World Business Report

The Ever Given container ship has been stuck since Tuesday despite efforts to move it, and a backlog of ships waiting to pass through it continues to grow. Rose George travelled along the Suez Canal when researching her 2013 book 'Ninety Percent of Everything' and tells us more about the world of container shipping. We hear from Dorothy Brown, a law professor at Emory University, whose book 'The Whiteness of Wealth: How the Tax System Impoverishes Black Americans — And How We Can Fix It' explains how America's tax system is weighted towards white people. And Chris Low of FTN Financial in New York explains why the Suez blockage is having little effect on oil prices.

EU leaders stopped short of banning Covid-19 vaccine exports amid a row with AstraZeneca. Natasha Loader from The Economist explains why relations between the vaccine manufacturer and the EU have become so protracted. And the BBC's Jayne McCubbin has visited a plant in Wales filling vials of vaccine for AstraZeneca to find out more about the production process. Also in the programme, Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence today, and the country is now the second biggest garment exporter in the world. We take a closer look at the industry there, and Vidya Ambrin Khan tells us about the factory she runs that was set up by her father in the 1970s, and reflects on the impact of the Rana Plaza building collapse in 2013, in which more than 1,000 garment workers died. Sajid Amit researches international development at the University of Liberal Arts in Bangladesh, and discusses the role government support played in establishing Bangladesh's garment dominance. And we hear from Rubana Haq, president of the Bangladesh Garment Makers Association, what impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the sector. Plus, now China has formalised a five year tariff plan on Australian wine, we examine the likely impact on the country's wine exporters with Tony Battaglene, chief executive of Australian Grape and Wine.

The Ever Given remains wedged across the canal despite attempts to pull it free. We ask Angus Blair, professor of practice at the American University of Cairo's Business School, how this will affect Egypt, as well as international shipping. Also in the programme, the heads of the three biggest tech giants have been answering politicians' questions at a hearing in the US. We get analysis from Issie Lapowsky, senior reporter at protocol.com. And Cary Leahey of Decision Economics in New York updates us on the US markets.

Efforts continue to move a container ship that is blocking the Suez Canal. We find out why it is proving such a challenge from Guy Platten, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping. Also in the programme, retailer H&M faces a backlash in China after expressing concern about Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. Emily Feng is Beijing correspondent for the US public broadcaster NPR, and tells us how H&M got caught up in a diplomatic row between China and the west over allegations of forced labour. Plus, with US president Joe Biden pledging to decriminalise cannabis at a federal level in the country, catching up with a growing number of individual states, we find out about the companies lining up to take advantage. Amanda Jones is chief executive of California-based firm Kikoko, which sells products infused with some of the active ingredients found in cannabis, and explains pandemic-induced anxiety has been good for business. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Marta di Forti at King's College London discusses concerns about the potential effect of cannabis on mental health. And we meet Boris Jordan, executive chairman of the biggest-selling cannabis company in the US, Curaleaf, who has been described by Forbes magazine as "the only pot billionaire".

India has placed a temporary hold on all exports of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. We speak to Prashant Yadav from the Centre for Global Development about what's causing the squeeze and what it could mean for the global vaccination effort. The Suez Canal, which carries 10% of global trade, has been blocked by a container ship.LoriAnn Larocco, the author of Trade War - Containers Don't Lie: Navigating the Bluster explains the global ramifacations of the blocakge

The Suez Canal, which carries 10% of global trade, has been blocked by a container ship. Sal Mercogliano is an expert in maritime history at Campbell University in North Carolina, and discusses the implications of the incident. Also in the programme, Germany's government has outlined a plan for how to pay for its unprecedented support for workers and companies during the pandemic. Peter Bofinger is a prominent German economist, and used to sit on the country's Council of Economic Experts, and tells us what damage coronavirus has done to Europe's largest economy. The BBC's Manuela Saragosa reports on the growth in food delivery apps over the past year, and what it all means for restaurants. Plus, our regular workplace commentator, Peter Morgan, asks what new skills workers returning to the office after working from home are likely to bring.

