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Jim Jubak on China?s Future if the US Economy Sinks
2007-11-29 16:58:00 Here is an excellent clip of Jim Jubak on some macroeconomic things to consider. you may remember that I covered a piece of his on logistics last year, and like that piece, he has some things that I agree and disagree with. Currently working on a few posts to address some of the underlying issues ... More About: News , Economy , China , Future , Sinks
Law and Religion: A Western Perspective on China
2007-11-29 08:26:00 Southern Weekly ??????interviewed Harold Berman, author of ” Law and Revolution,” found here and here. That Berman, whose expertise extended to the religious foundations of Western law, should be the focus of a two-hour interview with an iconoclastic and popular Chinese language Sunday Magazine is in itself a wonder — not solely for ... More About: News , Religion , China , Perspective
Top of City Relocated Citizens Hit Paydirt
2007-11-28 19:56:00 To make way for all of the new shiny buildings in Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities, it more often than not will involve the relocation of existing residents. There are dozens of stories in the press about citizens getting the short end of the stick in land grabs, and there have been a few famous ... More About: News , City , Loca
China?s Ports to Play Fair.. with Each Other
2007-11-27 22:55:00 In any developing economy, there is a feeling that one must take advantage of any opportunity. for China ’s part money has flowed into nearly ever sector of the economy from domestic and foreign investors.. From a manufacturing perspective, the same mentality also exists. Manufacturers will cut to the bone to get business, and there ... More About: News , Play , Fair , Ports
China?s Economy is Running Out of Gas: Update
2007-11-27 15:52:00 Last month, lines at the pumps started to form as a gas shortage and fuel tax hit the market. It was a topic I covered in the post China ?s Economy is Running Out of Gas? Literally, and I have seen a number of newspaper and TV based reports on the problem since. as part of his ... More About: News , Update
DHL Chooses Shanghai, and CMA CGM Chooses Xiamen
2007-11-27 01:51:00 Nearly 6 months have passed since DHL announced that it was down to Shanghai and Inchon.. and today DHL announced that they will build their 6th Asian hub in Shanghai. Coming as no surprise given the importance of China to logistics providers, this new hub will certainly provide a higher level of quality to DHL’s customers in China. The 55,000 square meter (592,000 square foot) hub, DHL’s sixth in Asia, will be able to handle as many as 20,000 parcels and 20,000 documents an hour, the company said. Over the last few years, much has changed in China, and the express carriers have been no exception. to date, I would have to say that FedEx’s move of buying up their remaining shares of Datian has been the strongest investment I have seen to date, and while they may not be fully utilizing the lanes yet, they are able to provide next day morning deliveries to 32 cities… something the others cannot match. But.. as the tortus and the hare taught us as kids, FedEx... More About: Xiamen , Amen
Event: “Going Global - Business Opportunities in the UK Conference 2007
2007-11-26 21:37:00 We are pleased to promote the following conference, put on by our friends at Great Event s. They did a great job last year, and once again are offering insight into some key current issues and opportunities: “Going Global - Business Opportunities in the UK Conference 2007″ for Chinese FDI 09.00 - 17.00. December 11th 2007 at Merchant Taylors Hall, Threadneedle Street (near Bank of England), City of London This event is supported by UK Trade & Investment, China-Britain Business Council and 48 Group Club and Sponsored by HSBC Bank Great Events is working in partnership with Zhonglun W&D, the first Chinese law firm in the City of London on “Going Global- Business Opportunities in the UK Conference” for Chinese businesses. The Vice President of China Development Bank will be attending with other representatives of CDB , Beijing Construction & Engineering Group (BCEG) and Shanghai General Construction Company. Both of these are in the top 10 C...
