Today is the first Tuesday April 12 and tomorrow we will have our second Tuesday, April 12! We're crossing the international date line where we pick up an additional day. Everyone on ship is asking: The first April 12, or the second? when talking about a meeting or class.
Just attended an excellent lecture in Global Studies by Todd Shanks, our finance professor and Fullbright scholar in China. Firstly, he indicated that 90% of the businesses in China are owned by private enterprises, including multinationals and the millions of small shop owners all over China . Other statistics: China produces 90% of all of the toys in the world, 70% of all the shoes (including Feragamos) and 50% of all the clothing. So all you ladies buying these $1000 pairs of shoes - they were most likely made in China. Also learned a new word: hegemony which kind of describes the Chinese culture. Because the government no longer owns all of the businesses, unemployment has skyrocketed. Yet, those unemployed have not revolted against the government because they must believe that in the long run, capitalism is good for the country, and thus him. Plus, the average wage for a Chinese in a factory is $1 a day; in Vietnam it is 10 cents a day. So the capitalist in China could easily take their business to Vietnam and make a greater profit. The problem is Vietnam does not have the improved infrastructure China has, ie, roads.
As you can see, I am fascinated by a Communist country using capitalism in its own way, but still maintaining political control. Imagine Americans allowing the government to build a dam flooding out 100,000 homes; moving 100,000 people into new villages and new homes? That's what happened on the Yangtse River, you will recall. Or clearing hundreds of slums to build the Bird's Nest and other builfdings for the Olympics. Democracy protects us from unwanted government interference but takes a long time to reach a decision. The Chinese Communist's 5-year plan is countrywide, with the government implementing the plan. We have 50 states with their own ideas of a plan.
Our guide told us that the Korean automobile Hyundai is manufactured/assembled in China. Guess we're not the only ones outsourceing our jobs.
Amazing isn't it? The Chinese relocated over a million people during the 3 Gorges Dam project...wow!
ReplyDeleteHope you got home safely.
Tom and Linda