Rags to rags: The impact of automation on Asia’s textile, clothing and footwear industries
March 16, 2017This report, reflecting an International Labour Organization (ILO) study published in July 2016 and A2’s own research, will consider security and political stability issues relating to a number of Asian countries that have become major sources of textiles, clothing and footwear (TCF) production, and where the loss of these industries is certain to have a profound impact on governments, commerce and individuals.
Read moreChina’s ‘One Belt One Road’ hits road bump in Hungary
March 16, 2017The rise in protectionism and strategic concerns has heightened scrutiny of major Chinese investments in Europe. As a result, European businesses exposed to Chinese interests and deals should expect the E.U. to employ its regulatory leverage more frequently in the future, which could lead to counter-actions by Beijing.
Read moreToshiba’s departure from nuclear power industry further reduces competition
March 9, 2017On 14 February, Japanese technology firm Toshiba Corporation announced a USD6.3 billion write-down on its U.S. nuclear business. Such massive losses threatened to bankrupt the 141-year-old company and are emblematic of the problems faced by the global civil nuclear industry.
Read morePhilippine mining industry stalled due to domestic opposition, weak demand
March 1, 2017The Spanish seamen, priests and soldiers who arrived in the Philippines following in the wake of Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage to the archipelago in 1521 were amazed at the quantity and quality of gold the inhabitants possessed, and to the Europeans, valued so lightly.
Read moreIndia and the death of free trade
February 27, 2017India and China are facing the consequences of a global decline in trade. Their resilience in the face of this adversity is more likely to be a function of their political systems than their economies. In particular, India’s long economic isolationism and only partial embrace of free trade could become a template that other emerging markets begin to follow.
Read more