Inflation Nation
2007-11-26 21:37:00 It seems a long time ago that China’s inflation got out of control in 1994, and had to be stamped out by then Premier Zhu Rongji. While it is not that bad this time, it is clear that inflationary pressures have become a big issue for the economy. The Chicago Tribune reports: “The highest inflation in more than a decade is frustrating citizens and unnerving political leaders who are mindful that rising prices have been a volatile factor throughout Chinese history. China’s inflation is also a growing international concern. For years, cheap Chinese imports have helped control inflation in the U.S., but if Chinese exports get more expensive here, they could, in turn, drive up inflation abroad. …China’s consumer prices soared by 6.5 percent in October, compared with a year earlier, matching a rise in August that was the highest in 11 years. Housing is also on the rise, with home prices growing by a new monthly record of 9.5 percent in October despite government efforts... More About: Inflation , Nation
Chinese ODI Hits Mexico & Afghanistan (& Rio Tinto)
2007-11-26 21:37:00 The development of Chinese overseas direct investment (ODI) has become a regular feature of the business pages . Everyone knows about the failed investment by CNOOC in Unocal, the purchase of IBM PCs by Lenovo, and the recent headline deals in BG, Blackstone, Barclays, Bear Stearns and Standard Bank (the latter seeming to prove that China’s investments are not simply being picked, alphabetically, out of the business pages!). China is now clearly looking further afield (Mexico & Afghanistan ) – and deeper (more mining): • Mexico: LA Times reports that “Mexico’s largest specialty retailer [Grupo Elektra], said this week that it was partnering with [FAW] one of China’s Big Three automakers to build a [US$150 million] plant in central Mexico with capacity to produce 100,000 vehicles a year.” • Afghanistan: It is all about copper – and specifically US$2.8 billion of investment relating to the Aynak copper field in Logar Province “the world’s larg... More About: Hits , Tinto
If You Think China is “Coming Out”… You’re “Coming Out” of a 3
2007-11-26 18:51:00 This morning when I opened up the Shanghai Daily on my RSS, I found an article entitled Expo as China ’s ‘coming out’ party, and had a moment of inspiration as I like Stan Abrams at China Hearsay am just a bit tired of China’s perceived “coming out party” . First, if there were going to be a coming out party, it would be the Olympics. right? After all, the Olympics provided the platform for so many others to “come out” onto the international stage. anyway, according to the Shanghai Daily article: It’s clear the Shanghai Expo in 2010 will be the biggest one in world history. We will look back in 40 to 50 years’ time and see it as a sign of China’s re-emergence on the world stage. As if China’s mark on humanity were in question? I will agree that China’s growth over the last few years, has caught a lot of people off guard. Many are still trying to figure it all out where China is on a map while others still...
AsiaInspection receives ‘E-Business of the Year’ Award from Alibaba !
2007-11-26 18:22:00 Early September, AsiaInspection was extremely pleased to be rewarded for its successful online platform with the “E-Business of the Year” award from Alibaba .com, the leading online trade platform for global importers.Out of 1,200 initial candidates, AsiaInspection was eventually selected as one of the 10 winners for the Hong Kong region, and attended the Alifest event in Hangzhou on September,15th.AsiaInspection’s online platform now serves more than 1,200 Importers in 58 different countries. Jack Ma, Alibaba founder, with AsiaInspection’s CEO Sebastien Breteau. Read Original Post Here More About: Award , E-business , Sine
Total Recall
2007-11-26 18:22:00 The list of recalled made-in-Asia products keeps getting longer and longer… It seems no one is safe anymore: to name only a few , your kids may damage their brain or become comatose when playing with their favorite toys, you can ingest poisonous chemicals while brushing your teeth should you observe basic hygiene rules, or die after eating your daily portion should you be a pet… You might also learn that your kids’ clothes were actually manufactured by Indian children, some as young as 10. For more of these pleasant stories, you can consult the US Consumer Product Safety Commission here (for all products) or here (for toys only), the US Food and Drug Administration here, or the EU recalls list here… Should we put all the blame on Asian suppliers and stop doing business with them ? I don’t think so; these stories are only a strong reminder that international trade is risky - and that you can not pressure for lower prices on one hand, and not watch out f... More About: Recall , Total , Total Recall
Attention all buyers !
2007-11-26 18:22:00 I heard rumors these last days saying China was going to cut tax rebates granted to local exporters on a wide range of goods… Today for the first time I read something official here on the matter. This is big (bad?) news ! From 1st of July (that is, in about 10 days), we are very likely to see Chinese suppliers react drastically and raise their selling prices to maintain profits - apparently we are talking about 5 to 10% increases on some products (clothes, shoes…), which will have a clear impact for AsiaInspection’s clients ! So the Chief’s tip of the day to all importers would be to hurry and push for shipments before the end of June ! Read Original Post Here More About: Buyers , Attention
Child Labor : still a long way to go …
2007-11-26 18:22:00 Given the business I am in with AsiaInspection, I can only react to the news of Beijing Olympic Games merchandises being manufactured by Chinese rogue factories employing children…There is a highly symbolic value to this news, which brings together 2 of the most popular topics, one positive and one negative, when it comes to China. Moreover, the story comes to light, quite ironically, when yesterday was the official World Day against Child Labor . This is obviously a highly-debated subject, but I still find it interesting that Olympics officials can tell reporters about the factories involved: "They have told us they did not employ child labor at all"… Told us ?? In my opinion, the least they should have done, when they knew the whole world was watching every of their steps, and when they are supposed to convey positive ethical values through the Olympic spirit, was to order / impose a proper Social Audit program on all suppliers & factories involved... More About: Long , Child labor
Direct from the Hong Kong fair !
