. Obviously, if you need 100 or 200 of these programming jobs, you can see the difference in cost. Your company will be able to save thousands of dollars if you offshore your business process or part of your business process. Always remember that you only have to offshore certain jobs. You should never offshore any projects regarding strategies of your business. You should also consider the quality of the product the offshore company can provide. If the offshore company’s product is not at par with your company’s standards, you should not hire the company at all. You better look for an offshore company that provides better quality.


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Cross Border Project – a Leading Provider of Ukrainian it Outsourcing Services for the German-speaking Countries – Has Become a Sponsor of the Uof2007What Is The Most Contested Issue Regarding Outsourcing Of Manufacturing Or Services To Other Countries?China Business Process Outsourcing Services 2005-2009 Forecast and AnalysisTelecom OSS ladders, wholesale VoIP services for Acme Packet Russian. [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/outsourcing-services-from-developing-countries/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/shopsters-vision-green-energy-in-the-nordic-countries-the-increase-in-capacity-and-prospects-for-renewable-energy/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/shopsters-vision-green-energy-in-the-nordic-countries-the-increase-in-capacity-and-prospects-for-renewable-energy/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:44:12 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/shopsters-vision-green-energy-in-the-nordic-countries-the-increase-in-capacity-and-prospects-for-renewable-energy/ Renewable energy in Nordic region constitutes 25. 8% (384,131GWh) of the total energy production with Norway contributing the most. While Finland has considerable energy generation from renewables corresponding to 109,102GWh, Denmark produces least amount of renewable energy representing 33,783GWh in the Nordic region. All Nordic countries have set their individual RES target higher than that of EU’s target of 20% RES in overall energy mix by 2020. Denmark has set a target to achieve 30% of energy from renewables by 2020, while Finland set that target at 38% and Sweden at 49%. The EU directive has not defined a target for Norway and Iceland, but the countries intend to become carbon-neutral by 2050. This report documents the growth of the Nordic renewable energy market, showing its current status and potential. This document gathers the statistical data on the different types of energy generation, combines and contrasts them against each other to show the clear leaders, drivers to change and future growth. Key features of this report • Overview of the Nordic electricity market with focus on renewable energy. Analysis of energy type volumes, capacity installed, and generation output in Nordic region. • Growth of renewables – installed capacity and generation, government mandates and incentives. • Information and analysis by renewable energy sector – wind, biomass, hydro, solar, geothermal, and biofuels. • Installed capacity and generation, key players, drivers, resistors, and outlook for each renewable energy sector. • Outlook for all Nordic countries primary energy supply with forecasts up to 2020. Scope of this report • Achieve a quick and comprehensive understanding of how Nordic market trends and legislation are influencing the development of the renewable energy market. • Assess the emerging trends in renewable energy technology – wind, biomass, hydropower, solar, geothermal, and biofuels – capacity and generation. • Quantify value and volume growth potential in Nordic electricity market and in energy generation technology type. • Understand the major issues affecting the Nordic electricity industry in general and renewable electricity in particular. • Predict the key growth areas in the Nordic renewable energy industry. Key Market Issues • EU Emission Reduction Targets: Historically, the EU’s emission reduction targets are the primary drivers for implementation of policies that encouraged usage of renewable energy in the EU member states. The EU’s directive on reducing GHG emissions through increased usage of renewable energy is expected to be met at individual country-level through their own policies. • Renewable Energy Incentives and Mandates: In order to meet the emission reduction target laid out in the EU directive, Nordic countries have adopted their own strategies above the EU target of 20% RES in overall energy mix by 2020. • Energy Security: All Nordic countries are slowly reducing their dependence on imported fossil fuels (specifically Denmark ) and promoting domestically-produced renewable energy. • Energy Efficiency: Every Nordic country has national goal to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy demand and promote green energy. Key findings from this report 1. The Nordic region comprising of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden is rich in renewable energy sources due to its favorable geography. Renewable energy in the Nordic region constitutes 25. 8% (384,131GWh) to the total energy mix. 2. Government support through incentives such as favorable feed-in tariffs and subsidies will drive the growth of wind power in the Nordic region. Denmark is the leading wind power producer with an installed capacity of 3,163MW constituting 66. 1% of the total Nordic region’s wind capacity, however it grew at a CAGR of 0. 4% during 2004–08. 3. Solar power in Nordic regions is at a nascent stage of development with only 25MW of solar PV installed capacity compared to an installed capacity of 9,533MW in the EU. 4. Biopower in the Nordic region is predominantly used as a source of heating followed by its usage in generation of electricity and transportation. Sweden is the leading producer of electricity and heat from biopower in the Nordic region and also leads in production of biofuels used for transportation. Key questions answered 1. What are the drivers shaping and influencing new capacity installed in the Nordic energy industry? 2. What is the potential of renewable energy technologies in the Nordic region? What are the opportunities? 3. What is the policy framework governing the renewable energy market? 4. Which renewable energy technology types are likely to grow? 5. What is the potential of various renewable energy technologies?

To know more about this report & to buy a copy please visit : http://www. visionshopsters. com/product/3836/Green-Energy-in-the-Nordic-Region-Renewable-sources-capacity-growth-and-future-outlook. html

Contact us:

Visionshopsters Ph : 91-22-40583000 Emailid: marketing@visionshopsters. com Website : www. visionshopsters. com


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Vision Shopsters: Green Energy in the Nordic Region: Renewable sources, capacity growth and future outlookVision Shopsters: Green Energy in Germany: Renewable sources, capacity growth and future outlookGreen Energy in Germany – Renewable and capacity for growthGreen Energy in Germany: renewable energy, power, and prospects for growth in Aarkstore-EnterpriseNew Report on “LNG Industry To 2016 – [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/shopsters-vision-green-energy-in-the-nordic-countries-the-increase-in-capacity-and-prospects-for-renewable-energy/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/international-call-%e2%80%93-making-far-calls-to-distant-countries-for-cheap/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/international-call-%e2%80%93-making-far-calls-to-distant-countries-for-cheap/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:32:27 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/international-call-%e2%80%93-making-far-calls-to-distant-countries-for-cheap/ There are lot many reasons that you may have to make alls to a far away countries. The international calls may be made for business purpose, or for talking to family members staying far apart or for leisure. Whatever may be the reason but the ultimate truth lies in this fact that at the end of the month you get a very hefty bill which leave you shocked. Major part of the phone bill is due to international calls. This is due to the fact that conventional call rates for making calla to other countries are very high. To avoid heavy bills due to interference calling, there are few methods of making cheap international calls. The first option is of free access numbers. In this method you need to get a access number from a website. There you only have to enter the source and destination countries for the call to be made. Then you will get an access number which you need to prefix to the destinations number every time you make a call to that country. Next option is to buy international calling cards. These cards are available at all leading websites that give mobile phone services. There also you need to enter the source and destination country names. According to this selection there will be a list of available cards generated. You can choose the best suited card on the basis of the cost of the card, the call rates and how reliable is the services. The last option is of purchasing text and talk top ups. In this option you need to message the service provider first to get appropriate top ups. This is suitable for those who wish to get free of paying daily fees or any kind of subscription charges.


