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Book Review: China and Sustainable Development in Latin America

China and Sustainable Development in Latin America – The Social and Environmental Dimension Rebecca Ray, Kevin P. Gallagher, Andrés López and Cinthya Sanborn Over the last decade, Latin American countries have enacted some of the most ambitious environmental and social protections in the world. But these hard-won protections faced their first serious test in the recent China-led commodities boom, as growth exploded in intrinsically-risky sectors like mining and oil. China and Sustainable Development in Latin America documents the social and environmental impact of the China-led commodity boom in the region. It finds that overall, Latin American governments and Chinese investors largely fell short of mitigating the social and environmental impact of commodity-led growth. The recent commodity boom exacerbated pressure on the region’s waterways and forests and accentuated threats to human health, biodiversity, global climate change and local livelihoods. China and Sustainable Development in Latin America also highlights important areas of innovation, like Chile’s solar energy sector, in which governments, communities and investors have worked together to harness the commodity boom for the benefit of the people and the planet. If the region hopes to regain its momentum toward sustainable development, Latin American governments will have to put in place – and enforce – the necessary policies to ensure that economic activity in natural resource sectors is managed in an environmentally responsible and socially inclusive manner. China and Sustainable Development in Latin America aims to highlight the efforts that have borne fruit as well as the areas that still need attention. Without proper policies in place to make sustainable development part and parcel of economic decision-making, Latin America will continue to be plagued by commodity boom and bust cycles that accentuate social and environmental conflicts and are ultimately detrimental to long-term prosperity.

Why China could lead the next phase of globalisation

Donald Trump is the 45th president of the United States. Among his promises are a 45% import tax on Chinese products, the cancellation of the Paris climate agreement and the end of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. If he doesn’t go back on his plans for global trade and international affairs, Trump will give room to other nations to take the lead in shaping globalisation. While the US might be taking a step back from the world – a world it helped to create, to a large extent – China in particular can be expected to take on a more prominent role. While the US is currently the world’s largest economy, in purchasing-power terms China is expected to overtake it in 2016, according to the International Monetary Fund. China has benefited significantly from globalisation. Over decades, it has invested in enhancing its capabilities and built economic links with many countries. It has become viewed as an important overseas partner and investor. This chart shows how China is forecast to overtake the US as the world’s dominant economic power by 2030, based on share of global GDP, trade and exports. Image: Economist Something China understands very well is the importance of connectivity – and hence transport infrastructure – for economic growth and development. Its major development framework is the One Belt One Road initiative with its two pillars, the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. This development project involves a territory equal to 55% of global GDP, 70% of the global population and 75% of its known energy reserves. “The investments will involve about 300 projects extending from Singapore to Turkmenistan,” reports Reuters. One building block of One Belt One Road – also known as OBOR – is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). This China-driven […]

Innovative zero-gravity arms recognised by leading SE Asia construction company

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Gammon Construction is one of SE Asia’s leading construction companies, with an annual turnover of US$2.5bn, and is a keen adopter of new technology with a focus on adding value for its customers through innovative and sustainable solutions. With over 8000 employees, the engineering and construction company, like others in the Hong Kong construction industry, has long faced manpower shortages, together with an aging workforce. Consequently, in an effort to lure talented new workers and to reduce the workload of its employees, the company recently invested in two sets of “zero-gravity arms” (Zero G Tool Arms) from Sigma Ergonomics, one of Australia’s leading providers of ergonomic systems to a wide range of industries. Manufactured by US company Ekso Bionics, the innovative mounted exoskeletal system functions without the need for power, allowing workers to comfortably operate heavy tools including impact drills, chipping hammers and grinders for extended periods. With the zero-gravity arms shouldering the weight of the equipment, workers are not affected by the strain and fatigue caused by repetitive tasks such as drilling, tiling, chipping and grinding. The Ekso Bionics Aerial System, to which the Zero G system is mounted, is designed to increase safety and productivity while working from an elevated work platform (EWP). As well as eliminating the risk of dropping heavy tools from heights, the system significantly reduces the risk of injury from heavy tool usage and awkward body position. In a recent direct comparison with an Access Work Platform (AWP) at a height services installation, the Zero G system improved the productivity of the drilling work task by over 50% while reducing worker fatigue and improving safety and efficiency. Thomas Ho, Chief Executive of Gammon Construction, is a passionate supporter of innovation and highlights the Zero G system as one of the […]

