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This article explores the complex nature of economic growth, acknowledging both its benefits and drawbacks. It introduces two books that offer different perspectives on growth: one advocating for its modification and the other advocating for degrowth communism. The article provides a historical overview of economic growth, discussing the development of the concept and the measurement of economic activity through GDP. It critiques the limitations of GDP as a measure of progress and introduces alternative concepts such as steady-state economics and degrowth communism. The author argues that capitalism's pursuit of unlimited growth poses environmental risks and suggests the need for a transition to a post-capitalist society focused on sustainability and quality of life. The article also discusses the opposing views presented in the two books, highlighting the limitations of both perspectives and suggesting that the future may require a choice between capitalist contraction and some form of socialist or communist degrowth. [Extracted from the article]

Tadashi Yanai, the founder of Uniqlo, Japan's largest apparel empire, believes that Japan is not an advanced nation and is teetering on the edge of an economic crisis. Despite Uniqlo's success and Japan's recent economic growth, Yanai argues that the country's economy is hindered by an obsession with manufacturing, corporate bloat, and a reliance on debt rather than tax revenue. He calls for proactive measures such as raising interest rates, cutting handouts, and making regulatory changes to prevent disaster. Yanai's outspoken views challenge the traditional Japanese business culture and highlight the need for Japan to adapt and compete with other Asian countries. [Extracted from the article]

China's leaders confront mounting internal and external headwinds to their country's continuing rise. At home, Beijing's economic engine is sputtering. Abroad, countries are pushing back against Chinese attempts to export its way to economic growth. On the security front, countries are banding together to guard against China's expansion in military capabilities. This confluence of challenges has caused some American analysts to declare the end of China's rise and warn that Beijing could lash out militarily before it begins its downturn in national power. China's leaders explicitly reject suggestions that the country's best days are behind it. They believe China's path to greater global influence is widening as America's dominance in the international system wanes. It would be a mistake to organize American policy around "peak China" theory. The United States and China are locked in a long-term competition for global influence. This competition ultimately will turn on national performance. That is where America's policy focus must reside for the United States to preserve its privileged position in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nothing in economic development is certain, but China's economy has probably already peaked in size as a proportion of the global economy, reaching the peak in 2021. China now faces a structural economic slowdown as the financial system constrains economic growth rather than facilitating it. These economic pressures are directly linked to the end of an unprecedented credit and investment expansion during the previous decade. The resulting credit crunch has produced a collapse in property investment and slower local government infrastructure investment. Moreover, GDP growth has almost certainly been overstated in the official data both in both 2022 and 2023. The costs of years of low-return investments now prevent Beijing from redirecting the financial system, making it difficult to unleash improvements in efficiency or "new quality productive forces." However, nothing about Beijing's behavior in response to this structural slowdown is inevitable, as China's leaders can adjust their economic objectives and potentially ease tensions with the rest of the world by publicly acknowledging a slower growth trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses eir evo's strategic positioning in Northern Ireland, emphasizing its modern office space and customer-centric approach to delivering managed communications and IT services. Topics include the company's historical roots in the region dating back to 2007, the impact of the 2018 acquisition by NJJ Telecom Europe on its growth and service offerings, and eir evo's status as a key networking partner for Northern Ireland's top companies.

K-Electric (KE) has reached out to the Petroleum Division for assistance in obtaining 100 MMSCFD of surplus indigenous gas from Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) after MPCL's contract with SNGPL expired. KE has been in discussions with various gas exploration companies, including Mari, to secure this gas allocation. By obtaining this gas, KE could significantly reduce its generation costs, potentially saving $328 million annually and reducing the need for subsidies. KE emphasizes the importance of securing low-cost gas to provide affordable power to Karachi's consumers, alleviate high electricity bills, and support economic growth. [Extracted from the article]

Latin American countries are experiencing a demographic shift toward an aging population and must leverage the current demographic dividend of a larger working-age population to stimulate economic growth before the costs of social services rise significantly. Integrating information technology in education and healthcare can foster economic growth and improve quality of life, with social robots playing crucial roles in both sectors by enhancing learning and assisting in medical procedures. Despite financial constraints limiting their widespread use, initiatives in Latin America are developing open-source social robots like EVA and FRED to make these technologies more affordable and customizable for diverse applications.