Sixteen black families living in a suburb of Chicago are to be given twenty-five thousand dollars each, in the first reparation for housing discrimination ever carried out in the United States. The families live in Evanston – an area that has pledged to distribute ten million dollars over a decade. Robin Rue Simmons, the Alderman of Evanston’s Fifth Ward who led the campaign, discusses how this is just the beginning of a broader reparations movement for African Americans as restitution for centuries of slavery and discrimination.Today, Gamestop posted the 9th consecutive quarter sales loss. However its e-commerce sales jumped 175% in the last quarter. Joe Saluzzi of Themis Trading tells us why the company did not live up to expectations. Also in the programme, the BBC's Justin Rowlatt explores whether China is on the verge of taking a tougher stance against coal, both at home and abroad. Plus from Delhi, the BBC's Arunoday Mukharji reports on the rise of the electric motorbike.

Germany will impose a near complete halt over Easter, in response to a coronavirus surge. Current lockdown restrictions have also been extended by three weeks, and David Meves, owner of Club Michel restaurant in Frankfurt tells us about the impact it will have on his business. And Erika Solomon of the Financial Times discusses whether this is likely to be the last lockdown for the country. Also in the programme, the BBC's Justin Rowlatt explores whether China is on the verge of taking a tougher stance against coal, both at home and abroad. Plus from Delhi, the BBC's Arunoday Mukharji reports on the rise of the electric motorbike.

China responded with its own sanctions on European officials. It has denied the allegations of abuse, claiming the camps are "re-education" facilities used to combat terrorism. Meanwhile, flooding in Australia has forced 18,000 people to be evacuated in New South Wales and women's sport takes a big leap forward in Britain as the BBC and Sky pick up the rights to broadcast football games.

A US trial of the Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine shows it's safe. Plus, a spring clean in space, two satellites have been launched from Japan with a special mission.

Thousands of Australians are set to be evacuated from their homes as severe flooding in the Sydney area worsens - our correspondent Phil Mercer brings us the latest. Also on the programme; Saudi Arabia's state-run oil giant Aramco posts a huge loss in profits. And we speak to the silversmiths behind some of sport's most iconic trophies.

The first face to face meeting between the new US administration and top Chinese officials has ended in Anchorage, Alaska. US officials say two days of talks with their Chinese counterparts have been tough and direct. We hear from the BBC's State Department correspondent Barbara Plett Usher who's in Anchorage. Plus, Chris Low at FHN Financial brings us the latest from the financial markets.

Twenty-one million people in 16 areas of France begin a new month-long Covid lockdown. The BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris tells us about the likely impact on businesses in France, and the government's deficit. Also in the programme, there's a new phase of international port diplomacy, where major economic powers are helping to construct ports to help establish commercial and military footholds around the world. The BBC's Ranga Sirilal in Colombo describes India and Japan's assistance to Sri Lanka for a port there. We hear from Cobus Van Staden, senior China-Africa researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs about a Chinese loan deal for Bagamoyo Port in Tanzania. And Cristina Maza, a freelance journalist who has been covering a deal between Sudan and Russia for military access to Port Sudan on the Red Sea, discusses what is in it for the two sides. Plus, we hear from the chief executive of Australian airline Qantas, Alan Joyce, how he hopes to revive the company's fortunes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo: A lone pedestrian walks near the Louvre in Paris. Credit: Getty Images)

As equity markets slide we get analysis from Cary Leahey of Decision Economics.

The US and China are holding their first high level talks since Joe Biden was inaugurated. Dr Rebecca Harding is an international trade analyst at Coriolis Technologies, and tells us what is likely to be top of the agenda. Also in the programme, the Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch turns 90 this month, and the BBC's Ed Butler examines his legacy, and the question of whether it's time for him to hand over the reins at News Corp. Plus, on Global Recycling Day, amid predictions that global waste might increase up to 70% by 2050, Ranjit Baxi, president of the Global Recycling Foundation discusses what can be done about it. (Picture: US and Chinese flags. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

The head of the European Commission has threatened to restrict coronavirus vaccine exports if third countries do not also allow exports in a reciprocal and proportionate way. We hear from French MEP, Veronique Trillet Lenoir.

The Philippines aims for economic recovery after the pandemic ended 21 years of growth. Benjamin Diokno is the governor of the central bank of the Philippines, and explains what role his institution might play towards achieving the goal. Also in the programme, the European Commission has published proposals for a digital Covid vaccine certificate, which will also document coronavirus test results. Mehreen Khan is EU correspondent for the Financial Times, and tells us the European Commission plans to leave it up to member states whether to use the certificate to regulate travel within their jurisdictions. Plus, the abuse of people online, or trolling, is on the rise. The BBC's Marie Keyworth reports on whether cyberspace should be a free speech free-for-all, or regulated to screen out the most offensive individuals.