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Cheap International Calls – Call freely at low costsInternational Calls – Talk abroad for cheap call ratesCheap International Calls at Local RatesMaking International Calls: Minus the Massive Phone BillsFree access number – cheapest method to call international numbersVersatile tips for Cheap International AirfaresFree access to the numbers required for international callsChoose from over 1 million [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/international-call-%e2%80%93-making-far-calls-to-distant-countries-for-cheap/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/countries-with-ikea-stores/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/countries-with-ikea-stores/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:44:12 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/countries-with-ikea-stores/ The IKEA is famous for providing a vast range of home furnishing products to its customers across the globe. It manufacturers highly designed, modern, and functional furnishing items at a very low cost. The reason behind keeping a balance between quality and price is that so that the group can reach as many people as possible. Thus, this is a store for anyone and everyone and not just for the elite class. The key idea for the IKEA stores is Swedish: following the approach of making the most of reliable sources and creating furniture influenced by Sweden lifestyle.

Today, after more than 60 years of its first store in 1943, the IKEA group has its furniture retail stores in more than 40 countries/territories. More than 250 stores are in 24 countries, employing 127,000 co-workers in 36 countries. The facts of the company reveal that the annual sales of this group are above 21 billion euros. The first store was opened in Sweden and then gradually the company moved to new markets in UK, France, Italy and USA. And lately they opened their furniture retail stores in Japan and Russia too.

The countries where you can find an IKEA store are Belgium, Czech Republican, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Greece, France, Iceland, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Russia, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Kuwait, Israel, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. Now, if you are looking for a local IKEA furniture store near by your area then you can find that on the website. There is an address bar where you have to enter your zip code or address and it will give you the contact details of the nearest store.

Today, the IKEA furniture is also sold through its company website. Following the increasing trend of the online shopping, this group has also become a part of it. The easily accessibility of this furniture store makes more customers to reach them. Moreover, the website is a user-friendly one and anybody can excess from their country. All the stores mentioned above in the different countries have their specific websites too. However, for those who cannot find a store in their country can log on to the main website and shop there. The experience is somehow similar to shopping in an offline store. You can use the home planner tool to ease your task of choosing specific furnishing products for specific needs.

The name of IKEA is taken with utmost respect in the furniture market. The group is known for developing stylish and modern, functional home furnishing products at cost-effective rates. And people know if it is at IKEA, it can neither be bad or expensive!

Summary: The IKEA furniture stores have grown their business a lot since 1943, after the establishment of the first store. At present, the company has its retail stores in more than 24 countries and above 40 countries/territories. There are almost 250 IKEA stores all across the globe; satisfying customers with its high-designed and functional home furnishing products.


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Country stores will be slightly in the address in the United States Tiger industry, however, said poor sales – GJewelry stores wholesaleCool clothing stores images in ChinaEstablishment And Operations Of Investment Centre For Economic And Cultural Relations Between Pr China And The Lusophone CountriesForce India F1, developing countries such as China remains the world SpectatorGet [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/countries-with-ikea-stores/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/china-or-to-replace-south-africas-largest-gold-producing-countries-into-the/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/china-or-to-replace-south-africas-largest-gold-producing-countries-into-the/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:22:23 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/china-or-to-replace-south-africas-largest-gold-producing-countries-into-the/ Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

China May Replace India As The World’s Largest Diamond Processing CountryWhich Countries Are The Largest In Economy The Us And Japan Or China?Largest software outsourcing to China, India and JapanEstablishment And Operations Of Investment Centre For Economic And Cultural Relations Between Pr China And The Lusophone CountriesForce India F1, developing countries such as China remains [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/china-or-to-replace-south-africas-largest-gold-producing-countries-into-the/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/choose-from-over-1-million-international-property-locations-panned-across-158-countries/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/choose-from-over-1-million-international-property-locations-panned-across-158-countries/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:43:54 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/choose-from-over-1-million-international-property-locations-panned-across-158-countries/ Choose from over 1 million international property locations panned across 158 countries covered in 20 various regional languages. The site includes prime overseas apartments, independent houses and penthouses to suit in every taste. Be it the real estate of the United States, Australia or any other location, the Findire site will help and guide you to find the perfect location according to your personalized need!!! Being the fastest growing business to business website, you can just leave your worries to Findire team and relax to expect and reap on your every penny spent on the property you invested. Whether you want to buy or sell office premise an independent house or an apartment but don’t have any idea, exactly where to find it?The Findire site is the perfect place you are searching for. With the property market booming all over, grab on the perfect property put on sale at the Findire site. Finding a property in any corner of the world is no more a worry with the Findire site. The changing scenario of the international property has prompted many big and established players to invest into the market while also making way for the small time buyers and sellers. It has also at the same time erupted into many proxy and misleading deals. But with the Findire site you can relax and look forward to a safe and secure tansact, on every single property be it local or overseas. The Findire is set over a network of 3 million agents spread across the gobe. The site’s promotional tools are mainly directed towards the professional real estate agent- developer. Therefore, this brings the very best properties from around the world. The company associates only with licensed professionals and accredited companies to ensure that the public not only has a great choice of properly, but also the comfort in knowing that they are buying from a creditable source.

Today’s real estate market complex even at the local level. Going international makes the deal a more complex one. Findire helps you makes this transactions simple and consumers understand the global market business practices which can assist both buyers and sellers. Using online resources, buyers and sellers can learn about how real estate is transacted in the country of interest, so they are prepared for the differences from the practice in their home country. Buyers can search for properties among listings to ensure and carry out the best possible deal. Findire helps to find people having distinctive properties that will attract clients from around the globe in search of a vacation, resort, luxury property, or simply one that’s unique within its local market.

The companies  greatest asset  to consumer  is the network they have build over years, affiliated with leading national organizations and adhere to a code of ethics that commits them to professionalism and service to their customers and clients. The Findire team is committed to make associations with industry professionals and bring high level of satisfaction for the consumer to the minutest of deal made through.

Click here: Apartment

 


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

International buying products from China from neighboring countriesTelecom OSS ladders, wholesale VoIP services for Acme Packet Russian. (Voice over Internet Protocol): An article from: Russian TelecomA unique event: the International Hardware Fair offers a one-of-a-kind-sourcing, networking opportunities. (Newsmakers: News You Need to Know): An article from: Hardware Retailing NoticesOutsourcing Services from Developing countriesInternational Call – [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/choose-from-over-1-million-international-property-locations-panned-across-158-countries/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/the-role-of-developing-countries-in-world-trade-a-realistic-perspective/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/the-role-of-developing-countries-in-world-trade-a-realistic-perspective/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:45:14 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/the-role-of-developing-countries-in-world-trade-a-realistic-perspective/ The state plays a very important role in international political economy and is considered as the ultimate decision maker in both economic and political decisions. International Political Economy (IPE) is about the interaction between state and market. Based on tangible and intangible power or, military and economic power, the world can be divided into two blocks: North and South. The North contains the countries which are highly powerful and strong; militarily, economically and politically: whereas, South is characterized with weaker, less developed and poor states of the world with weak economies, governments and military. IPE and International Relations (IR) scholars also characterize the North as ‘Centre’ and South as ‘Periphery’. In contemporary age of globalization, states (with special reference to powerful states) are the main players in IPE. There are many institutional arrangements like International Monitory Fund (IMF), World Bank, World Trade Organization (WTO), and certain other global, regional, and bilateral organizations in IR serving as platforms for states to come together and work for the smooth functioning of IPE. It is pertinent to argue that although North comprises the main economy of the world and dominate the major economical institutions but South comprises of the majority of population and can longer be ignored in IPE due to certain emerging powers of the North like China, Brazil, and India. However, in this anarchic world where each state is sovereign and there is no sovereign authority above state, the hegemonic and powerful players like the United States of America (USA) will never give up their dominant position in the world and uses both economic and political means to pursue and further their objectives world wide. There are different theoretical perspectives in IR such as liberalist, structural constructivist, and realist used for economic-political analyses. But realist approach is used in the following analysis of IPE and the North-South relations in terms of disadvantaged position of South are scrutinized. In this anarchic world state is ascribed a dominant position despite of growing globalization where major International Organizations are made up of states of North and South. However, it is also pertinent to note that developing states have not been able to exercise their sovereignty and self-determination.

