Professor Kar-yiu Wong has developed a new undergraduate course examining the economics of international trade, Economics 476: Trade, Foreign Direct Investment, and Labor Migration. The course will be offered for the first time this spring.
While the department already offers a course on international trade (Economics 471), this course will differentiate itself by focusing primarily on foreign direct investment (capital movement) and international labor migration (labor movement), and the points at which these two economic activities intersect with foreign trade to create ever-greater interdependence among international economies.
In consideration of the causes of capital movement and labor movement, and the impacts these have on various economies, the course will focus on several key examples: Boeing and Airbus’ outsourcing to China, Mexican workers in the U.S., the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
A specialist in international trade and East Asian economies, Professor Wong received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1983. He has published many papers on international trade, economic growth, and other subjects, written a theory book on international trade and factor mobility, and edited a book on growth and trade. He regularly organizes international conferences and workshops on issues in international trade, the most recent being Economic Integration and Economic Growth.
Professor Wong will also teach Economics 493: Economy of Modern China this spring. Additionally, he will give the winter Paul Heyne Memorial Lecture on February 28, “The Economics of Modern China” at 6 p.m. in HUB 145.