Economics
2008: Defining common goals through deliberation
Continuing with our series looking at the 25 year partnership between Mongolia and the World Bank, today we look at 2008, a year that will be remembered by many Mongolians for events both high and low. The low point was the riot that followed parliamentary elections on 1st July, 2008. Five innocent lives were lost and Ulaanbaatar city was under a state emergency for two days and three nights. While Mongolia is rightfully praised for its peaceful transition from one regime to another in 1990, this incident of 2008 will be remembered as the darkest time in the 25 years of democracy.
The high of 2008 occurred after this riot when Mr. Tuvshinbayr Naidan brought home Mongolia’s 1st ever gold medal from the Beijing summer Olympics. I will never forget the sight of people waving our national flag, gathering in the Central Square and cheering with exhilaration. The World Bank’s Country Director, David Dollar, also celebrated this historic occasion, noting that “The event was important enough to get rival political parties to shake hands and share the pride.”
The year 2008 also brought some important highlights for Mongolia’s partnership with the World Bank. A multi-stakeholder forum called the Economic Policy Conference was held in 2008, and this was right time for Mongolia. According to Mr. Bayartsogt, the Minister of Finance at that time, Mongolia’s foreign reserves had reached US$1 billion and economic growth had taken off since 1990. The mining sector was expected to grow rapidly, and an increase of foreign investment was anticipated, yet the country was facing economic challenges. The conference, which was suggested by the World Bank and accepted by the new Government established in 2008, sought to bring policy makers, researchers, investors and government officials together to generate a discussion on the current economic situation, to consider areas of improvement in regard to strengthening foreign investment, and to exchange international best practices in mining sector development. A high level delegation visited Mongolia to participate, including Justin Lin, Chief Economist of the World Bank, Yegor Gaidar, former Prime Minister of Russia, and Jim Adams, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific. The meeting became a regular event from 2009 onwards and laid the groundwork for what would later become the Mongolia Economic Forum, now led by non-government organization. Creating a platform to discuss national level issues was an important step forward for Mongolia. Mongolia has a proverb “It is better if we discuss all together”.
In the same year, the World Bank endorsed several new projects funded by IDA and trust funds. The Mining Sector Institutional Strengthening Technical Assistance Project (MISISTAP) aimed to strengthen the capacity to manage mining revenues and develop economic and sector policies, to improve regulatory capacity to manage mining sector development, and to developing the capacity for management of state equity. An Enhanced Justice Sector Services Project was also approved that year. While…
Business
News Update: China’s Stimulus Falls Short; Sensex and Nifty Decline; Bitcoin Surges Over $82,000
Asian markets showed mixed trends amid China’s stimulus measures and disappointing inflation data. Meanwhile, Indian equities remained stable, with mutual fund inflows rising. Bitcoin surged following Trump’s presidential win.
Business Hook Daily News Podcast
Good evening! Welcome to Business Hook’s daily news podcast. I’m Avni Raja, and today is November 11, 2024. Let’s dive into the day’s top business stories.
Market Reactions and Economic Data
Asian markets experienced a mixed session as investors digested new economic data and stimulus measures from China. The Chinese government announced a $1.4 trillion package targeting local government debt, although analysts deemed it underwhelming. October’s inflation rate of 0.3% fell short of estimates and declined for the second month in a row. As a result, the CSI 300 saw a slight gain, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped over 1.5%. In India, the Sensex closed below 74,500, and the Nifty ended above 24,100, with a majority of Nifty stocks declining.
Mutual Fund Inflows and Upcoming IPOs
There’s encouraging news in the mutual fund sector, with October seeing net inflows of 2.4 lakh crore rupees, reversing the previous month’s outflows. Record equity inflows have risen to nearly 42,000 crore rupees, reflecting robust domestic investor confidence. In the IPO space, LG Electronics prepares to raise $1.5 billion by listing its Indian arm, with banks like Axis Capital involved in the process, potentially leading to an IPO as early as 2025.
Cryptocurrency Surge
In cryptocurrency news, Bitcoin has achieved new highs, surpassing $82,000. This surge is attributed to Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory, which has favored cryptocurrencies compared to more cautious Democratic approaches. Experts speculate that Bitcoin could surpass $90,000 soon. That’s all for today’s wrap-up. Join us again tomorrow, and check out the Business Hook YouTube channel for more updates.
Source : News Wrap | China Stimulus Disappoints; Sensex & Nifty Slip; Bitcoin Soars Past $82,000
Business
Henry Keswick: The Jardine Scion Who Transformed China’s Business Landscape
Henry Keswick, 86, a key figure in Jardine Matheson, passed away as the U.S. awaited election results, amid heightened tensions in U.S.-China relations during Trump’s presidency.
Henry Keswick’s Legacy
HONG KONG — The world turned its attention to the U.S. presidential election as news broke of Henry Keswick’s passing at the age of 86. A fourth-generation member of the British conglomerate Jardine Matheson, Keswick had a profound influence on the company, which has deep roots in Asia.
Navigating Challenges
Keswick’s leadership spanned significant challenges, including a strained relationship between the U.S. and China, particularly as Donald Trump prepared for his return to the White House. Under his stewardship, Jardine Matheson navigated a complex landscape in retail and real estate that dovetailed with geopolitical shifts.
A Lasting Impact
His contributions to Jardine Matheson and the broader business community have left an indelible mark. As companies reposition themselves amidst evolving international dynamics, Keswick’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of the conglomerate he led.
Source : Henry Keswick, the Jardines scion who razed then restored China business
Business
Faurecia Relocates Electronics Headquarters from Japan to China – Automotive News
Faurecia relocates its electronics business headquarters from Japan to China, signaling a strategic shift to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen its presence in the growing Chinese automotive market.
Faurecia’s Strategic Shift
Faurecia has announced the relocation of its electronics business headquarters from Japan to China. This move is aimed at enhancing the company’s presence in a rapidly growing market for automotive technologies. By shifting its base, Faurecia intends to optimize operations and better serve its clientele across Asia.
Strengthening Market Position
The decision is part of Faurecia’s strategy to consolidate its resources in regions where electric and hybrid vehicle demand is soaring. As China leads the global automotive market in innovative technologies, the relocation will allow Faurecia to align its efforts with industry trends and consumer needs.
Future Aspirations
With this strategic shift, Faurecia aims to drive innovation and expand its production capabilities in China. The company expects this decision to create new growth opportunities and help solidify its competitive edge in the evolving automotive landscape.
Source : Faurecia moves headquarters of electronics business from Japan to China – Automotive News
- News Update: China’s Stimulus Falls Short; Sensex and Nifty Decline; Bitcoin Surges Over $82,000
- China’s Import-Export Trends 2024-25: A Thorough Analysis of the Initial 10 Months
- Henry Keswick: The Jardine Scion Who Transformed China’s Business Landscape
- China’s government is about to spend big on stimulus – can it turn around the country’s sluggish economy?
- Data Reveals the Chinese Government’s Popularity is Lower Than State Media Portrays
- Faurecia Relocates Electronics Headquarters from Japan to China – Automotive News
