It was only many years later that we learnt about the atrocities and the inhuman ways the natives of the Amazon Valley were subjected to by the white barons to develop exporting of natural rubber to Europe to provide the main raw material for the automotive tyre industry which was gradually evolving in to a flourishing industry. The inventing of synthetic rubber in the late 1940s and the development of SBR  due to the short supply of natural rubber from the colonies  in the East to cater for the growing demand for tyres used in the military vehicles during the Second World War and the Korean War is another episode of beyond the border commercial endeavours.

Although the word ‘globalisation’ was coined by Theodore Levitt in 1983 through an article ‘Globalisation of Markets’ which appeared in the Harvard Business Review  (May-June 1983), I feel that we should go way back in the annals of history to get an understanding of the term. This knowledge may not look attractive to the modern business world. Nevertheless, the sociologists and others of similar disciplines will certainly find such knowledge useful in comprehending the modern day socio-economic woes.

Origins of globalisation may possibly be traced back to early human migrations, presumably from the Olduvai George Gorge, a site in Tanzania that holds the earliest evidence of human ancestors. Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, particularly different countries, with the intent of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location. It typically involves movement over long distances. The driving motive, namely seeking dominance over fellow men and exploiting the natural environment to achieve success, does not seem to have changed over the millions of years.

The emergence of the great civilisations, e.g. Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and their subsequent decline can be attributed to globalisation. Similarly, the invasions and cross-border military conquests of historical fame (or notoriety) such as that of Alexander the Great and colonisation by the West for the exploitation of natural wealth in Asia, Africa and South America reveals an ugly facet of globalisation.

The Silk Route interlinking East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe, on the other hand, was central to the economic, political, cultural and religious interactions between these regions form 2nd century BCE to the 18th century.

The industrialisation and expansion of business and commerce across countries during the past 300-plus years was fuelled by the four industrial revolutions, or waves as some prefer to identify them, namely steam power, conveyor system, computers and digitalisation. The process is continuing to the unforeseeable future with new knowledge and innovations fuelling the globalisation.

The multifaceted nature of globalisation has commonly been identified into eight types as shown below:

•           Political Globalisation

•           Social Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Technological Globalisation

•           Financial Globalisation

•           Cultural Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Geographical Globalisation

My intention is not to delve in to a discussion about the pros and cons of globalisation, which has been comprehensively documented, but to highlight on some key aspects from this part of the world, especially of the Asian subcontinent.

Knowledge dissemination across border, in my view, is the single most important factor associated with globalisation. This appears common to all the above types of globalisation. The dissemination of the Buddhist doctrine by the great Emperor Asoka to countries spreading from the far East to the Central Asia and Middle East including the present Sri Lanka during 3rd century BCE is one of the earliest recorded instances of globalisation.

Countries with long histories going back to 3,000 to 4,000-plus years, such as India, China and Sri Lanka, possessed a vast knowledge base ingrained in the social consciousness. This appears to have significantly influenced the philosophical and intellectual thought of the Greek and Persian periods. Unfortunately, a major part of this knowledge has been eroded through the influence of the West, which started around the 16th century. One good example of this knowledge found in the ancient irrigation knowledge of Sri Lanka is the engineering  marvel of a gradient of 1 inch per mile in an ancient canal about 87 km long,  built to connect two man-made reservoirs in the 5th century AD. Similarly, India and Sri Lanka possessed a vast indigenous knowledge base in medicine, astrology, architecture, agriculture, irrigation and astrology, and it is somewhat unfortunate that this knowledge has not been adequately globalised. The only significant inroads are seen in tourism. But that too are based on the western norms.

On the other hand, we have acquired a vast knowledge from the industrialised countries on modern management thoughts and technologies which have enabled industrialisation and improvement in living conditions of the populace. In this era of interdependency, a country cannot afford to ignore the technologies which are necessary to maintain a suitable level of competitiveness internationally. However, if this is accomplished at the expense of ignoring the inherent social and cultural foundations, the long-term adverse consequences would be disastrous and unimaginable.

The adverse long-term consequences of the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and the global addiction to pharmaceuticals are already seen physically and socially in practically all the countries, especially the so called underdeveloped or developing countries.

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the irreversible effects of global warming are two examples of globalisation which are affecting the mere sustenance  of mankind.

A country can immensely benefit by striving for stars through adopting modern technologies. However, the absolute importance of a strong base cannot be ignored or taken lightly. Back to a strong base and reinforcing the base lies at the core of sustainable development.

The words of Mahatma Gandhi echoing from the past reaffirm this plain truth in no uncertain terms.