Disruptive technologies driving sustainability

Disruptive technologies and digital infrastructure have the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing risks and to transform industries. These include safeguarding the planet’s soil and water, and improving inequality and education. This is the main conclusions of the 2017 Global Opportunity Report, released by DNV GL, Sustainia and the United Nations Global Compact. The Global Opportunity Report is an opportunity and solution based response to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report. It enables leaders to navigate new markets, new business opportunities and solutions. For the 2017 edition, 5 500 leaders from within business, government and civil society across five continents provide their insights. They identify and rank 15 sustainability opportunities and in addition showcase 120 practical projects and solutions that already exist around the globe. These range from micro grids that make cities more resilient to climate change, to bacteria that bring depleted soil back to life, to peer-to-peer trading, and inviting ethical hackers to test cyber security. The 2017 report’s top findings are: Smart water technology is perceived as the biggest market opportunity. Providing e-learning to conflict-affected areas is the second-biggest opportunity, giving business the potential to contribute to creating more peaceful societies. Rising trust in digital technologies such as blockchain[1] technology and artificial intelligence can help combat many of the global risks such as cybercrime and rising inequality. Leaders agree that rising inequality is the biggest of the five risks in the report. Smart water tech uncovers new market opportunities Smart water technology took first place in this year’s rankings, being deemed the most impactful and applicable of all 15 opportunities. Technology that automatically saves and reuses water protects this scarce resource while creating sustainable options for citizens. This finding reaffirms a tendency that is present in all Global Opportunity Reports to date — […]

Towards a low carbon society

Highlighting the Trend of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles The Ministry of Energy joins hands with Chulalongkorn University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Industry of Thailand to announce their partnerships to organise the international conference and exhibition on “Sustainable Energy & Technology Asia 2017 or “SETA 2017” and “Low Carbon Expo 2017”, the co-located events for two consecutive years under the theme of “Towards A Low-Carbon Society”. The event will be held during 8-10 March 2017 from 8:00 to 17:30 hrs. at Hall 103 -104, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna, Bangkok, Thailand. Four major topics of discussion at SETA 2017 include energy policy and planning on electricity generating technologies for low-carbon emission, power for low-carbon transportation, smart city and green industry with the aim to drive and develop knowledge of energy and technology. This year, the focus is on the trend of hybrid and electric vehicle technology. “SETA 2017” provides an opportunity for executives from government, private sectors, manufacturers, power producers, academics, experts, manufacturers of renewable energy, bankers, investors from all sectors, publics and medias from both domestic and abroad, to gain insights of advanced technology in energy as well as advice from experts of relevant agencies both academic and business. The official opening ceremony will be chaired by H.E. Air Chief Marshal Dr. Prajin Juntong, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Gen. Anantaporn Karnchanarat, Minister of Energy, H.E. Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport, H.E. Dr.Atchaka Sibunruang, Minister of Science and Technology, Thailand, H.E. Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Malaysia, H.E. Jesus Miguel Sanz, Ambassador and Head of Delegates of the European Union in Thailand, and H.E. Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of Ministry of Energy, U.A.E. will address and speak in “CEO Energy Forum” […]

Xi Jinping defends globalisation

China’s President Xi Jinping defended economic globalisation in his first speech to the World Economic Forum at Davos. “It is true that economic globalisation has created new problems. But this is no justification to write off economic globalisation altogether. Rather we should adapt to and guide globalisation, cushion its negative impact, and deliver its benefits to all countries and all nations,” he said. At a time when protectionist and nationalist forces are on the rise in the West, President Xi warned against making globalisation a scapegoat. “Some people blame economic globalisation for the chaos in our world. Economic globalisation was once viewed as the treasure cave found by Ali Baba in the Arabian nights, but now it has become the Pandora’s Box.” However, the world’s problems could not simply be laid at globalisation’s door, from the “heart-breaking” refugee crisis to the financial crisis. “The international financial crisis is another example, it is not an inevitable outcome of economic globalisation, rather it is the consequence of the excessive chase of profit by financial capital and a great failure of financial regulation,” he said. President Xi said that “the global economy is the big ocean you cannot escape from” and that China had “learned how to swim.” After 38 years of reform and opening up, China has become the world’s second-largest economy. “China’s development is an opportunity for the world. China has not only benefited from economic globalisation but also contributed to it,” he said. Looking ahead, President Xi warned against protectionism.“We should commit ourselves to growing an open global economy,” he said. “No one will emerge as the winner in a trade war.” He added:”China has no intention to boost its trade development by devaluing the Renminbi still less by launching a currency war” The speech ended with a plea for […]

When it comes to ‘saving globalisation’ world leaders are still missing the point

–Shuaihua Cheng Managing Director for China, International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) As trade liberalisation and globalisation more broadly are called into question, G20 leaders could do with both interpreting the situation and changing it. It is not an easy task for the G20, which is a diverse group of developed and emerging economies, accounting for around 80% of GDP. In spite of their great success in launching a trade and investment working group and agreeing on guiding principles of investment policy-making, G20 leaders failed to address the emergence of anti-globalisation voices. Here are four things they got wrong – and three ways they can turn the situation around in 2017. When protectionism makes sense Here’s the first thing they got wrong when they met in China: their statement reaffirming their “opposition to protectionism on trade and investment in all its forms”. In fact, this is not only legally inaccurate, but it’s beyond their political mandate. In the World Trade Organisation’s current rule book, certain defensive trade measures are totally legitimate. That includes anti-dumping and countervailing duties, safeguard measures, and other restrictive policy instruments to protect public interest. The only caveat is these measures must be applied in a way that is consistent with the conditions and methodologies agreed by all members. Opposing all forms of protection unnecessarily raises public fears and is politically hazardous. Some protectionist measures are designed to function as indispensable safety valves, to ensure that nations have the right to restrict trade and investment in certain, clearly defined conditions, while still benefiting from progressively liberalised trade and investment. Far from being condemned, this type of protective trade measure should be guaranteed. In 2017, G20 leaders may wish to take a more legally sensible and politically nuanced approach. They could instead, for example, call on all members […]

