Foreign direct investment notes

Nevertheless, rather than a comprehensive history, the book is a set of glimpses and perspectives of various phases of American foreign policy. Having worked as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Trade Representative, and President of the World Bank, Zoellick stresses the importance of maintaining alliances, rather than transactional diplomacy for one-off gains. Pragmatically, he chooses not to address certain questions, such as why some moments (and some parts of the world) have merited the rhetoric of idealism, while others have been given a hard dose of realism. For pragmatists, he suggests, “history offers insights on how to do better, not an acceptance of timeless obstacles.” … [Read more...] about ‘America in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy’ review: America’s role in the world

by Anurag KumarHealth spending is largely viewed as a cost. This is true of Governments and individuals alike. Finance Ministries thinks of health as a social sector expenditure. Individuals avoid paying for health till it becomes absolutely necessary and unavoidable.It would be wise for both, Governments, and individuals to consider health as an investment instead. Individual ‘investment’ in self-care and preventive health yield returns by lowering need for, and spending on curative care. Government investment in health has a strong multiplier effect throughout the economy in addition to enhancing the population’s well-being.The 2021 budget presents an opportunity to mark a departure from the chronic, low public spending on health. Policymakers should take the Covid-19 pandemic as a cue to move health expenditure to a higher orbit. Beyond the immediate need to fund Covid-19 vaccination, it is also a critical juncture where the role and impact of public health funding … [Read more...] about Investing in health is good economics

Washington: US President Joe Biden has claimed that his predecessor Donald Trump has left him a "very generous" letter in the Oval Office before departing the White House. It is customary for outgoing Presidents to write their successors a letter and leave it for them on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. … [Read more...] about Donald Trump penned a ‘very generous’ letter to Joe Biden, viral note hits the internet

"Through the activities of this group, we aim to create the perception of being a direct partner, not a sectoral dialogue partner, for the ASEAN countries and increase the effectiveness of the Turkish business world in the region," Olpak said on Tuesday in an online meeting with journalists. … [Read more...] about Turkey seeks to enhance ties with ASEAN amid COVID-19 economic woes

Trade growth in Chinese exports was initially driven by demand for pandemic-related products such as face masks and computing equipment for remote working, but the recovery has since broadened out, with other shipments now up year on year as well, according to Chris Leung, chief China economist of Singapore-based DBS Bank. … [Read more...] about Economic Watch: Zooming into China’s economy in 2020 beneath headline growth