Friday, February 17, 2006

Globalization and the wealth of nations- business with a human face

I am a suporter of globalization (and that should come as no surprise). Globalization has resulted in record economic growth rates for China, India and Brazil and has lifted millions of people out of poverty. If you are an anti-globalization protester please tell us whether your prefer Chairman Mao's economics or maybe that of Stalin. The only thing that can derail globalization is global terror which always haunts the world.

There are forces in the world that simply cannot and will not share the vision that is a global village and a melting pot of human diversity. These forces are intolerant of other peoples religions, culture and beliefs. I simply call them the fundamentalist.

However, we must acknowlegde that capitalism must have a human face. In many instances business has been run without a soul. In Latin America, Che Guvera was enlightened when he saw the exploitation of workers by the Patrons. Sustainable development, environmental management and the rights of workers must be central to the expansion of capitalism.