Importance of the IPE

In international politics, state is the main actor which plays a very crucial role in IPE. One can argue that in the current era of globalization with many global institutions and arrangements like WTO, IMF, regional arrangements like European Union (EU), multinational corporations (MNCs) like Nokia, Gazpom, General Motors (GM), internet, media, pressure groups etc. have diminished the state power. But, state still plays a very important role in political and economic spheres of IR as states are the final decision makers in International Organizations (IO), being their members and decision makers. It should be noted that DCs are the major shareholders, hence exert considerable influence in major decisions of International Financial Institutions (IFIs). Anderson et al. argue that the US political interests do often undermine the said purposes of foreign loans and aid allocation policies of IFIs like the World Bank in general. Their said purposes of poverty alleviation and development of developing countries in South are often been compromised in front of the US interests (Anderson, Thomas Barnebeck, Hansen, Henrik & Markussen, Thomas (2005). As for instance, there are unequivocal instances of World Bank lending decisions where it lends loan to Pakistan, influenced by the US political interests. As for instance, the World Bank Official Development Assistance to Pakistan tripled from $226 million in 2001 to $860 million in 2002, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on US soil and its military engagement in Afghanistan (Anderson et al. :3). The reason behind this assistance is that Pakistan has been identified as ‘frontline state’ by the Bush Administration in the ‘Global War on Terror’ (GWOT) and is neighboring state of Afghanistan.

The states have foreign policies about both security and economics. But it is evident that the tangible powers of states are very much dependent upon the intangible powers like economical leverage. At the domestic level, states make policies for the protection of private property rights and the provision of infrastructure like communications and transportation which regulates market interactions effectively. While states make foreign policies and make IFIs and International Organizations (IOs) to pursue and protect their interests abroad. Therefore, Cohn H. Theodore (2008: 4) contends that “a state’s wealth and market size are often closely related to its military and political power. ” In IPE, DCs compete with each other for international influence and furtherance of their interests, hence exploit LDCs through carrots and sticks.

Realist Assertions of IR and IPE

According to realist claims that there is no central authority over the country because of the nature of the international anarchic system, where each state (both weaker and stronger) is to protect its interests and to ensure their survival, “Self-help” is the standard IR. So the “realists consider the principle actors in IR, and they attach great importance to the preservation of national sovereignty.” (Theodore H. Cohn, 2008 : 52). If the state has a monopoly of power and violence, and internal controls, “he said inside a sovereign, while the ußerlich suverää , efore, if he is not employed by another state and beyond. He alleged that the controversy could be as anarchic world, where every country Mili, scenic and economic power, and this scenario, a powerful center in Northern OR I can not attend you will, and the sovereignty of other countries in the south to maximize. The former often have different strategies to interfere with the sovereignty of both economic and military. In addition to affecting the powerful countries of the weaker nations through the economic incentives offered by international economic institutions such as WTO, IMF, World Bank, etc. Therefore, “realistic studies discussed REALLY ; lisriigi economic policies of national and transnational actors in sub declaration of the state policy. “(Theodore H. Cohn 2008:52)

Although realism can be criticized by liberals and Marxists for being over occupied by the security issue; but there are factors which contributed to the renewed interest of realists in international trade and economy. Firstly, “the decline of the Cold War and increasing disarray in the global economy forced many realists to broaden their focus beyond security issues. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 56). One can argue that Western economic relations were flourishing under US leadership during the 1950s and 1960s, but major changes in the 1970s and 1980s (great power of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the relative decline of the US hegemony, and the foreign debt crisis) has had destabilizing consequences for the global economy. These new complex developments have stressed realists to acknowledge the inevitability and significance of economic issue which had formerly been regarded as the issues of “low politics”. Second factor for realists interest in IPE was their argument of liberal and Marxists studies for being “economistic”; as “they exaggerated the importance of economics and underestimated the necessity for realist studies of IPE that emphasized the role of state. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 57).

However, it should be noted that the states are “rational actors” of IR; irrespective of belonging to North or South. For assurance of survival and maximization of power, wealth is inevitable. So, periphery states are aware of the complexity and importance of international economic institutions without which it is not feasible to prosper. As for instance, China has decided to become full member of WTO in 1990s; given the need of time and maximization of its economic power.

International Economic Relations

International economic relations between North-South and South-South mark an environment of mistrust and competition. Due to the security dilemma, ‘relative gains’ are given more importance. Policy makers give special consideration to the policies aiming at countering other states; competing them through different economic strategies like providing aid to developing countries, tariffs, and other trade barriers. Realists argue that “even if two states are gaining absolutely in wealth, in political terms it is the effect of these gains on relative power positions which is of primary importance. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008:52). Realists analyze international economic relations in terms of zero-sum game where one state’s gain is regarded as others loss. As for instance, the US presence in Afghanistan and due to this in Pakistan which is regarded as front-line state in the Global War on Terror (GWOT) can be seen as China’s containment. China is posing an open challenge to the US dominant position in the world economy. Pakistan is another South Asian less developed state which is strategically very important for China’s economic development. Through Gwadar Port (a deep sea port situated in Pakistan’s province Balochistan) China being a neighboring state to Pakistan can reach the Gulf region which can serve a very important energy corridor for China. And interestingly, China is well aware of its importance and there was a joint Gwadar Port Project going on, but due to the insurgency in Balochistan, progress can not be made and hence a set back for both China and Pakistan. It is claimed that the US, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces are responsible for fomenting trouble in Balochistan. Shah, Anup (2009) argues that the ‘Security dilemma’ is common fears of competing states because the resources are limited and the rivals are many. Therefore, states build armaments for self-defense and for this purpose LDCs look outside for backing.

As far as the international economic regimes or institutions are concerned “liberals assume that the IMF, World Bank, and WTO are politically neutral and benefit all states that adhere to their liberal economic guidelines. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008:52). Whereas, realists disagree with them on the basis that most powerful states shape the rules of these organizations to fit their own national interests and that IOs serve as “arenas for acting out power relationships. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 52). As for instance, a simple majority is needed in most IMF decisions, but majorities of 75 and 85 percent are required for some important decisions; these special majority votes give an effective veto to the United States, the EU, and the LDCs. However, the LDCs are such large, unstructured group of states with few resources that they can hardly unite to block an IMF decision. Thus, the IMF’s weight voting system favors the interests and objectives of North (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008:132).