France, Germany, Spain and Italy want further clarification before reinstating the jab, as the European Medicines Agency is expected to give its verdict tomorrow. We speak to Natasha Loder, health policy editor at The Economist. And we get an update from Joe Saluzzi from Themis Trading in New Jersey on the day's movements on Wall Street.

We examine technologies that might lead to greener steel production, and ask who will pay. Professor Veena Sahajwalla of the University of New South Wales in Australia discusses her research into using waste such as car tyres to produce the metal. We hear about Swedish steelmaker SSAB's hydrogen manufacturing process, which is being piloted to produce steel with water as the only by-product. And Alan Knight of steelmaker ArcelorMittal tells us about his company's goal to mitigate carbon emissions through capture and storage of pollutants. Also in the programme, following a policy review the UK is to shift its focus to Indo-Pacific countries such as India, South Korea and Japan. The aim is partly to foster a democratic counterweight to China, and we explore the economic implications with Professor Laura Cleary, director of the consultancy Oakwood International Security. Plus, it's exactly a year since the pandemic forced the lights to go down on London's West End theatres. Nica Burns is co-founder of the Nimax Theatres group, which owns six venues in London including the Vaudeville and Garrick theatres, and explains what life has been like for the theatre industry over the past 12 months. (Picture: A steel forge. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

The WHO's conclusion came after several European countries have suspended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, including France and Germany. But as the numbers of Covid-19 cases rise in Europe, what will this mean for the vaccine rollout? We speak to epidemiologist Dr Maria Sundaram. Volkswagen has announced plans to increase its car battery production and charging network across Europe, the US and China. Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield is a tech journalist who specialises in electric vehicles, and was watching VW's announcement. Plus, the shortlist for this year’s Oscars has been released. KJ Matthews is an entertainment reporter in Los Angeles, and tells us what this year's selection says about the impact of the pandemic on filmmaking, and progress made towards diversity in the industry.

Italy is battling another wave of coronavirus. Schools and non-essential businesses have been forced to close across more than half the country.

The entire country will be put on lockdown for three days over the Easter weekend. We hear what this will mean for businesses, and speak to Aurelio Gandola, who runs a bar and restaurant on Lake Como. We also get an update from Brazil, where new Covid-19 infections are at their highest rate. We speak to epidemiologist Dr Pedro Hallal. The music industry's biggest event of the year, the Grammys, get underway this evening in Los Angeles. Variety magazine features editor Chris Willman brings us up to date on the latest award winners.

The leaders of Japan, U.S.A, Australia and India meet at a virtual summit to discuss plans to forge ahead with the creation of a free and open Indo-Pacific. They pledge to make visible contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in the region, including overcoming the coronavirus. Patrick Cronin tells us why we will be hearing more of the Quad in future. Also, President Trump's tariff war with China had a big impact on materials and consumer goods moving between the US and Asia. Gretchen Blough, a customs-brokerage manager in Pennsylvania explains the current state of shipping between the two nations. Also in the programme, the BBC's Elizabeth Hotson examines the business opportunities that have emerged for those seeking to make the most of people being stuck at home and bored during the lockdowns of the past year. (Picture: President Biden attends the virtual Quad Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan. Picture credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images.)

With Joe Biden's $1.9tn stimulus package signed into law, we consider its economic impact. Actor Corey Mach talks us through his experience of the pandemic and what sort of difference the new law will make to him. And the BBC's Michelle Fleury explains what the American Rescue Plan is designed to achieve. Also in the programme, the BBC's Elizabeth Hotson examines the business opportunities that have emerged for those seeking to make the most of people being stuck at home and bored during the lockdowns of the past year. Plus, our regular workplace commentator, Stephanie Hare, explores how when faced with a workplace obstacle, a good pep talk can sometimes help us to move forwards.