2007-11-26 18:22:00 Completing my previous posts on Canton fair, here is a word from the Hong Kong Electronic & Components fair, where AsiaInspection is exhibiting this year for the first time (after having exhibited at other HK fairs the previous years). The fair is organized by Globalsources, the leading online platform “connecting global buyers and suppliers”, who by the way happens to have the same graphical chart than AI (red, black & grey)! It takes place at AsiaWorld Expo, a new exhibition center opened in 2006 in Hong Kong, built conveniently near the International Airport and offering an additional 70,000 sqm space for exhibitions to relieve the “old” HK Convention Center located on the Hong Kong island. After more than 10 years visiting these Asian fairs I am still dazzled by the atmosphere you feel there, and how these events make you sense, in a very tangible way, the 10% economic growth of China ! Read Original Post Here More About: Direct , Fair , Dire
A great appointment
2007-11-26 18:22:00 As you probably know, there has been quite a few changes in France’s political life these last weeks. Since last Monday, a new team is in command, under the leadership of president Sarkozy. AsiaInspection is particularly happy about the appointment of Mme Christine Lagarde, as French new Finance Minister, making her the first woman to hold such a position within the G8 countries ! When she awarded us the Prize of the Best French SME in China last October, I had the opportunity to discuss with her and was very impressed by her presence both charming and highly intense. After making her way to the top of the famous law firm Baker & McKenzie, she was ranked the 30th most powerful woman by Forbes in 2006 and i believe she will be a great asset to the government as France has too long been governed by people who had absolutely no idea about what a Company or a business is really about. I believe the clarity of her views as well as her 20 years of professional experience abroad ... More About: Great
Don’t mess up with Quality in China…
2007-11-26 18:22:00 These past weeks have seen a number of stories unveiled about quality issues on China productions, mainly on the food & drugs industries - and recently in the Toys industry. There are stories about this bun maker using cardboards found on the streets in his products, the counterfeit drinking water sold in Beijing, or the infamous use of antifreeze chemicals inside toothpaste…Finally, these last days, Dora the Explorer returned home, with Mattel announcing a recall for 1.5 million toys made in China (containing excessive lead levels). The matter is getting very concerning for the Chinese government. The execution of the the ex-Food & Drugs Administration chief Zheng Xiaoyu, after being convicted for bribery charges (he took about 6,5 million RMB to let defective drugs get SFDA approval, ultimately causing the death of at least a dozen patients) will certainly not be enough to restore the reputation of the “made in China”. Figures given by the Herald Tribune... More About: Quality , Ality , Mess
From China to Europe… by car !