The article discusses the slowing growth of startup companies and the role played by software. The author argues that larger companies have developed software platforms that deliver important consumer benefits, but that access to such platforms is limited and stifles competition. This leads to a poor market dynamic and slow economic growth.

The κ -exponential function, representing a generalization of the exponential function, has been firstly introduced in physics, and, then, it has been considered in a noteworthy number of fields because of its ability to take rare events into account. Among the possible applications of this function, one of particular interest is in economics in which rare events may consist in natural disasters, such as earthquakes that reduce the supply of capital, or epidemics or other external shocks influencing the supply of intermediate inputs, human or physical capital. Starting from the κ -exponential function, the κ -logistic function, which is a generalization of the sigmoidal function, can be obtained and used to describe production functions in a unique setting to take into account (1) several shapes usually considered in economics (i.e. concave and non-concave production functions), (2) economies at different development levels, and, (3) the possible occurrence of rare events. In this paper, we investigate the economic growth model as proposed by Böhm and Kaas (2000), wherein the production function utilizes the κ -logistic function. We provide theoretical results confirmed by extensive computational experiments and in line with economic literature showing that a poverty trap may emerge together with fluctuations, multistability and complex dynamics. • The κ -logistic production function is a generalization of the sigmoidal production function. • Economic growth is considered across various levels of development. • Non-concave production functions can lead to the occurrence of multistability and complex dynamics. • The poverty trap can be exhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenges and opportunities in Pakistan's energy sector, particularly in relation to the inefficiency and instability of electricity distribution companies (Discos). The national uniform tariff system is identified as a hindrance to progress, as well as the practice of using electricity bills to collect various taxes and fees. The article suggests that restructuring the energy value chain, linking theft and losses to provincial budgets, and embracing privatization and innovation can lead to more affordable and reliable electricity distribution. It emphasizes the need for proactive engagement with stakeholders and addressing regulatory hurdles to foster investment and innovation. The article concludes by calling for action to transform Pakistan's energy distribution sector for sustainability and economic prosperity. [Extracted from the article]

We find expectations are more sensitive to economic growth than traditional wellbeing metrics. We examine Eurobarometer micro data from 1973-2023 on movements in life satisfaction along with data from 1995-2022 on five expectations variables on and individual's life and their financial and job situations plus their views on the economic and employment situation of their country in the year ahead. All of these expectations start to decline several months before the onset of downturns with especially large drops for the Great Recession and Covid. Annual GDP growth is positively associated with these expectations variables while it is uncorrelated with life satisfaction. The unemployment rate and the CPI reduce both. We analyze data for 29 European countries to predict changes in the unemployment rate 12 months ahead using individuals' fears of unemployment in the presence of country and year fixed effects and lagged unemployment. We also use firms' expectations of future employment, which are also predictive of what happens to unemployment three months later. Using our preferred model specification, we present out-of-sample predictions that track actual movements in unemployment rates closely over a period in which there were two major recessions and unemployment shifted by a factor of two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the testimony of lawmakers regarding the economic benefits of combining culture and tourism, showcasing examples from Nanjing and Henan provinces in China. Topics discussed include the role of museums in driving economic growth through cultural tourism, the revitalization of ancient civilizations as tourist attractions, and the integration of technology with cultural industries to enhance productivity and innovation.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of economic growth, digitalisation, eco-innovation, energy consumption and patents on environmental technologies on the volume of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) recorded in European countries for a period of nine years (2010–2018). Design/methodology/approach: Two empirical methods were integrated into the theoretical approach developed based on the analysis of the current scientific framework. Multiple linear regression, an extended version of the OLS model, and a non-causal analysis as a robustness method, Dumitrescu–Hurlin, were used to achieve the proposed research objective. Findings: Digitalisation described by the number of individual Internet users and patents on environmental technologies determines the amount of GHG in Europe, and economic growth continues to have a significant effect on the amount of emissions, as well as the consumption of renewable energy. European countries are not framed in well-established patterns, but the economic growth, digitalisation, eco-innovation and renewable energy have an impact on the amount of GHG in one way or another. In many European countries, the amount of GHGs is decreasing as a result of economic growth, changes in the energy field and digitalisation. The positive influence of economic growth on climate neutrality depends on its degree of sustainability, while patents have the same conditional effect of their translation into environmentally efficient technologies. Research limitations/implications: This study has a number of limitations which derive, first of all, from the lack of digitalisation indicators. The missing data restricted the inclusion in the analysis of variables relevant to the description of the European digitalisation process, also obtaining conclusive results on the effects of digitalisation on GHG emissions. Originality/value: A similar analysis of the relationship among the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and economic growth, digitalisation, eco-innovation and renewable energy is less common in the literature. Also, the results can be inspirational in the sphere of macroeconomic policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is extensive literature on the effect of military expenditure on economic growth. However, there is also a wide gap in the literature on the relationship between productivity and innovation, which is considered the driving force of economic growth and military expenditures. To this end, this study examines the effect of military expenditures on economic growth, innovation and labor productivity for the period 1995–2019 in most militarized countries. Design/methodology/approach: The tests used in the study's empirical analysis are techniques that take into account cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity. The stationarity of the variables was tested with the Pesaran's (2007) unit root test. Then, empirical findings were revealed based on the analysis through Westerlund's (2008) cointegration test and Emirmahmutoglu and Kose's (2011) panel causality test. Findings: According to the empirical results, there is a long-run relationship, in other words, a cointegration between military expenditures and productivity, innovation and economic growth. Additionally, there are causality relationships between military expenditures and productivity, innovation and economic growth. Practical implications: These results support the arguments of military Keynesianism and the Benoit hypothesis. Originality/value: Despite the widespread theoretical debate, no empirical study tests the effect of military expenditure on productivity and innovation to the author's best knowledge. Hence, this study aims to fill this gap in the literature. Moreover, the fact that the econometric method used is based on second generation tests and the timeliness of the period range makes the study's findings more significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh has been one of the fastest growing economies over the last two decades, with economic growth averaging over 6%, per capita income crossing the World Bank's (lower) middle-income country threshold, and the criteria for graduating from the UN's Least Developed Country (LDC) list fulfilled. However, regulatory inefficiency, high corruption, and poor infrastructure still create major challenges for businesses wanting to operate in the country. We analyze the lessons that Bangladesh's sustained economic growth and development have for policymakers. We also generate insights for MNCs on how to operate in this rapidly-growing, but challenging, emerging market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research study on the economic impact of goodwill impairment. Topics mentioned include the influence of economic recessions on goodwill, the decrease in the amount of goodwill on the balance sheet, the reduction in net income earnings per share on the income statement, the business cycle expansions and contractions, and the frequency and magnitude of goodwill.

The article focuses on the disappointment caused by Orsted's cancellation of wind power projects, which were anticipated to bring significant economic benefits to the region, but stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential of renewable energy in South Jersey, with continued support from government officials. It mentions the healthcare sector in South Jersey is identified as a regional driver, with significant developments in hospitals.

This article examines the impact of Elon Musk's SpaceX on the town of Boca Chica, Texas, which has become a company town due to financial perks and subsidies secured by Musk. Despite promises of job creation and economic growth, the local communities have not seen these benefits materialize. The article also raises concerns about the influence of Musk's companies on government agencies and regulations, including bypassing environmental impact assessments and accusations of breaking environmental and public safety regulations. It also questions the democratic accountability and control over local governance in areas like Boca Chica. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs about the importance of consumer spending in driving economic growth, highlighting its significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Topic include discusses the impact of declining consumer spending on economic growth using China as an example, emphasizing the need to foster a resilient domestic consumer base for sustained economic development.

The article discusses the importance of considering the needs of energy transition and climate mitigation in India's economic growth plans. It highlights the commitments made by political parties in their election manifestos, such as increasing the share of renewable energy and creating green jobs. The article emphasizes the need for a transition to clean energy and the importance of investments in grid flexibility, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. It also mentions India's progress in reducing emissions intensity and the need for sector-specific decarbonization plans. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of building climate resilience, addressing geopolitical issues, and prioritizing resource security in the domestic green transformation. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the vital connection between innovation, education, and regional economic growth, stressing the importance of nurturing vibrant innovation ecosystems. Topics include the efforts of institutions like the Brookings Institution, the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, and the National Academies Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable in promoting regional innovation.

“General-purpose technologies,” such as the internal combustion engine, have been the fundamental drivers of economic growth for 250 years. Artificial intelligence—particularly machine learning (ML)—is the most important such technology of our era. In the coming decade practically every industry will transform its key processes and business models to take advantage of ML. But not all expectations surrounding AI are realistic. In this article, Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee describe its real potential, its practical implications, and the barriers to its adoption. They note that AI skills are spreading quickly, through online educational resources as well as universities; the necessary algorithms and hardware for modern AI can be bought or rented as needed; and companies may not need all that much data to start making productive use of ML. However, they say, ML is not without risks or limits: Machines may have hidden biases, derived from the data used to train them; neural networks deal with statistical rather than literal truths; and diagnosing and correcting system errors is often difficult, because a solution’s underlying structure can be unimaginably complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan's EV policy is in need of significant refinement to foster local manufacturing and manage the import of foreign electric vehicles and their parts. The current policy appears to be more conducive to importing EVs rather than supporting local manufacturing. By evolving the policy to favor local manufacturers, Pakistan can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce the trade deficit. Recommendations include introducing incentives for local EV manufacturers, investing in EV infrastructure, collaborating with educational institutions, and gradually increasing tariffs on imported EVs. Embracing and accelerating this change is crucial for Pakistan's air quality and economic growth. [Extracted from the article]

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised Pakistan's foreign loan requirements for this fiscal year to $25 billion, reducing it by $3.4 billion. The IMF also lowered the economic growth projection to 2% and the inflation projection to 22.8% for this fiscal year. The IMF did not accept the finance ministry's projections for the current account deficit, imports, economic growth, inflation, and gross financing requirements. The IMF made these revisions during the first review of the $3 billion bailout package. The estimated available financing has also been reduced by $3.7 billion due to difficulties in acquiring loans through Eurobonds and foreign commercial banks. [Extracted from the article]

With the war and sanctions, Russia must tread an increasingly narrow path to avoid prolonged stagnation. The decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022 followed a decade or more of declining living standards. While war-time spending on weapons and social benefits has lifted the economy for now, such spending is unsustainable in the long run. Stagnation and resulting hardship will make maintaining social--and, ultimately, political--stability more problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the question of whether or not we buy too much stuff. The author argues that the concept of "too much" is subjective and depends on individual needs and preferences. They believe that Canadians generally make utility-maximizing decisions based on their personal income and constraints, and therefore there is no need to worry about the amount of stuff being bought. On the other hand, another contributor argues that consumerism has led to environmental destruction and social disparities, and that we have been manipulated by the corporate elite and investors into believing that unlimited economic growth is necessary. They advocate for a more sustainable and equitable approach to consumption. The two authors engage in a debate about the benefits and drawbacks of consumerism and economic growth. [Extracted from the article]

UAE this year has established Asia's largest visa centre in Karachi to fully facilitate people from Southern Pakistan to visit the UAE." "The UAE while valuing its close brotherly ties with Pakistan has been providing the best possible assistance for the uplift of Pakistanis in the underprivileged areas and accelerating the growth of the economy of the country. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: This paper aims to research the relationship between income gap (IG) and green economic growth based on the perspective of economic inequality. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the panel data of 283 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2020, this paper uses the super slack based model (Super-SBM) to measure the efficiency of regional green economic growth, and constructs a regression model of the IG and regional green economic growth. Findings: Firstly, the IG has an inhibitory effect on the growth of regional green economy (GE). Secondly, the relationship between the IG and regional green economic growth will be affected by the threshold value of income level. Thirdly, environmental regulation and government competition will increase the inhibitory effect of the IG. Originality/value: According to the characteristics of China's regional economy, the researchers construct an empirical model of the IG and green economic growth to study their relationship, the threshold effect of income level and the moderating effect of environmental regulation and local government competition. The research content, methods and conclusions of this paper provide new evidence for the sustainable growth of China's regional GE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document contains a collection of summaries of various articles from Scientific American. The first article discusses NASA's plan to launch a large reflecting telescope in the 1980s to map the recessional velocities of galaxies and study the expansion of the universe. The second article explores the debate on economic growth, arguing for a focus on redirecting economic output to better serve humanity's needs. The third article highlights the discovery of dinosaur eggs in China, providing an opportunity to study paleoembryology. The fourth article discusses the discovery of a new element, hafnium, which was found to resemble zirconium. The fifth article explains how railroad time in the US is set using astronomical observations. The sixth article mentions the vast unexplored regions of the globe, including the Antarctic, Arctic, Africa, Australia, and the East Indian Archipelago. Lastly, there is a brief explanation of how ion and dust tails are created by comets. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the impact of digital inclusive finance (DIF) on regional economic growth and innovation-driven development. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the panel data of 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) in China from 2011 to 2018, this paper explores the impact of DIF on economic growth and innovative development. Findings: (1) DIF has a direct positive effect on economic growth and innovative development; (2) there is significant regional heterogeneity in the impact of DIF on economic growth and innovative development. (3) DIF can indirectly affect economic growth and innovative development by increasing residents' personal disposable income, increasing fiscal expenditure and improving educational level. Social implications: Exploring the relationship between them and digital inclusive financial development can provide a reference for national productivity construction and development. Originality/value: Economic growth and innovation-driven development have been one of the main concerns of China's policymakers. Exploring the relationship between them, digital inclusive financial development can provide a reference for national productivity construction and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a major rush of businesses investing in raising forests which would sequester carbon dioxide and allow investing companies to offset their emissions (or trade them) against forest-based carbon offsets. The Sindh government has completed one such transaction through Sindh forest department, whereby a carbon offset from a mangrove forest in the Indus delta has been sold to international buyers. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the concept of the circular economy and its potential impact in Nigeria. The circular economy aims to minimize waste and promote economic growth while protecting the environment. Nigeria, with its high unemployment rates and waste management challenges, could benefit from adopting circular business models. However, there are challenges such as improper waste disposal and lack of coordination among organizations. The article highlights the importance of local economic development, translating ideas into practice, and investing in knowledge and talent to successfully implement circular economy principles. [Extracted from the article]

Desertification and land degradation are significant global environmental challenges, with 40% of Earth's land area already considered degraded and half of humanity directly affected, according to a United Nations report. China, with 26.6% of its land classified as desertified, is one of the most affected countries. To combat this, China has implemented the Three-North Shelterbelt program since 1978, which involves planting windbreaking forest strips across 13 provinces and autonomous regions in north China. This program has resulted in the planting of 30.7 million hectares of trees, the restoration of 85.3 million hectares of degraded grasslands, and an increase in the total forest coverage rate from just over 5% in 1978 to 13.84%. The program is currently in its sixth phase (2021-30) and is supported by policies, scientific research, and environmental technologies, aiming to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for China. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on MountainOne's announcement of over 150,000 U.S. dollar in second-quarter community grants to support various nonprofit organizations. Topics include the sponsorship of local events and organizations such as the North Adams SteepleCats and the Berkshire Innovation Center, contributions to behavioral health and elder services, and funding for community celebrations and pride events.

Climate-induced inequality is identified as a modern form of inequality in this article. The demographic structure of Pakistan, with a large youth population, has the potential for economic growth known as a "demographic dividend." However, climate change disasters, such as floods and droughts, can disrupt employment opportunities, education, and infrastructure, leading to lower savings rates and increased reliance on borrowing for young people. These impacts not only affect the present but also have intergenerational implications, placing a burden on future generations. To address these challenges, policymakers should prioritize comprehensive policy recommendations, including investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. Additionally, the article discusses the progress of the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme and the increase in power rates in Pakistan. [Extracted from the article]

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) in North Carolina is playing a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth in the Triad region. GTCC's aviation programs are constantly evolving to meet the needs of industry giants like Haeco, HondaJet, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing, ensuring that graduates are job-ready and in high demand. Additionally, GTCC has adapted its curriculum to include specialized training in battery technology to support the booming EV battery manufacturing industry in the region. With its innovative programs, strong industry partnerships, and commitment to market needs, GTCC is a vital asset to the Triad's economic landscape. [Extracted from the article]

To make it through the downturn and return to growth, companies will need to rewire operations, reallocate resources, and in some cases reinvent business models. Joint ventures and partnerships can help many firms with those efforts. In this article three consultants outline how companies can shore up their existing JVs through capital-raising, cost-reduction, and synergy-tapping techniques that often aren’t available to wholly owned entities. The authors then describe how parent companies can strengthen their own financial positions by using JVs and partnerships to make partial divestments, consolidate businesses, and collaborate on capital-light, low-risk growth initiatives. JVs are already ubiquitous in sectors under pressure, like energy, and in innovative industries such as life sciences. At numerous firms, they drive a large share of earnings. Given that their returns have been climbing, their impact is quite likely to remain strong or even increase in the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a speech by Chair of the Federal Reserve Jerome H. Powell at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's Challenges for Monetary Policy symposium, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, August 23, 2019. Topics include the unemployment rate has fallen steadily throughout the economic expansion; mentions about inflation has averaged less than 2 percent over the past 25 years; and also mentions the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered the federal funds rate.

The article focuses on RR Kabel Limited's business journey, achievements, and manufacturing capabilities, highlighting its growth as the 4th largest wire and cable company in India. Topics include the company's commitment to fire safety through innovations like low-smoke, zero-halogen wires, certifications, and efforts to raise public awareness.

The article focuses on the resurgent demand in the Indian steel wire industry, driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, industrialization, and growing demand from the energy sector. Topics discussed include the growth in the construction industry, increasing use of steel wire in automotive applications, and government initiatives to foster the industry.

The article discusses impact of private investments on high income status of Panama with a focus on the factors contributing to the annual GDP growth rate, per capita income, free trade agreements and treaties of Panama. The article also focuses on the three major projects contributing to the economic growth of Panama which include building skyscrapers to high-end Hotels, Panama Metro Expansions and transportation and integration of Electric Grids with Colombia.

An interview is presented with the Regional Head of UPL, Jagdish Nainwal, in Latin America, an India-based company that provides crop protection solutions. Topics discussed in the interview are fastest emerging economies in the world, India's potential in global economy and opportunities for increased relationship between Mexico and India for economic growth.

The article presents the author's views on the one-year completion of the government led by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which has felt quiet. It mentions the questions regarding the working of the Albanese government, his big reforms in the future, and a desired set of policies. Albanese government's plans include actions on climate and clean energy to change Australia's place in the world. He wants to match up to the economic growth of Hawke–Keating government.

The article states that experiencing a boost in economy and population along with a rise in median earnings from 2019 to 2021, the northeastern Florida city of Jacksonville, U.S., is witnessing progress. It mentions that an appealing destination for logistics companies and businesses in the city, thanks to its smooth transportation infrastructure, skilled workforce, and global connectivity.