A year on from the WHO declaring Covid 19 a pandemic, we examine the economic impact. Economists Marianna Mazzucato from University College London and Richard Portes from the London Business School discuss whether coronavirus has presented an opportunity for policymakers to build back in a way which might actually benefit people around the world. Also in the programme, environmental activists from around the world will be attending a Global Forest Summit this weekend. Event organisers Thomas Friang, founding CEO of the Open Diplomacy Institute and Stéphane Hallaire, President of Reforest’Action tell us why a summit to address global deforestation is so urgent. The Australian government has launched a subsidy scheme offering half price air tickets to domestic holiday spots such as the Gold Coast. Margy Osmond is chief executive of Australia's Tourism and Transport Forum, and tells us what impact the move is likely to have on the country's faltering tourism sector. Plus, the BBC's Ijeoma Ndukwe reports on the difficulties that many of those held in the United States pre-trial have with paying bail, and asks whether a new reform agenda might help reverse social and racial inequality in the American justice system.

A year on from the WHO declaring Covid 19 a pandemic, we examine the economic impact. Economists Marianna Mazzucato from University College London and Richard Portes from the London Business School discuss whether coronavirus has presented an opportunity for policymakers to build back in a way which might actually benefit people around the world. Also in the programme, the Australian government has launched a subsidy scheme offering half price air tickets to domestic holiday spots such as the Gold Coast. Margy Osmond is chief executive of Australia's Tourism and Transport Forum, and tells us what impact the move is likely to have on the country's faltering tourism sector. Plus, the BBC's Ijeoma Ndukwe reports on the difficulties that many of those held in the United States pre-trial have with paying bail, and asks whether a new reform agenda might help reverse social and racial inequality in the American justice system.

The US House of Representatives has approved President Biden's huge $1.4 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package aimed at kick-starting the economy scarred by the pandemic. Among the measures in the package is a one-off payment of $1400 for most Americans. Economist Rubeela Farooqi tells us what to expect.

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission is meeting this week to try and protect the fish species. European vessels take home the biggest proportion of the stock, meaning local fishing communities often miss out, and tuna levels are depleting. Adam Ziyad is director general of the Maldives fisheries ministry, and vice-chair of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, and discusses the potential impact of over-fishing. And we get wider context from John Burton, from conservation organisation the International Pole and Line Foundation. Also in the programme, last year the commodities trader Mercuria paid $36m for 10,000 tonnes of copper blister, which is the impure form of the metal. But on delivery, it turned out to be painted paving slabs instead, and we find out more from Andy Hoffman, who has been covering the story for Bloomberg. Plus, as the full force of coronavirus lockdowns hit last year, we spoke to three professional musicians from different continents, to hear how they'd been impacted. We get an update from New York-based violinist Jennifer Koh, Guillem Bolto of Barcelona-based lockdown band Stay Homas, and singer Berita Khumalo, who was born and raised in Zimbabwe, but is now based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

A new report from the World Health Organization has found that a third of all women experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. The report is the largest ever study of violence against women, and includes data from the years 2000 to 2018. In Mexico thousands marched in the capital Mexico City angry that the president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, know as AMLO, has failed to live up to his promises on women's rights. Plus, we get the latest from the US markets from Joe Saluzzi.

A leading international agency has upgraded its forecast for global growth for this year. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said the world economy is likely to expand by 5.6% in 2021, and its chief economist Laurence Boone explains why the OECD believes prospects for growth are looking rosier. Also in the programme, the China National Offshore Oil Company, or CNOOC, has been de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange, and the BBC's Samira Hussain tells us what's behind the move. Plus, we take an in-depth look at Greenland, whose economy some believe is ripe for expansion. Allun Hubbard, a professor of glaciology at the Arctic University of Norway discusses prospects for agriculture in Greenland. The country depends heavily on funds from Denmark, but former Greenland prime minister Aleqa Hammond explores whether it could ever become independent. And Tracy Marchaud of the University of Southern Maine makes the case for a stronger tourism sector on the island. (Picture: Construction workers. Picture credit: Reuters.)

The food delivery firm Deliveroo plans a London listing expected to value it at $7bn. Anna Macdonald is a fund manager at Amati Global Investors in Edinburgh, and talks us through the significance of the company choosing London for its stock market flotation. And we consider the long-term future of the food delivery model, once coronavirus restrictions are lifted, with Peter Backman, who is a consultant in the restaurant sector. Also in the programme, it is International Women's Day, and this year the theme is 'Choose to Challenge'. The BBC's Nisha Patel has been talking with three women on three different continents, who are doing just that, challenging preconceptions and prejudice.

