The Typical Firms in Hong Kong and Singapore Assignment

The Typical Firms in Hong Kong and Singapore - Assignment Example There are several methods that are currently being used to encourage economic growth for the typical firm in Hong Kong and Singapore. Four methods will be discussed in this paper namely: the development of well-functioning markets; enhancement access to productive opportunities; strengthening of the international framework of policies and institutions (U.S. Agency for International Development, 2008) and increase in the rate of technological progress. The development of well-functioning markets would include effective fiscal policies which focus on a fair, properly administered and implemented tax system. It should not be susceptible to corruption and must not be a hindrance to the economic activities of the country. The monetary policy plays a significant role in the economic growth of the country. It can either slow down or speed up the economy through manipulation of interest rates or the exchange rates (Johnson, 2005). Aside from an efficient fiscal and monetary policy, economic growth is promoted by removing the barriers to entry of foreign investors and promoting healthy competition among enterprises (USAID, 2008). Barriers to entry would include such aspects as corruption and too much red tape from the government. Foreign investors are also attracted to economies which have a strong system of intellectual property rights protection which minimizes investment risks. Systems of commercial law should also be in place for both the public and private institutions. The judicial system must be perceived as being fair and just and settlements of disputes must be expeditious and transparent. Other contributing factors in the development of well-functioning markets are the improvements in the agricultural development programs, support for infrastructure, trade capacity-building, financial sector reforms, enterprise development and privatization and workforce development. The second method that can be employed to encourage economic growth is to enhance access to pr oductive opportunities. This method would mean that both the poor and non-poor members of society should be given equal opportunity to become productive and contribute to the economy. All sectors of society should be given access to finance especially to sources of credit even without being able to offer adequate collateral. Banks, particularly the government-owned ones should offer financing programs for small and medium-scale enterprises. Aside from financial support, these small enterprises need access to other non-financial business services such as technical and supply chain expertise (USAID, 2008). This is necessary for the firms to be able to be competitive in the face of globalization. A country’s economic growth is fueled by a productive labor force. To achieve this, the labor markets must be able to create new jobs and at the same time assist in the improvement of the workers’ skills and productivity (U.S. Agency for International Development, 2008). Fair lab or practices, specifically protections and benefit programs for the workers must be observed to motivate them; thereby, increasing their productivity. Other ways of enhancing access to product

The Victorians Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The Victorians - Essay Example I not only communicated through symbols, but also expressed my emotions through playing piano. The division of responsibilities was very significant; men and women recognized the difference in their roles and accepted the fact that even within marriage they were supposed to lead separate lives until their death. Unmarried women who got pregnant were highly disregarded in the Victorian era; they were considered not only conspicuous, but also a danger to the society’s stability. However, pregnancy of a married woman was highly valued because of the high position of babies after marriage. I remember a big celebration that was held by my father when I experienced my first menstrual cycle. I think he held the celebration because he knew he was going to exchange me for a good amount of money. He was the one that had the authority of deciding which boyfriend was to marry me depending on the money on his saving account. In connection with this, only women who were virgins were considered potential wives during my era. Virginity was an indication of not only purity of the woman, but also a significant bride price. Marriage in my era was also between couples from the same social class; a wealthy man married a woman from a wealthy family as well as a poor man married a woman from a poor family. To avoid shame associated with uncalled matches, my parents controlled my company. It was a result of this that I married a wealthy man that I did not love. Double standard was also acknowledged in my era; men were allowed to have many lovers considering that women were barred from ha ving any lover apart from the husband because they were believed not to have sexual energy. The guilty of adultery, as well as well pregnancy of an unmarried woman, meant not only shame, but also humiliation. Thus, I avoided by all means having any relationship before marriage as well as outside my marriage after getting married to my husband. Divorce was also not very common during my era. It