The Economic Co-operation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between China and Taiwan has been the most significant treaty since the end of Chinese Civil War, signed in Chongqing. In the last sixty-five years the two neighbors have strengthened their ties, leading to important economic developments. Beijing will reduce its import tariffs – a significant 539 product varieties worth roughly US$14 billion – on goods from Taiwan. Inversely, Taiwan also will lower its import tax rates on 267 types of goods valued at around US$3 billion. In the future, these changes will thus allow for greater trade...

China is luring an increasing number of foreign students – millions of them – to learn Mandarin, spreading its profound culture all over the world through the platform of Confucius Institutes and magnetizing numerous tourists to explore this mysterious country in person. Nevertheless, China remains a imitator and follower desperately to achieve the same success achieved by its peers. The more China breaks records, the more peculiar she appears. It’s undeniable that China realizes great progress, wins respect from the world, and enhance citizens’ living conditions, but its path is...

When even the compass could not provide any help, the world used to look at China as the last hope. Right now, the global economy is within a sea of uncertainty, and so is Beijing! China – once considered a safe bet to predict the future – now shows multifaceted approach that’s inclusive of opinions from various segments of the society. Notwithstanding, one thing is sure: the new government in Italy, headed by professor Mario Monti, would be greatly welcomed in Beijing and certainly is an improvement over the previous government. The Berlusconi government was hardly accepted in China;...

The warm relationship between Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and China has shown signs of distress lately, ushering in a new political scenario in South-East Asia, where China can play the dual role of friend and foe. Friend – as an economic necessity; foe – as a muscular neighbour. In Myanmar, we could easily sniff out a change in the attitude toward the regime, a subtle change though it was. A small window of tolerance for dissent is visible from the dark days of dictatorship. The formally civil government, through its President Thein Sein, promised a large amnesty. Although only few...

The important role of Private Equity In a more and more globalised world, Mergers and Acquisitions are an essential mechanism of shareholder value enhancement, facilitating access to new markets, competencies and technologies as well as enabling organisations to leverage their existing core competencies. In these respects, Private equity, through its expertise and networks, plays a significant role in providing shareholders and management with a number of interesting alternatives to enhance value. However, challenges to successful M&A are considerable. A proper strategy usually makes the...