Developing Countries in International Trade

In the current age of globalization, this fact can not be denied that the South can not be ignored by the powerful North as countries belonging to South like China, India and Brazil are the important players in IR. United Nations (UN) Conference on Trade and Development (2004: 2) asserts that the patterns of international trade are transforming with increasing share of the South in international trade and development. South’s share in world trade has been increased from 20 percent in mid 1980s to 30 percent. The share of manufacturing goods of developing countries also has risen from 20 percent of their exports ($115 billion) in 1980 to nearly 70 per cent ($1,300 billion) in 2000. Furthermore, the US has imported more goods from developing countries than that of developed one in 2003 with an increase of 40 percent in its share of exports to developing countries. Nearly half of Japan’s exports and one third of these of EU (Excluding intra-EU trade) are delivered to South.

Also bear Mohammad Razzaque (2007) to 1985-2005, intra-developing countries, imports rose more than $ 97 billion U.S. dollars 1,000,000,000,000th But one should be noting that East Asia is actually the most active in a carefully constructed 72% of all South-South trade bill. Ten leading economies account for 90% of the southern industrial goods and 72% of agricultural products. However, with the exception of East Asia and some other South-South trade is dominated by raw materials. For many countries, natural resource intensive products in the most dynamic sectors such as ores and metals, synthetic rubber, nickel, coal and petroleum products was. Developing countries also face tariff and non tariff barriers that affect their performance in international trade.

The realists view the problems of LDCs as caused not only by poverty, but also from their weak position in IR. The weak position of South in comparison to North is always vulnerability for them in this anarchic world. As for instance the post WW II order was designed by the most powerful and victorious nations of the world and international institutions are still dominated by these powerful actors of IR. This is evident from the United Nations more powerful and influential Security Council which is totally in control of the most powerful states of the world like the US, United Kingdom (UK), France, Russia, and China. Same is the case with international financial institutions which could not be run without financial and political support of the West or North; hence dominating them (Gruffydd Jones, Branwen: 1).   However, there are certain strategies which are used by the South to minimize their vulnerability, including

China in the global economy and their impact on the “South”

Due to its growing involvement in international trade, China has entered into WTO by becoming a full member of it on December 11, 2009. China’s entry in WTO is not independent but has certain implications for the rest of countries of South. China is the 4th largest industrial economy of the world but identified as a ‘developing country’ and according to official statements, delivered since or before joining the WTO, China is in favor of developing countries. As for instance, “during the Third Ministerial Meeting, when China’s accession to the WTO became imminent, Chinese Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, Shi Guangsheng submitted five proposals in support of incorporating the developing countries’ development objectives in trade negotiations. ” (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004: 13)

After China’s membership with WTO, its official newspaper, the People’s Daily says that “China’s participation in a new round of trade negotiations, as the largest developing country, will boost the developing countries’ collective negotiating capability, thereby rendering it possible to change the balance of force between “North and South”. It further says that it will “speed up the remedy for problems such as an imbalanced multilateral trading system, and the ineffective implementation of the Uruguay Round Accords. ” (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004: 14). This shows the possibility of change in the balance of power in favor of developing countries with the help of China’s leadership which is also a developing country. The realists assert that “a rising hegemonic state prefers an open international system because this can contribute to its economic growth, national income, and political power. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 59).

However, if we analyze China’s position in realist terms of competition or zero-sum game, it is susceptible that a fear become visible that the exports of the developing countries would face increased competition from China or could eventually be displaced by the latter due to similar comparative advantages and the same export destinations (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004:14); as the realists also portray the hegemon as coercive. Thus, neo-realist theory asserts that a hegemonic state creates “international regimes for the purpose of preserving its economic and political interests” and “international regimes are premised on the anarchical structure of international relations, reflecting distribution of capabilities in the international system. ” (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004: 15)

The US Reaction to Rising Chinese Trade

The US is well aware of China’s rising economic power which is taken as threat to the US hegemony. The realists, according to the hegemonic stability theory warn about the “coercive hegemon” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 59) which can use certain coercive measure like threats, sanctions, cutting off trade, and creating other trade barriers to the challenger. The US is the largest market of China overseas and second largest source of foreign direct investment. According to the Congress Research Service (CRS) Report (Lum Thomas, Nanto K. Dick, 2007) prepared for the US Congress, the US imports from China increased dramatically not only in labor-intensive sector but also in some advanced technology sectors such as office and data processing machines, telecommunication and sound equipment, and electrical machinery and appliances. All these developments show an explicit threat from country of South to the US hegemony. In return, Congress considers accessing Chinese markets, intellectual property rights (IPO) protection; it also focuses on mounting US trade deficit with China; there are also allegations of China’s dumping policies by selling products internationally at low prices, engagement in currency manipulation, and exploitation of its workers for economic purposes. Hence, the US 109th Congress has introduced bills imposing trade sanctions of china, anti-dumping policies, and safeguards against Chinese products and forcing it to remove non-tariff trade barriers (Lum Thomas, Nanto K. Dick, 2007). This analysis shows a competition and state of economic confrontation between the powerful state of the North and emerging power of the South.

The differences between north and south, and challenges, “the South”

But some countries in South (China, Singapore, South Korea) is an unprecedented success in the IPE, however, the majority of developing countries face lower living standards and a marginal share of international trade. In recent UNDP Human Development Report 2005 (Grffydd Jones, Branwen) says that one in five people survive in the world for more than one billion people still have the V & # xE4; Less than $ 1 day. These people are living in extreme poverty of their survival in jeopardy. Another of the first five billion people live on $ 1 – $ 2 per day. More than 40% of the world’s population lives in extreme poverty and the privileged. More than 850 million people, including less than one-third of preschool children are fed, and badly affected. More than 1 billion people lack access to clean water, and 2 6 billion people lack access to improved sanitation (Grffydd Branwen Jones,: 3). This includes the majority of poor people in the South and non-Europeans living in former European colonies in Africa, Asia and focused.

The North being dominant and powerful will resist the attempts of the South in international trade. According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development “the primacy of the North in international economic relations will remain. ” (June 13-18, 2004: 3) Paul Prebisch, one of the eminent proponents of New International Economic Order (NIEO), argues that “institutions at the core of the world economy have more influence on the world economy than institutions in the periphery. ” (Diehl F. Paul, 2001: 265). So, it is challenging for the South to revise the international economic relations. The South will continue to influence developments in the world economy and trade. There are stark differences between the economies and living standards of North and South and it will take time to revise these trends. There have been several attempts by the South to counter the North’s influence in world trade and economy in attempts like NIEO, non-aligned movement, OPEC oil cartel of 1970s, and creation of other regional and economic organizations. There are many indicators of North-South disparity: income levels; share in world trade, including in value added in trade; size of economic operators; pattern of specialization, and other structural and institutional factors.

We can see that the average GDP per capita of developed countries sets at nearly $27,000, which is 20 times higher than that of developing countries. Fewer than five Members of the WTO with developing country status are within $10,000 of developed country per capita income (UNCTAD 11th Session, June 2004:3). It further says that the difference in economic indicators of the developed and developing countries become explicit when we look at the Trans-National Corporations (TNC). In terms of value added services the large developed country TNCs are larger than the size of the economies of most developing countries: for example, the value added of Exxon Mobil is larger than the size of the economies of Pakistan or of Chile, and its total foreign assets are nearly equal to the total foreign assets of the top 50 developing country TNCs taken together (UNCTAD 11th Session, June 2004:3). Moreover, the foreign sales of Daimler-Chrysler AG are 40 per cent higher than the total exports of Africa as a whole, while those of Honda Motor Corporation are greater than the total value of India’s exports (UNCTAD 11th Session, June 3004: 3). These statistics clearly indicate the stark differences between the North and South in terms of economy and world trade which is by no means easy to abolish or revise.