President Biden has hailed a Senate vote to approve his Covid recovery plan as a giant step towards providing desperately needed help to the American people. The bill is worth nearly $2 trillion and will return to the House of Representatives for approval within days. The BBC's Peter Bowes give his analysis of why the bill is being viewed as historic and why it failed to get Republican support. Chinese exports have had a record breaking first two months of the year, the economist Michael Hughes explains the significance meanwhile as oil and other commodity prices continue to surge, Caroline Bain of Capital Economics urges caution. And on International Women's Day, The Economist's 'Glass Ceiling Index' finds that Scandinavia is where women have the best chances of equal treatment in work. (Image: U.S. President Joe Biden tours Houston Food Bank in Houston, Texas, Credit: Reuters)

The US economy added 380,000 jobs in February, well ahead of economists' expectations but millions remain out of work because of the virus. We hear how the US markets reacted - as well as a report from the BBC's Michelle Fleury on how women have been particuarly badly hit in the jobs market during the pandemic.

China's National People's Congress has set a 6% economic growth target for the year ahead. Premier Li Keqiang also warned other countries not to interfere in the affairs of Hong Kong. We find out more from Dr Yu Jie, senior research fellow on China at the foreign affairs research institute Chatham House. Also in the programme, we gauge market reaction with Shanti Kelemen of Brown Shipley to news that the US economy added 380,000 jobs in February, well ahead of economists' expectations. Throughout the week we've been examining the impact of the pandemic on workers' mental health, but today the BBC's Szu Ping Chan reports on what makes for a happy and satisfying career. Plus, the US band Kings of Leon is releasing its latest album today, but it has also chosen to issue it as a tradeable digital token, which is being described as a bit like the digital currency Bitcoin. Alex Hern is technology editor of The Guardian, and dicusses whether this marks a genuine breakthrough in how artists can earn money, or just a triumph of marketing to get people talking about the new release.

The Italian government has blocked the export of an Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia. The BBC's Theo Leggett explains what's behind the row, and International Chamber of Commerce's John Denton tells us just what the global cost vacinne nationalism might be. Also in the programme, the US has suspended tariffs on Scotch Whisky and other UK products put in place over a dispute about EU subsidies to Airbus, Michael Bilelli from the Wine and Spirts Wholesalers of America tells us how bad the tariffs hit whisky sales there.

The German airline Lufthansa has posted a record $8.1bn annual loss. Andreas Spaeth is a journalist who covers aviation in Germany, and tells us where the loss leaves the German government, which took a 20% stake in the airline as part of a bailout last year. Also in the programme, the Moscow Metro plans to implement facial recognition technology for people to pay fares by the end of this year. Ksenia Idrisova is cyber-security specialist at BBC Monitoring, and explains why many people are opposed to the move. Continuing our series looking at the impact of the pandemic on people's mental health, Nigerian artist Ken Nwadiogbu discusses his hyper-real art, and how it has become a form of therapy for the issues he faces. Plus, our regular workplace commentator Pilita Clarke explores the controversial issue of whether employers should be allowed to insist their workers are vaccinated against the coronavirus before returning to the workplace

We hear about US job figures, the latest news on the US stimulus package and why the Nasdaq faltered.

Amongst a range of spending measures the latest UK budget hikes tax on some businesses. The BBC's Sarah Corker gauges how the new measures have been received in the northwest of England, and Roger Bootle, chairman of Capital Economics looks at the UK's finance picture from a global perspective. Also in the programme, continuing a series this week examining how the pandemic has affected people's mental health, the BBC's Ed Butler explores why Guyana in South America has one of the highest suicide rates anywhere in the world.

The measures, which target Russia's top spy and six others, are being co-ordinated with similar moves by the European Union and we get details from the BBC's Barbara Plett-Usher, the BBC's State Department Correspondent. Plus, we hear Reddit’s chief executive Steve Huffman talk about recent controversies involving the social media network. And Joe Saluzzi brings us an update from the financial markets.

The International Energy Agency says global CO2 levels are rising after a fall in 2020. Timothy Goodson is one of the report's lead authors and explains why we're seeing this trend, after reductions caused by the pandemic last year. Also in the programme, videoconferencing platform Zoom expects sales to rise by more than 40% this year, after a bumper 2020 as the firm benefited from coronavirus lockdowns. We consider whether video calls are here to stay with Karin Moser, professor of organisational behaviour at LSBU business school in London. The Women in Work index produced by PWC indicates that women's jobs have been disproportionately hit by events of the past year. Larice Stielow is one of the report's authors, and shares a concern that progress made in improving female representation across workplaces is in danger of being reversed. Plus, a Nike vice president has resigned after ties to her son's limited edition trainer resale business were revealed. We hear about the lucrative market from Tahsin Sabir, who is a collector. (Picture: A power station chimney. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

The markets rallied, led by video conferencing business Zoom which reported profits a long way above expectations, as we hear from independent investment consultant Peter Jankovskis. Plus, the largest power cooperative in the state has filed for bankruptcy protection; we get analysis from Jeremy Hill who's been following the story for Bloomberg.

Texas's Brazos Electric Power Co-operative has filed for bankruptcy after winter storms. The firm says it's facing a $1.8bn bill as a result of last month's disruption, and Andy Uhler, energy reporter at Marketplace in Texas, explains the implications. Also in the programme, starting a week of special programming about mental health and the pandemic, the BBC's Manuela Saragosa reports on what more businesses and governments could be doing to support their employees' mental wellbeing. Plus, a campaign is under way to promote the use of subtitles on television as a means of helping children to improve their literacy. We find out more from Oli Barrett, co-founder of Turn on the Subtitles.

The Golden Globes has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, following exposés of The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of 87 international journalists who vote on the awards; we hear from KJ Matthews, an entertainment reporter based in Los Angeles. The World Trade Organisation has a new boss in charge from Monday but press coverage of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been criticised for being sexist and racist . We hear from Ugandan Economist Emmanuel Nshakira Rukundo who is currently at the University of Bonn in Germany. Plus we pick over the $1.9 trillion US stimulus package with the help of economist Michael Hughes. And the UN is appealing for $4bn for Yemen, warning that the country is on the verge of the worst famine the world has seen for decades; we hear from Elana DeLozier, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

The US House of Representatives prepares to pass President Biden's $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package to help provide support during the Covid-19 Pandemic, we speak to the Wall Street Journal's Christine Peterson about what new measures the bill includes. Plus Pokemon hits 25, we find out just how the creature collecting game has kept everyone catching 'em all for so long

The Indian economy grew 0.4% in a year, after significant coronavirus-related declines. The BBC's Nikhil Inamdar in Mumbai talks us through how different sectors have performed. And we hear from Adar Poonawalla, chief executive of the world's largest vaccine maker, Serum Institute of India, about the role the company is playing in getting coronavirus jabs shipped around the world. Also in the programme, IAG, the parent of British Airways, Iberia and several other airlines, has posted a loss of just over $9bn in 2020. We consider the future of the aviation industry with the environmental campaigner, George Monbiot. Plus, three decades after the cult classic Eddie Murphy film Coming to America was released, a sequel will be screened on Amazon Prime from next week. We ask South African actor Nomzamo Mbatha, who stars in the new production, how the west's portrayal of Africa has changed since the 80s.

Covid-19 is set to prompt radical long term changes to how we live and work, so what lessons can be learnt when we eventually emerge from the pandemic? Could the changes in the way we work herald higher productivity and happier people in the future? We hear the stories of the people who managed to thrive during a very difficult year, including the milkman who saw a boom in deliveries and the dancer who found work in South Korea when the London stage went dark. Martin Webber is joined by Professor Devi Sridhar who holds the Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh; economist Roger Bootle, of Capital Economics; Robert Reich, former Labour Secretary under President Clinton; Tomas Philipson, who was Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors under Mr Trump; and actor Thomas Inge who is currentl starring in the musical Cats in South Korea.

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy supporter Jimmy Lai has been charged with fraud. We hear from Mr Lai in his last interview before being detained, and get a sense of the mood for businesses in the city from Mike Bird of the Wall Street Journal. Also in the programme, Ivana Davidovic reports on China's war against food waste. China's leader Xi Jinping has launched a campaign targeting food waste in the country. Jian Yi, who has been at the forefront of promoting a sustainable food system in China, and founded the Good Food Fund tells us President Xi's announcement came as a surprise. With some local authorities in China aiming to limit the amount of food diners order, Priscilla Young, co-founder of Brut Eatery, which has five outlets in Shanghai, is not sure of the benefits of a heavy-handed approach to curbing dining excess. James Palmer explains how Chinese complex relationship with food stems from centuries of famines. And we hear from Szechuan food and culture expert Fuchsia Dunlop how Chinese New Year feasts reveal why ordering too much is a sign of good luck for the future. Plus, we find out how the fashion industry is adapting to coronavirus from Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council.