Business

Swiss-China trade deal neglects human rights

The EU and US are currently distancing themselves from China — unlike Switzerland as the country sticks to its free trade agreement with the world's second-largest economy despite mounting domestic criticism.  

More is needed than vaccine patent waiver

The US has backed India and South Africa's bid to temporarily lift patent protection for COVID-19 vaccines. The support for an IP waiver by the WTO has left pharma companies dismayed and health activists asking for more.  

Will waiving patents end 'vaccine nationalism?'

Jerome Kim, director of the International Vaccine Institute in South Korea, told DW that successfully producing and distributing complex vaccines in developing countries will take more than access to biotech secrets.  

Is Scandinavia's cryptoboom ending?

Europe's Nordic countries are popular for sustainable cryptomining because electricity there is cheap and mainly comes from renewable sources. But other industries also want to take advantage of this green energy.  

EU-China investment deal put on ice

The EU's long-time-coming investment deal with China is facing major hurdles. The EU's economy commissioner says diplomatic tensions have made conditions for the deal "unfavorable."  

Was Dolphin Trust a pyramid scheme?

A German property group has gone bust, with indications it was a seriously fraudulent enterprise. Although nowhere near as known as the Wirecard scandal, the case is arguably far more consequential for ordinary people.  

Gates divorce to jeopardize billions in charity?

Bill and Melinda Gates have pledged to continue their philanthropic work together despite their divorce. Some experts, however, say that might prove to be easier said than done.  

Perspectives

China's New Silk Road is full of potholes

As the harsh realities of China's growing power sink in, the country's appeal is diminishing in the West. To keep it in check, more coordinated efforts are needed and come September the tone from Germany may be decisive.  

Cracks appear in China's New Silk Road

Australia has canceled infrastructure projects that were meant to boost trade with Beijing. The move is a loss of face for Chinese President Xi Jinping — and could prompt other countries to back away from similar deals.  

Cryptocurrency Ethereum hits all-time high

The second-largest cryptocurrency has quadrupled in value this year. Some believe Ether will eventually unseat Bitcoin as the world's top cryptocurrency.  

How can hydrogen come in so many colors?

Using hydrogen as a source of energy is gaining traction globally. The US president even wants 15 decarbonized hydrogen demonstration projects as part of his job creation program. DW takes a closer look.  

Belen Garijo starts her first week as Merck boss

New Merck CEO Belen Garijo is the second women to reach the top of a DAX company, and the only one to hold the reins alone. It's a rare example of a female executive making it to the summit in the German business world.  

Strife-torn community faces Gigafactory delay

Since Tesla announced the building of a Gigafactory near Berlin, construction has been accompanied by support and protests. Tesla's recent decision to make the plant even bigger has widened the rift among locals.  

Mumbai lockdown spells trouble for businesses

India is among the countries hardest hit by in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic — not only in terms of human life, but also economically.  

Apple's privacy stance ruffles feathers

Apple's latest software update is good news for user data privacy. But the far-reaching repercussions raise questions about how much sway one company should have.  

Any economic argument for a United Ireland?

Arlene Foster's resignation as first minister points to political chaos in Northern Ireland. Its future looks uncertain, with calls for Irish unity growing. But would a United Ireland make sense economically?