International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and South

After the Second World War, international financial institutions by the powerful countries and the developed North has so much influence on their based on the views of their economic power and influence. The developing countries must constitute the main sponsors of these institutions and it is easy for them, their decision in its favor. These international financial institutions such as WTO, IMF, World Bank, are said to regulate and harmonize international finance and trade. They also offer international standards, laws, institutional arrangements, policies, guidelines, etc., and plays an important role in the process of globalization. Why are combat realistic, that “globalization (if present) is growing only because it allows countries to increase.” (Cohn, Theodore H., 2008: 53). The post-WW II was the West to international markets, where they finished goods and technologies to seek buyers who are less able, and K & # XF6; nnte thus not open to them to compete with the absence of a viable R & D # xF5; TTU complex technology. As the realist to say that “the biggest countries can either open or close the globalization of world markets and use its power to improve the front-à-vis the weaker countries . ‘(Cohn, Theodore H., 2008: 53).

Theoretically, the IFIs are said to be established to relieve the weaker states, providing them assistance, and based on the norms and rules of equality and self-determination. But, in reality, things are very different and these IFIs are seen as hindrance in the way of the development of developing countries. As for instance, due to considerable complexity of WTO rules and its institutional structure, a developing country delegate cannot possibly follow all WTO developments. According to an estimate, “there are over seventy different WTO councils, committees, working parties, and other groupings, involving over 2,800 meetings each year. ” (Tanzimudin Mohammad, 2004: 4). It is believed that most developing countries cannot afford to attend the WTO meetings in metropolitan capitals of the North as little support is received by delegates from South. The realistic analysis of WTO shows that multilateral trade regimes are solely concerned with the heavy weights’ interest which includes the developed countries form the North like the USA, the European Union, Japan, and Canada, to disadvantage of developing countries (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004: 16), while sideling the interests of less developed states and exploiting their weaknesses. Shaffer Gregory (2006: 1) contends that although developing countries vary considerably in terms of their size, geography, populations, economy etc. but the challenges they face from WTO can be classified into three categories:

(i)                  A relative lack of legal expertise in WTO law and the capacity to organize information concerning trade barriers and opportunities to challenge them;

(ii)                Constrained financial resources, including for the hiring of outside legal counsel to effectively use the WTO legal system, which has become increasingly costly; and

(iii)               Fear of political and economic pressure from members exercising market power, and in particular the United States and EC, undermining their ability to bring WTO claims. We can roughly categorize these challenges as constraints of legal knowledge, financial endowment, and political power, or, more simply, of law, money and politics.

Similarly, developing countries criticized the IMF and the impact of certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the North Sea for their decisions and policies. Graham Bird (Paul F. Diehl, 2001: 277) criticizes the IMF’s decisions and advises its objective to prevent the development of developing countries. He argues that “since its formation, the IMF, that they had seen no special role in the developing world, but now it was only for those countries that the formation of their customers.” & # xDC, KS allegations of the IMF is that “it had become unreasonable Development Agency.” (Paul F. Diehl, 2001: 277). NGOs claim that the IMF has been insufficient Development Agency, as the IMF has supported measures to do more damage, and if that evolving countires, with & # xE4; poorer people, it would be better without him. “(Paul F. Diehl, 2001: 277-278).

In addition, the IMF has an impact on the project of economic policies in countries that receive its financial support. Therefore, the IMF has a strong say in the “exchange rate, domestic credit creation, interest rates and balances.” (Paul F. Diehl,, 2001: 283). Moreover, the effects of its influence and interference “with the structural conditions for the pricing policy, trade liberalization and privatization, the structure of taxes and government spending and reform the financial sector” (Paul F. Diehl, 2001:283) “the weakest performance seems to be both monetary restraint. The results are also the political will to prevent the weaker performance of growth. Sebastian Edward found a record 72% of the average error rate of growth, as well as to prevent the results of the PS as Heller et al. Nsouli, and SM Zulu of Africa. “(Paul F. Diehl, 2001: 301). This study shows that not only hinder the development of developing countries in the North-dominated institutions, but also undermines the sovereignty and enesemää ; ramisõiguse fu r joint activities also support the economic policies of developing countries is needed.

Conclusion

International political and economic relations are based on the self-help system marked with mistrust and competition between the states, especially ‘North’ and ‘South’. It is not to suggest that there is no cooperation within IPE and IR; however, the self-interest and underlying political objectives are at the back of such cooperation. Instead of helping and assisting the majority poor nations of the South, the wealthy North’s created IFIs impede the development of developing states and powerful hegemonic states interfere with their sovereignty and often destabilize them for their vested interests. IPE is very important in politics where states actions and intentions are marked with self-interests and survival. Although, there are developing states like China which are big players in international trade but majority of the countries form ‘South’ have only meager share in international trade and usually are trading only in basic commodities or scarce natural resoures.

References

Anderson, Thomas Barnebeck, Hansen, Henrik & Markussen, Thomas (2005) ‘US Politics and World Bank IDA-Lending’ Institute of Economics, University of Copenhagen May 2005:8

Cohn, H. Theodore (2008) Global political economy theory and practice 4th Ed. (New York: Pearson)

Diehl F. Paul (2001) The Politics of Global Governance 2nd edition (Colorado: Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc. )

Jones, Branwen Gruffydd & ‘Race Ontology of North-South relations, “URL = http://www. Allacademic. Com / / meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/0/9/8/7/4 / pages98742 / php other p98742-4. revised December 2009.

Khan, Tanzimuddin Mohammad (2004) ‘China, WTO and Developing Countries: A Constructivist Analysis’

“New Geography of International Trade: South-South cooperation in an increasingly interdependent world,” the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 11 . Session, Sao Paulo, 13 to 18 June 2004, http://www. UNCTAD org/en/docs/td404_en .. pdf

Shah, Anup (13 April 2009) “U.S. foreign aid system, and” URL = http://www. global issues. org/article/35/us-and-foreign-aid-assistance considered 24th November 2009)


