Monthly Archives: January 2009

Singapore determined to master the storm

  Read the updated version on my new blog: http://www.whatmattersweblog.com/2009/02/20/singapore-determined-to-master-the-storm/ Given these turbulent economic times, it’s not surprising that the Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore is also suffering from a deep recession.  Global demand for Singapore’s exports and services has … Continue reading

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Amazing!

I’m just one of the hundreds of millions of people from around the world who have witnessed Obama’s inauguration on TV and are enthusiastic and full of hope.  Since the entire world has been looking forward to this historic day, Obama probably … Continue reading

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President Obama: the right person at the right time

This is definitely a historic day. This is the day Barack Obama takes office as the first African-American president of the United States of America. But far beyond that, Obama is the person who is most likely to bring about … Continue reading

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being confronted with the reality of the global crisis, Dubai delays the “one kilometer tower”

you might also be interested in: Abu Dhabi and Daimler teaming up: oil, electric cars, eco-cities and lots of money   Dubai has become a synonym for superlatives. The bustling city on the coast of the Persian Gulf emerged into … Continue reading

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giant solar power project in China

China has become a country with an apparently insatiable appetite for energy. Although China’s economy is slowing as the global meltdown crushes demand for Chinese goods, Chinese energy companies are busy importing ever more oil and coal and other commodities. Dependence … Continue reading

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no party atmosphere in Detroit, but numerous electric cars

This year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit is less glamorous than last year’s since the Big Three U.S. car makers are struggling to survive and even the industry leader Toyota will post an operating  for the first time in … Continue reading

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grim outlook for the container shipping industry

The long-lasting boom in the container shipping industry ended abruptly last year when first high freight rates caused by record-high oil prices lowered demand and prompted companies to relocate production capacities closer to big consumer markets and towards the end … Continue reading

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electric cars: it’s all about the batteries

The German carmaker Daimler that produces Mercedes-Benz luxury sedans as well as the microcar Smart recently teamed up with Evonik Industries to produce high-capacity lithium-Ion batteries for use in hybrids and electric cars. Daimler now also considers selling batteries to other car … Continue reading

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2009: year of change, challenges and chances

2008 just ended and will be remembered as the year when the financial crisis rooted in risky mortgage lending turned into a global economic crisis. In today’s globalized world, the crisis spread from the U.S. housing market to almost all … Continue reading

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Filed under Economy, Global Issues, Politics, Uncategorized