HK v. Mainlanders

Shopping in Hong Kong

People from mainland China are buying goods in Hong Kong, because there's no sales tax, and selling them in the mainland. There are organized groups that facilitate this mass shopping practice and resale of goods. Powered milk is the most desired product from HK.

Prior to reading this article I knew that there were some tensions between Hong Kongers and mainland Chinese so it wasn't surprising that HKers look down on the mainlanders. But I was surprised to read that droves of mainland Chinese were crossing the border into HK just to go shopping.

Irreconcilable Differences

North Koreans Pony Up Bribes for Quickie Divorces

Divorce was once looked down upon in North Korea but today $100 can bribe a judge to grant the unhappy couple a divorce. This is becoming more common and even though the government is promarriage, they recognize the economic advantages of the bribes so they just look the other way. More women are filing for divorce because they are being more assertive and are involved in the markets.

China and Argentina

China emerges as Latin America's lender of last resort

China and Argentina strengthened their relationship by collaborating on infrastructure, farming, and various projects throughout Argentina. China will be financing these projects and will lend money to Argentina. Sure China is a last resort lender but without their help Latin America would not get the help that they need.

This is a big deal because China is now viewed as a legit superpower. In the past China was a closed country and was highly selective of who they allied with. Even though this may seem like the United States is loosing it's influence, China's growing role in Latin America is a good thing because it will help the global economy.

Return Migration: Thailand and Cambodia

Khmer workers wait for passports

Cambodia is in a scramble to print passports for Khmer citizens who cross the border into Thailand for work. There has been a steady stream of return migration of Khmer migrant workers in Thailand. Thailand has set a March 31 deadline for undocumented workers to obtain passports from their country of origin and proper paperwork if they want to continue working in Thailand.

I was surprised to read that there is a huge influx of Khmer workers in Thailand. It's cool that there is a Thai "one-step service centre" that helps the Khmer workers receive their passports once they are printed.