FARO: Outlook 2017

QUAH Beng Chieh, Head of Marketing, Asia Pacific, FARO Technologies How does FARO see the current business climate? The global business climate is expected to remain bearish in the months ahead, but we are optimistic about growth across Asia. In the past year, FARO has been expanding its capabilities and enhancing its product solutions through acquisitions of new companies and technologies – like BuildIT Software & Solutions Ltd. and Laser Projection Technologies. Inc. This growth strategy has worked for us and we will continue to explore relevant industries to expand into, such as Public Safety Forensics, Factory Automation, and more. What have been the highlights of 2016 for FARO? Is business strong for the company? 2016 has been a good year for FARO all round. Earlier in March, FARO restructured its business into 5 vertically focused teams – namely, factory metrology, product design, construction BIM-CIM, public safety forensics, and 3D solutions and services applications. This restructuring exercise was motivated by our desire to develop and deliver industry and application specific solutions to our customers. In line with the restructure, the company launched a record number of new solutions for users from the 5 industry verticals, including the FARO BIM Scan Localizer, FARO Design ScanArm, FARO Laser Scanner Focus S, FARO Cobalt Multi-Array Imager, FARO Vector RI, FARO Tracer M Laser Projector, and the FARO Laser Tracker Vantage E. With this new direction, our customers now have access to different solutions that cater to their specific needs, rather than generic ones. We have received very positive feedback from the market and the sales of our new products have been steadily growing since their launch. How does FARO see the market changing? In the last decade, we have observed a shift in demand among our customers – from contact to non-contact measurement methods. […]

Hypertherm releases Rotary Tube Pro tube cutting software

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, has released Rotary Tube Pro, software that makes it easier to design and cut tube and pipe parts with no 3D CAD experience required. The software features a parametric design interface that allows main tubes and side-wall cutouts to be added from a list of pre-defined shapes. Alternatively, users can add tubes and cutouts directly from a CAD program. This flexibility means fabricators and manufacturers can enjoy greater productivity by increasing programming speed, and improving cut quality for improved fit-up with fewer secondary operations. The software also includes an optional rotary bevel interface provided with bevel cut charts based on True Bevel™ technology, which greatly reduce bevel setup time. Rotary Tube Pro software includes more embedded cut process expertise in the NC code than other tube and pipe software. By drawing on years of research and development, Hypertherm software developers were able to deliver optimal outcomes based on factory-tested and proven job parameters including leads, separations, kerf, feedrate, and cutting techniques. Also, Hypertherm has applied feedback received during months of testing to the Rotary Tube Pro version. Enhancements include: New 3D geometric modeling engine that delivers a faster, more responsive 3D model when entering dimensions and other properties Ability to import STEP file formats (*.step), for the quick exchange of 3D objects from one platform to another Cut sequence enhancements that allow for the cutting of interior parts first and improved sequencing flexibility Simplified bevel material selection in which only materials and classes that can be beveled are displayed New setups, spreadsheets and machine files that enhance cut quality and accuracy on beveled tubes Rotary Tube Pro supports plasma, laser, waterjet, and oxyfuel cutting processes for virtually all brands of tube cutting machines, including stand-alone units and cutting […]

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool Develops “MSS300” Super Skiving Machine

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool, Co., Ltd., a Group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has unveiled the MSS300 Super Skiving Machine which allows high-speed, high-precision cutting of internal gears. It features outstanding machine rigidity, synchronisation control technology and dedicated cutting simulation software, which help overcome the technical challenges of conventional skiving, enabling lower production costs through mass production. In recent years Skiving machinery has responded to increasing demand for production efficiency and accuracy for products such as automobiles, construction equipment and reduction gears. Skiving is a cutting technology whereby a pinion type cutter, or other rotary tool, is engaged with a workpiece (the gear material to be processed) at a crossed-axes angle and rotated together. At the points where the two make contact, the effect of the crossed-axes angle generates a sliding velocity in the axial direction, resulting in high-speed machining. The skiving process typically makes the cutting angle obtuse, resulting in significant tool wear. The MSS300’s use of a barrel-shaped multiple-cutting-edge rotary tool – an original technology developed by MHI Machine Tool – allows a large crossed-axes angle, enabling improved cutting speeds and precision, while the use of multiple cutter blades extends the standard tool life. The MSS300 also facilitates machining with a general pinion cutter, allowing selective use depending on the shape of the workpiece. Direct drive motors are used for both the main spindle, on which the tool is mounted, and the table spindle, used for the workpiece. In addition to highly precise synchronization, the MSS300 also uses continuously meshing machinery to facilitate high-precision transfer of the tooth profile to the workpiece. A high level of rigidity is achieved through the adoption of a slide guide for the feeding of the X, Y and Z axes. In addition, superior positional precision is ensured through features […]

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