Maria Bruna Zolin

China's Role on the International Cotton Market

The aim of this paper is to investigate the main features of world cotton market by focusing on the role of China, and analyzing the effect of predetermined macroeconomic variables on Chinese cotton market. First, a global overview of cotton market is given; after that, the main reasons for considering China as the leading country in this sector are illustrated. To follow the paper analyses what factors and to which extent they may have affected Chinese cotton production, consumption and international trade over the last years by means of a correlation matrix. Findings and conclusions are lastly presented.

Weather events vs food security: an Asian perspective from the supply side

Extreme weather events are expected to increase. The paper provides a concise overview of climate change as well as issues pertaining to extreme weather events. Several indicators used to quantify climate variability, to assess countries’ vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather negative impacts are presented. In Asia rice assumes strategic relevance, thus accounting most of the world production and consumption. This paper aims at expanding the above statement and at investigating the potential effects of weather events on rice supply using a multiple regression analysis. Given its vulnerability to climate change and its limited ability to cope with it, Asia is expected to be severely affected by the adverse impacts of extreme weather conditions, where food security still represents a major concern.

Economic Integration in Asia

The present introductory chapter discusses what makes economic integration sustainable and what are the prerequisites for sustainable economic integration. A financial safety net is without any doubts an important prerequisite, as it would allow crisis-stricken European Union (EU) countries to rely on financial resources for recovery. Other prerequisites are the more even distribution of the gains arising from high growth rates, in particular of wages, and the introduction of clean energy and innovation. Other aspects analyzed include: the focus on food security and investment in land; the transfer of human resources and the impact of non-tariff barriers between the EU and Asian countries.

Introduction: Sustainable Economic Integration in the Asia Context

The present introductory chapter discusses what makes economic integration sustainable and what are the prerequisites for sustainable economic integration. A financial safety net is without any doubts an important prerequisite, as it would allow crisis-stricken European Union (EU) countries to rely on financial resources for recovery. Other prerequisites are the more even distribution of the gains arising from high growth rates, in particular of wages, and the introduction of clean energy and innovation. Other aspects analyzed include: the focus on food security and investment in land; the transfer of human resources and the impact of non-tariff barriers between the EU and Asian countries.

Unexpected and Growing Interest in Land Investments? The Asian Case

The present introductory chapter discusses what makes economic integration sustainable and what are the prerequisites for sustainable economic integration. A financial safety net is without any doubts an important prerequisite, as it would allow crisis-stricken European Union (EU) countries to rely on financial resources for recovery. Other prerequisites are the more even distribution of the gains arising from high growth rates, in particular of wages, and the introduction of clean energy and innovation. Other aspects analyzed include: the focus on food security and investment in land; the transfer of human resources and the impact of non-tariff barriers between the EU and Asian countries.