2007-11-26 18:22:00 Another step in the cultural exchanges between the West and China : one of AsiaInspection’s employees in Shenzhen just told me about how her brother has started with his wife on last July, 12th a 60,000 kms road trip from China to Europe !They will cross nearly 20 countries, for about 6 months, and keep a diary online to record their story. This trip is actually a big thing, since they will be allegedly the first Chinese couple to drive across Europe; they got sponsored by Volkswagen Shanghai (they drive an Octavia model, which was just released on Chinese market early June), HP, Michelin, … and will donate a part of the income generated by their story to Greenpeace. I wish a good trip to these modern heirs of the legendary Zheng He ! Read Original Post Here More About: Rope
10 years of magic
2007-11-26 18:22:00 Today, is exactly the 10th year anniversary of the incorporation of my first business in Hong Kong, SEBO : it was indeed launched on the first working day of the China ruling. At that time I was confident the business environment wouldn’t be affected by the China ruling, and I think time has proved me right. Indeed Hong Kong has gone through hard times (98 crisis, SARS,…) pretty well and has shown an amazing ability to stay ahead of other financial centers in Asia. 10 years ago, lots of people predicted that Singapore or Shanghai would soon take over Hong Kong as a leading financial center but they have been proven wrong big time! The competition with Singapore is no more and the financial core and immaterial economy ( holdings, funds, lawyers,…) is strongly based in Hong Kong and is progressing each year. The main downside I have seen in the past 10 years is the pollution which reaches some days unbearable levels. I believe it is the duty of the Hong Kong peop... More About: Magic , Years
Dredgers Used Early on Yangtze as Silt Problem Worsens
2007-11-23 20:38:00 Following up on yesterday’s post and two of the posts I wrote a few months back on the issues that face shippers on the Yangtze , low bridges and silt, comes the Xinhua article Dredgers used early on Yangtze as silt problem worsens With such an important role in the development of inner China, the Yangtze ... More About: News , Problem , Early
Countries Who Invest in Logistics Compete Better
2007-11-22 16:30:00 A couple of weeks ago, I threw out the argument that the potential success of Vietnam was severely limited over the next 5 years because their logistics infrastructure was not in place to support large amounts of FDI… Well, as it turns out the World Bank agrees with me, or at least their recent Logistics Performance ... More About: News , Countries , Invest , Compete
Total Recall
2007-11-22 00:11:00 The list of recalled made-in-Asia products keeps getting longer and longer? It seems no one is safe anymore: to name only a few , your kids may damage their brain or become comatose when playing with their favorite toys, you can ingest poisonous chemicals while brushing your teeth should you observe basic hygiene rules, or die after ... More About: News , Recall , Total , Total Recall
How the Markets Really Work. Sound Familiar?
2007-11-21 12:25:00 There are few times where I can say receiving a joke were more timely, but my friend from Beijing (now back home) passed this on the other day. While the subject of the video is centered on western markets, it could just as easily be a China market 101 video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ_qK4g6nt M Thank Alex. Read Original Post ... More About: News , Markets , Work , Sound
Finally? Someone With Some Foresight
2007-11-20 15:19:00 For much of the last 2 years, I have been working to convince people that the opportunities in China go far beyound the city limits of Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. that if a firm looks at the cities of Wuhan, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Xiamen, they will uncover that there are some very interesting opportunities there, ... More About: News , Finally , Foresight , Some
Are You Long or Short on WalMart?
2007-11-20 08:16:00 I was asked a couple of months back by a CBS reporters to help introduce firms who were seeing fallout from the recent product safety scandals. they were interested in finding foreign firms whose products were really culled as part of the scandal rather than those who had safety problems themselves.. and in my ... More About: News , Long , Short , Walmart
Panda Punchers, Chinadependence, China Renewable Hope, and Dezan Shira?s Ne
2007-11-19 11:12:00 Panda Punchers - Inaugural Edition Like it or not, China is going to be a major focus (if not the focus) of the 2008 race to the White house and congress. Unfortunately, it is pretty clear that China will be serving as a political kick-me doll for a number of politicians, analysts, and others who ... More About: News , Panda , Hope , Renewable
China Freezes Lending
2007-11-19 04:07:00 Last week I got a short message from my good friend Jay Boyle (you have seen his posts here). Simply put, it said China will stop all loans. At the time I wasn’t sure what that meant in the grander schemes of things .. and I stil don’t. But Jay put it to me in terms I could ... More About: News , Lending
Chengdu Investment News: November 18
2007-11-18 14:04:00 Chengdu became China?s happiest city The first public appraisal of China?s Happiest Cities co-sponsored by Xinhua News Agency?s Oriental Outlook magazine, the China Association of Mayors? Chinese City Development Report working committee, the China Social Economy Institute and China Population Welfare Foundation, published its result on November 6. Ten cities including Chengdu were picked from ... More About: Investment , Chengdu
Hyatt Can?t Build Their Own Hotels? but Shimao Can
2007-11-18 14:04:00 Quickly following up on the impact of the recent foreign investment regulations in China, I found th article Shimao to build up 20 China hotels in the Shanghai Daily. Xu Rongmao, Chairman of Shimao, apparently commented at the opening of the Hyatt on the Bund (Shanghai) that: “As planned, we will open more hotels in cities with ... More About: News , Hotels , Build
Home?s Where Heart Is
More articles from this author:2007-11-17 10:02:00 Growing up, I always hear Home is where you hang your hat, but today the China Daily has put together an article on expats in the 2nd tier cities called Home’s where heart is Written by Viva Goldner, is a very interesting read and I find that many of the quotes she has pooled together ... More About: News , Heart 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |



