By Mubarak Zeb Khan

Talks between Pakistan and India on trade liberalisation have certainly gained traction, with the former agreeing to further open its market to the latter by February 2012. Yet the willingness shown informally by the two neighbours is still dogged by old rivalries and self-interest that would restrict access to the market. What is holding back real liberalisation? Is it a matter of clashing national interests, as perceived by the ‘establishment’, or is it the vested interests of the business elites in each country?

By Stewart Lansley

In their report, “Divided We Stand”, the OECD has called for tougher action by governments to reverse the increasingly common trend towards greater inequality. It is a timely call. Such action may be the only hope of preventing the economy from sliding into a prolonged era of slump.