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

The Role Of Developing Countries In World Trade: The Realist PerspectiveForce India F1, developing countries such as China remains the world SpectatorOutsourcing Services from Developing countriesJanel World Trade Ltd (OTCBB: JLWT) $ 9M (MarketCap sets), together with WMM2007 1 to 6 months in China toys export ranking the first in the world – the export [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/the-role-of-developing-countries-in-world-trade-a-realistic-perspective/feed/ 0 http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/the-role-of-developing-countries-in-world-trade-the-realist-perspective/ http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/the-role-of-developing-countries-in-world-trade-the-realist-perspective/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:45:21 +0000 China Sourcing Commentator http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/the-role-of-developing-countries-in-world-trade-the-realist-perspective/ The state plays a very important role in international political economy and is considered as the ultimate decision maker in both economic and political decisions. International Political Economy (IPE) is about the interaction between state and market. Based on tangible and intangible power or, military and economic power, the world can be divided into two blocks: North and South. The North contains the countries which are highly powerful and strong; militarily, economically and politically: whereas, South is characterized with weaker, less developed and poor states of the world with weak economies, governments and military. IPE and International Relations (IR) scholars also characterize the North as ‘Centre’ and South as ‘Periphery’. In contemporary age of globalization, states (with special reference to powerful states) are the main players in IPE. There are many institutional arrangements like International Monitory Fund (IMF), World Bank, World Trade Organization (WTO), and certain other global, regional, and bilateral organizations in IR serving as platforms for states to come together and work for the smooth functioning of IPE. It is pertinent to argue that although North comprises the main economy of the world and dominate the major economical institutions but South comprises of the majority of population and can longer be ignored in IPE due to certain emerging powers of the North like China, Brazil, and India. However, in this anarchic world where each state is sovereign and there is no sovereign authority above state, the hegemonic and powerful players like the United States of America (USA) will never give up their dominant position in the world and uses both economic and political means to pursue and further their objectives world wide. There are different theoretical perspectives in IR such as liberalist, structural constructivist, and realist used for economic-political analyses. But realist approach is used in the following analysis of IPE and the North-South relations in terms of disadvantaged position of South are scrutinized. In this anarchic world state is ascribed a dominant position despite of growing globalization where major International Organizations are made up of states of North and South. However, it is also pertinent to note that developing states have not been able to exercise their sovereignty and self-determination.

The Significance of IPE

International politics, government is the main actor who plays a very important role in the IPE. It can be argued that in the current era of globalization, which many global institutions and agreements like the WTO, IMF, regional institutions, such as the European Union (EU), multinational companies (MNCs) such as Nokia, Gazpom, General Motors (GM), Internet, media, pressure groups, etc. have reduced the power of the country. But the state still plays a very important role in the political and economic areas in the IR where the final decision makers in international organizations (IO), since their members and decision makers. It should be noted that the DCS are the main shareholders, as a significant influence on important decisions of international financial institutions (IFIs). Anderson et al. argue that the U.S. political interests are often made for such purposes by foreign loans and aid policy by international financial institutions like the World Bank undermined in general. Said objective of poverty reduction and development in developing countries is hampered by the interests of the U.S. South (Anderson, Thomas Barnebeck, Hansen, Henrik & Markussen, Thomas (2005). As such there is clear cases of World Bank loan, if it provides loans to Pakistan, to affect the U.S. political interests. For example, three times official development aid in Pakistan The World Bank 2001 860000000 $ 226000000 $ 2002, after 9 / 11 terrorirü ; nnakuid U.S. soil and its military activities in Afghanistan (Anderson et al.: 3). The reason for this is the aid that Pakistan has been established, “frontline state” The Bush administration has a global war on terror “(GWOT) and in the neighboring country of Afghanistan.

The states have foreign policies about both security and economics. But it is evident that the tangible powers of states are very much dependent upon the intangible powers like economical leverage. At the domestic level, states make policies for the protection of private property rights and the provision of infrastructure like communications and transportation which regulates market interactions effectively. While states make foreign policies and make IFIs and International Organizations (IOs) to pursue and protect their interests abroad. Therefore, Cohn H. Theodore (2008: 4) contends that “a state’s wealth and market size are often closely related to its military and political power. ” In IPE, DCs compete with each other for international influence and furtherance of their interests, hence exploit LDCs through carrots and sticks.

Realist Assertions of IR and IPE

According to the Realist assertions, there is no central authority above state due to the anarchic nature of international system in which each state (weaker and stronger alike) has to protect its interests and ensure its survival; ‘Self-help’ is the norm of IR. Thus, “realists consider the state to be the principle actor in IR, and they place considerable emphasis on the preservation of national sovereignty. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008:52). If the state has internal monopoly and control over power and violence, it said to be sovereign internally; while it is externally sovereign when it is not occupied by any other outside state. There could be controversy in this assertion because the world is anarchic where each state has to maximize its military and economic power and in this scenario the powerful states of the North or Centre does not let other states of South to exercise their will and sovereignty. The former often interfere with latter’s sovereignty through different strategies, both economic and military. Moreover, powerful states also influence weaker states through economic incentives offered by international economic institutions such as WTO, IMF, World Bank etc. Hence, “realists studying foreign economic policymaking discuss sub national and transnational actors in explaining a state’s policies. ” (Cohn H. Theodore 2008:52)

Although realism can be criticized by liberals and Marxists for being over occupied by the security issue; but there are factors which contributed to the renewed interest of realists in international trade and economy. Firstly, “the decline of the Cold War and increasing disarray in the global economy forced many realists to broaden their focus beyond security issues. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 56). One can argue that Western economic relations were flourishing under US leadership during the 1950s and 1960s, but major changes in the 1970s and 1980s (great power of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the relative decline of the US hegemony, and the foreign debt crisis) has had destabilizing consequences for the global economy. These new complex developments have stressed realists to acknowledge the inevitability and significance of economic issue which had formerly been regarded as the issues of “low politics”. Second factor for realists interest in IPE was their argument of liberal and Marxists studies for being “economistic”; as “they exaggerated the importance of economics and underestimated the necessity for realist studies of IPE that emphasized the role of state. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 57).

However, it should be noted that the states are “rational actors” of IR; irrespective of belonging to North or South. For assurance of survival and maximization of power, wealth is inevitable. So, periphery states are aware of the complexity and importance of international economic institutions without which it is not feasible to prosper. As for instance, China has decided to become full member of WTO in 1990s; given the need of time and maximization of its economic power.

International Economic Relations

International economic relations between North-South and South-South mark an environment of mistrust and competition. Due to the security dilemma, ‘relative gains’ are given more importance. Policy makers give special consideration to the policies aiming at countering other states; competing them through different economic strategies like providing aid to developing countries, tariffs, and other trade barriers. Realists argue that “even if two states are gaining absolutely in wealth, in political terms it is the effect of these gains on relative power positions which is of primary importance. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008:52). Realists analyze international economic relations in terms of zero-sum game where one state’s gain is regarded as others loss. As for instance, the US presence in Afghanistan and due to this in Pakistan which is regarded as front-line state in the Global War on Terror (GWOT) can be seen as China’s containment. China is posing an open challenge to the US dominant position in the world economy. Pakistan is another South Asian less developed state which is strategically very important for China’s economic development. Through Gwadar Port (a deep sea port situated in Pakistan’s province Balochistan) China being a neighboring state to Pakistan can reach the Gulf region which can serve a very important energy corridor for China. And interestingly, China is well aware of its importance and there was a joint Gwadar Port Project going on, but due to the insurgency in Balochistan, progress can not be made and hence a set back for both China and Pakistan. It is claimed that the US, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces are responsible for fomenting trouble in Balochistan. Shah, Anup (2009) argues that the ‘Security dilemma’ is common fears of competing states because the resources are limited and the rivals are many. Therefore, states build armaments for self-defense and for this purpose LDCs look outside for backing.

With respect to international economic arrangements and institutions associated with the “liberals assume that the IMF, World Bank, WTO, and politically neutral and useful for all countries which respect its liberal economic policy.” (Theodore H. Cohn, 2008:52). The reasons, realists do not agree with them on the basis that the most powerful countries in the rules of such organizations form to reconcile their national interests and to provide information as a “global stage the Machtverhä; ratios to serve. “(Cohn, Theodore H., 2008: 52). As with most decisions by simple majority of the IMF is necessary, but a majority of 75 and 85 percent have some important decisions and they need a special majority of votes in the T & # xF5; hugs veto in the United States, the EU and the LDCs. But the least developed countries, such as a large group of countries unstructured little resources that they can not in any way connected to the IMF to block a decision. Both the IMF contributed to the weight representation of the interests and objectives of the North (Theodore H. Cohn, 2008:132).

