Every week, Bloomberg publishes a roundup of the best opinions in business and finance. This week’s edition covers a range of topics, from the geopolitical tensions between China and India to the challenges that businesses face in reopening amid the Covid-19 pandemic. I’ll take a closer look at some of the key insights from these articles.
One of the standout pieces this week is an opinion piece by Mihir Sharma, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist based in Delhi. Sharma argues that the ongoing conflict between China and India – which recently saw deadly clashes in the border region of Ladakh – is rooted in a fundamental failure to understand each other’s priorities and perspectives. While China sees itself as a rising global power and a major player in Asia, India is more focused on protecting its own sovereignty and maintaining its strategic interests in the region. These divergent objectives have made it difficult for the two countries to find common ground, despite their shared history and cultural ties.
Sharma suggests that the best way to bridge this gap is for both countries to engage in more dialogue and cultural exchange. He notes that while China has made significant strides in the economic sphere, it has done relatively little to promote its soft power abroad – something that India could help with, given its rich cultural heritage and diverse society. By fostering closer ties between their populations, China and India could build stronger relationships that go beyond just economic or trade interests.
Another notable piece this week is a commentary from Bloomberg’s editorial board on the challenges facing businesses as they try to reopen amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The board notes that while many companies are eager to resume operations as normal, the reality is that the virus is still a major threat in many parts of the world, and social distancing measures are likely to remain in place for some time. This means that businesses need to be prepared for a future in which remote work and digital communication are much more commonplace.
The board suggests that one way for businesses to adapt to this new reality is by investing in technology solutions that can help facilitate remote work and collaboration. This could include tools like video conferencing software, project management platforms, and cloud-based file storage systems. By embracing these technologies, companies can empower their employees to work more efficiently and effectively, regardless of their physical location.
At the same time, the board notes that businesses must also be mindful of the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. As many countries face recession, it’s important for companies to show flexibility and empathy towards their customers and employees. This could include offering more flexible payment plans, providing additional support for mental health and wellbeing, or implementing socially responsible policies that prioritize sustainability and community engagement.
Finally, the roundup also features an opinion piece from Nisid Hajari, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist based in Singapore, on the implications of the recent protests in the United States and around the world. Hajari argues that these protests are a reflection of deep-seated social and economic inequality, and that they highlight the urgency of addressing these issues in a more systematic and comprehensive way.
Hajari suggests that governments and businesses alike need to take a more proactive approach towards addressing inequality and promoting social justice. This could involve everything from investing in education and job training programs, to implementing policies that address systemic racism and discrimination. It’s only by tackling these underlying issues that we can hope to create a more equitable and just society.
Overall, this week’s roundup of the best opinions provides much food for thought on a wide range of topics. From the geopolitical tensions between China and India, to the challenges facing businesses as they navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, to the social and economic impacts of the recent protests – these issues are all highly relevant to the world we live in today. As we look to the future, it’s clear that we’ll need to be both agile and innovative in order to meet the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.