Developing Countries in International Trade

In the current age of globalization, this fact can not be denied that the South can not be ignored by the powerful North as countries belonging to South like China, India and Brazil are the important players in IR. United Nations (UN) Conference on Trade and Development (2004: 2) asserts that the patterns of international trade are transforming with increasing share of the South in international trade and development. South’s share in world trade has been increased from 20 percent in mid 1980s to 30 percent. The share of manufacturing goods of developing countries also has risen from 20 percent of their exports ($115 billion) in 1980 to nearly 70 per cent ($1,300 billion) in 2000. Furthermore, the US has imported more goods from developing countries than that of developed one in 2003 with an increase of 40 percent in its share of exports to developing countries. Nearly half of Japan’s exports and one third of these of EU (Excluding intra-EU trade) are delivered to South.

Similarly, Mohammad Razzaque (2007) contends that from 1985-2005, intra-developing countries’ imports increased from $97 billion to more than $1000 billion. However, one should be meticulous in noting that in reality East Asia is most active which account for 72% of all manufactured South-South trade. Ten leading South economies account for 90% of manufactured goods and 72% of agricultural products. However, except for East Asia and few others, South-South trade is dominated by primary commodities. For many countries natural resource intensive products have been the most dynamic sectors like ores and precious metals, synthetic rubber, nickel, coal, and petroleum products. The developing countries also face tariff and non-tariff barriers which affect their performance in international trade.

The realists view the problems of LDCs as caused not only by poverty, but also from their weak position in IR. The weak position of South in comparison to North is always vulnerability for them in this anarchic world. As for instance the post WW II order was designed by the most powerful and victorious nations of the world and international institutions are still dominated by these powerful actors of IR. This is evident from the United Nations more powerful and influential Security Council which is totally in control of the most powerful states of the world like the US, United Kingdom (UK), France, Russia, and China. Same is the case with international financial institutions which could not be run without financial and political support of the West or North; hence dominating them (Gruffydd Jones, Branwen: 1).   However, there are certain strategies which are used by the South to minimize their vulnerability, including

China in the World Economy and Implications for the ‘South’

Due to its growing involvement in international trade, China has entered into WTO by becoming a full member of it on December 11, 2009. China’s entry in WTO is not independent but has certain implications for the rest of countries of South. China is the 4th largest industrial economy of the world but identified as a ‘developing country’ and according to official statements, delivered since or before joining the WTO, China is in favor of developing countries. As for instance, “during the Third Ministerial Meeting, when China’s accession to the WTO became imminent, Chinese Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, Shi Guangsheng submitted five proposals in support of incorporating the developing countries’ development objectives in trade negotiations. ” (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004: 13)

After China’s membership with WTO, its official newspaper, the People’s Daily says that “China’s participation in a new round of trade negotiations, as the largest developing country, will boost the developing countries’ collective negotiating capability, thereby rendering it possible to change the balance of force between “North and South”. It further says that it will “speed up the remedy for problems such as an imbalanced multilateral trading system, and the ineffective implementation of the Uruguay Round Accords. ” (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004: 14). This shows the possibility of change in the balance of power in favor of developing countries with the help of China’s leadership which is also a developing country. The realists assert that “a rising hegemonic state prefers an open international system because this can contribute to its economic growth, national income, and political power. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 59).

However, if we analyze China’s position in realist terms of competition or zero-sum game, it is susceptible that a fear become visible that the exports of the developing countries would face increased competition from China or could eventually be displaced by the latter due to similar comparative advantages and the same export destinations (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004:14); as the realists also portray the hegemon as coercive. Thus, neo-realist theory asserts that a hegemonic state creates “international regimes for the purpose of preserving its economic and political interests” and “international regimes are premised on the anarchical structure of international relations, reflecting distribution of capabilities in the international system. ” (Khan Tanzimuddin Mohammad, 2004: 15)

The US Reaction to Rising Chinese Trade

The US is well aware of China’s rising economic power which is taken as threat to the US hegemony. The realists, according to the hegemonic stability theory warn about the “coercive hegemon” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 59) which can use certain coercive measure like threats, sanctions, cutting off trade, and creating other trade barriers to the challenger. The US is the largest market of China overseas and second largest source of foreign direct investment. According to the Congress Research Service (CRS) Report (Lum Thomas, Nanto K. Dick, 2007) prepared for the US Congress, the US imports from China increased dramatically not only in labor-intensive sector but also in some advanced technology sectors such as office and data processing machines, telecommunication and sound equipment, and electrical machinery and appliances. All these developments show an explicit threat from country of South to the US hegemony. In return, Congress considers accessing Chinese markets, intellectual property rights (IPO) protection; it also focuses on mounting US trade deficit with China; there are also allegations of China’s dumping policies by selling products internationally at low prices, engagement in currency manipulation, and exploitation of its workers for economic purposes. Hence, the US 109th Congress has introduced bills imposing trade sanctions of china, anti-dumping policies, and safeguards against Chinese products and forcing it to remove non-tariff trade barriers (Lum Thomas, Nanto K. Dick, 2007). This analysis shows a competition and state of economic confrontation between the powerful state of the North and emerging power of the South.

Disparity between the North and South and Challenges facing ‘South’

However, some countries of the South (China, Singapore, South Korea) are making unprecedented progress in IPE but majority of the developing countries face low living standards and marginal share in international trade. The most recent UNDP Human Development Report of 2005 (Jones Grffydd, Branwen) says that one in five people in the world—more than 1 billion people—still survive on less than $1 a day. These people are living in abject poverty which threatens their survival. Another 1. 5 billion people live on $1–$2 a day. More than 40% of the world’s population live in the conditions of extreme poverty and are under privileged. More than 850 million people, including one in three preschool children are under nourished and badly affected. More than 1 billion people lack access to safe water and 2. 6 billion lack access to improved sanitation (Jones Grffydd, Branwen: 3). These majority poor people belong to the South and are non-Europeans living in the former European colonies concentrated in Asia and Africa.

The North being dominant and powerful will resist the attempts of the South in international trade. According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development “the primacy of the North in international economic relations will remain. ” (June 13-18, 2004: 3) Paul Prebisch, one of the eminent proponents of New International Economic Order (NIEO), argues that “institutions at the core of the world economy have more influence on the world economy than institutions in the periphery. ” (Diehl F. Paul, 2001: 265). So, it is challenging for the South to revise the international economic relations. The South will continue to influence developments in the world economy and trade. There are stark differences between the economies and living standards of North and South and it will take time to revise these trends. There have been several attempts by the South to counter the North’s influence in world trade and economy in attempts like NIEO, non-aligned movement, OPEC oil cartel of 1970s, and creation of other regional and economic organizations. There are many indicators of North-South disparity: income levels; share in world trade, including in value added in trade; size of economic operators; pattern of specialization, and other structural and institutional factors.

We can see that the average GDP per capita of developed countries sets at nearly $27,000, which is 20 times higher than that of developing countries. Fewer than five Members of the WTO with developing country status are within $10,000 of developed country per capita income (UNCTAD 11th Session, June 2004:3). It further says that the difference in economic indicators of the developed and developing countries become explicit when we look at the Trans-National Corporations (TNC). In terms of value added services the large developed country TNCs are larger than the size of the economies of most developing countries: for example, the value added of Exxon Mobil is larger than the size of the economies of Pakistan or of Chile, and its total foreign assets are nearly equal to the total foreign assets of the top 50 developing country TNCs taken together (UNCTAD 11th Session, June 2004:3). Moreover, the foreign sales of Daimler-Chrysler AG are 40 per cent higher than the total exports of Africa as a whole, while those of Honda Motor Corporation are greater than the total value of India’s exports (UNCTAD 11th Session, June 3004: 3). These statistics clearly indicate the stark differences between the North and South in terms of economy and world trade which is by no means easy to abolish or revise.

International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and South

After the WW II the IFIs were designed by the powerful states of North and these are seen as highly influenced by them due to their economic power and leverage. Developing countries are the main sponsors of these institutions as well so it is easy for them to mould their decisions in their favor. These IFIs like WTO, IMF, World Bank are said to regulate and harmonize the international finance and trade. They also provide international norms, laws, institutional arrangements, principles, guidelines etc. and play a major role in the process of globalizations. Therefore, realists contend that “globalization (to the extent it is occurring) increases only because states permit it to increase. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 53). In the post WW II it was feasible for the West to open international markets where their finished goods and technologies find the buyers, who are less capable and could not compete them due to lack of sophisticated technology. As the realists say that “the largest states can either open or close world markets and can use globalization to improve their power positions vis-à-vis weaker states. ” (Cohn H. Theodore, 2008: 53).

Theoretically, the IFI, said the weaker countries and to help alleviate them, and on the basis of norms and rules of equal rights and self determination. But in reality things are quite different, and it prevented the development of IFI seen in developing countries. How, for example due to the significant complexity of the WTO and its institutional structure may be impossible to monitor a developing country delegate K & # xF5; iki WTO developments. According to one estimate more than seventy different WTO councils, committees, working groups and other groups, which more than 2,800 meetings a year. “(Tanzimudin Mohammad, 2004: 4). It is believed that most developing countries can not afford to attend WTO meetings in the capitals of the North, where the delegates received little support in the south. Analü & Realistic # XFC; s WTO shows that the multilateral trading system only heavyweight “of interest”, which includes developed countries such as the shape of North America, United States , European Union, Japan and Canada, unfortunately, developing countries (Tanzimuddin Khan Mohammad, 2004: 16), while Sidel interest to less developed countries and use their weaknesses. Gregory Shaffer (2006: 1) the developing countries vary considerably, although size, geography, demography, economy etc, but the problems and they are classified into three categories ko WTO, it is possible to:

(i)                  A relative lack of legal expertise in WTO law and the capacity to organize information concerning trade barriers and opportunities to challenge them;

(ii)                Constrained financial resources, including for the hiring of outside legal counsel to effectively use the WTO legal system, which has become increasingly costly; and

(Exercise iii) fear of political and economic pressure on members of market power, particularly in the United States and the EU, undermining their ability to comply with WTO requirements. We can categorize these problems with some restrictions, such as legal knowledge, financial resources and political power, or just, legal, money and politics.

Similarly, developing countries criticized the IMF and the impact of certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the North Sea for their decisions and policies. Graham Bird (Paul F. Diehl, 2001: 277) criticizes the IMF’s decisions and advises its objective to prevent the development of developing countries. He argues that “since its formation, the IMF, that they had seen no special role in the developing world, but now it was only for those countries that the formation of their customers.” & # xDC, KS allegations of the IMF is that “it had become unreasonable Development Agency.” (Paul F. Diehl, 2001: 277). NGOs claim that the IMF has been insufficient Development Agency, as the IMF has supported measures to do more damage, and if that evolving countires, with & # xE4; poorer people, it would be better without him. “(Paul F. Diehl, 2001: 277-278).

Moreover, the IMF exerts an influence over the design of economic policy of countries that receive its financial assistance. Therefore, the IMF has a powerful say on “exchange rate, domestic credit creation, interests rates and fiscal imbalances. ” (Diehl F. Paul, 2001: 283). It also exercises its influence and interference in “structural conditionality covering pricing policy, trade liberalization, and privatization, the structure of taxes and government expenditures, as well as reform of the financial sector” (Diehl F. Paul, 2001:283) “The weakest performance seems to be with respect to monetary restraint. The policy outcomes are also discouraging indicating weaker performance in economic growth. Sebastian Edward records an average failure rate for economic growth of 72%, and similarly discouraging results as discovered by P. S. Heller et al. and by Zulu S. M. Nsouli in the case of Africa. ” (Diehl F. Paul, 2001: 301). These research findings show that not only the progress of developing countries is impeded by these North dominated institutions but it also undermines their sovereignty and the right of self-determination for which collective action of developing states is required besides supporting economic policies.

Conclusion

International political and economic relations are characterized by a system of self-distrust and competition between countries, especially in “North Base” and “South”. It’s not that there is no cooperation between IR and IPE, however, has its own interest and the return of the underlying policy objectives of such cooperation. Instead, in order to facilitate and support the majority of poor countries as an obstacle to South-North IFI creates rich areas in developing countries and a powerful leader of their country’s sovereignty and intervene in their interests are often destabilizing. IPE is a very important policy, where countries are characterized by actions and intentions of self-interest and survival. While the developing countries like China, the major players in international trade, but most of the countries form the “South” is only a meager share of international trade, and usually only for a limited natural raw materials or Trading otsingusü system, as.

References

Anderson, Thomas Barnebeck, Hansen, Henrik & Markussen, Thomas (2005) ‘US Politics and World Bank IDA-Lending’ Institute of Economics, University of Copenhagen May 2005:8

Cohn, H. Theodore (2008) Global political economy theory and practice 4th Ed. (New York: Pearson)

Diehl F. Paul (2001) The Politics of Global Governance 2nd edition (Colorado: Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc. )

Jones, Gruffydd & Branwen ‘Race in the Ontology of North-South Relations’ URL=http://www. allacademic. com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/0/9/8/7/4/pages98742/p98742-2. php, viewed December 4, 2009.

Khan, Tanzimuddin Mohammad (2004) ‘China, WTO and Developing Countries: A Constructivist Analysis’

‘New Geography of International Trade: South-South Cooperation in an Increasingly Interdependent World’ United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 11th Session, Sao Paulo, 13-18 June 2004, , http://www. unctad. org/en/docs/td404_en. pdf

Shah, Anup (April 13, 2009) ‘US and Foreign Aid Assistance’ URL=http://www. globalissues. org/article/35/us-and-foreign-aid-assistance, viewed November 24, 2009)


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

The role of developing countries in world trade: a realistic perspectiveForce India F1, developing countries such as China remains the world SpectatorOutsourcing Services from Developing countriesJanel World Trade Ltd (OTCBB: JLWT) $ 9M (MarketCap sets), together with WMM2007 1 to 6 months in China toys export ranking the first in the world – the export [...]]]> http://www.sourcing-from-china.com/the-role-of-developing-countries-in-world-trade-the-realist-perspective/feed/ 0