“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

“What's past is prologue," a quote from William Shakespeare's ‘The Tempest’ presumes that though history is written, the future is anyone's to decide – with the knowledge gleaned from the past. (TT)

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Prinx has announced an evolution in its enduring partnership with Garrett Truck Sport, marking a new chapter in their collaboration from the 2026 season onwards. The tyre manufacturer will assume lead brand status within the team’s motorsport programme, bringing a sharper brand focus and renewed drive to the initiative. This strategic shift is intended to strengthen the programme’s identity both on and off the track while elevating visibility for the Prinx brand and reinforcing the technical commitment that underpins the project. It also ensures closer integration between motorsport activities and the company’s wider commercial objectives across Europe.

The decision follows a strategic meeting in London, where Prinx representatives and the Garrett Truck Sport management team reviewed the 2025 season and aligned on the future direction. Driver Luke Garrett also took part in the discussions, which centred on creative alignment and the expression of the partnership throughout the 2026 season – from trackside presence to broader communications. With Prinx now taking the lead, the partnership aligns closely with the brand’s expanding footprint in the European commercial tyre sector and the ongoing rollout of its Truck and Bus range.

While Prinx assumes the flagship role, the wider brand portfolio remains integral to the programme. Austone Tires, Fortune Tires and Chengshan Tires continue to operate under the group’s unified motorsport platform, ensuring clarity and consistency for partners across Europe. From a commercial standpoint, the transition strengthens Prinx’s position in the European market.

Beyond track visibility, the partnership serves as a platform for genuine connection. Throughout the 2026 European Truck Racing Championship, Prinx will host selected partners and guests through a tailored hospitality programme at major events, fostering shared experiences and deeper collaboration within an authentic motorsport setting.

Ari Salah, Marketing Manager, Prinx, said, “This is a great opportunity for the PRINX brand to gain greater visibility and bring our portfolio into the spotlight. We are looking forward to the upcoming events and are pleased to share this journey with our partners. Updated Prinx flagship branding and livery will be revealed ahead of the 2026 season.”

Adrian Costache, Commercial Director, Prinx, said, “Taking the lead brand role allows us to focus the partnership more clearly on our commercial priorities in Europe and to support our partners with a strong, consistent presence throughout the season.”

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems (Enviro) has received court approval to initiate a formal company reorganisation process. The Gothenburg District Court granted the application submitted by the company on 26 February 2026, with the procedure applying specifically to the parent entity. This type of restructuring is initially granted for three-month intervals, with the first period now commencing. Johan Sölveland from Ackordscentralen has been appointed to oversee the process as reorganisation administrator.

The decision to seek this legal protection was driven by acute liquidity challenges. A primary factor was the financial strain from unfavourable contractual agreements tied to the Infiniteria joint venture. Additionally, costs stemming from disputes related to a domestic plant project, combined with ongoing arbitration proceedings, have hindered the company’s ability to attract new financing. Compounding these issues, the operational facility in Åsensbruk has not been generating sufficient cash flow to offset these pressures.

Through the reorganisation, the company aims to create necessary breathing room to negotiate with creditors and develop a sustainable long-term financial framework. Management is actively engaged in discussions with both suppliers and customers to maintain normal business operations throughout this period. A detailed plan outlining the proposed structural changes to the business will be presented in due course.

The board has confirmed that current liquidity is adequate to sustain operations for the initial three-month phase of the reorganisation. Efforts are underway to arrange additional funding within this timeframe, with the objective of presenting a fully financed restructuring plan that ensures the continuity of the business.

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Mitas has launched TERRAGUARD, a new generation of VF implement radial tyre, at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, held from 25 to 27 February. This latest addition to the Mitas portfolio addresses the pressing demands of contemporary agriculture, including the need to accommodate larger, heavier implements, improve operational efficiency and prioritise soil health.

Engineered for high-capacity applications, TERRAGUARD is designed to bear significant loads while operating at reduced inflation pressures. This allows the tyre to conform to ground contours, ensuring stable handling, a consistent footprint and reliable performance across uneven terrain during both fieldwork and road transport. The tyre’s square shoulder design maximises the contact patch to boost stability, while reinforced sidewalls improve lateral stability, especially when traveling on roads.

A key attribute of the TERRAGUARD is its focus on efficiency. Its advanced VF radial construction and optimised tread geometry lower rolling resistance, facilitating smoother operation and better energy conservation. Furthermore, the tyre’s ability to spread weight evenly over a larger surface area reduces soil compaction, preserving soil structure and enhancing productivity during extended work periods.

The distinctive sawtooth tread pattern complements this by balancing rolling efficiency with controlled traction, minimising vibration and ensuring dependable performance across diverse cultivation tasks and conditions. By integrating high load capacity, operational efficiency and soil protection into one solution, the Mitas TERRAGUARD meets the needs of modern farming. Initially available in sizes VF 280/70R15 TL IMP 140D and VF 295/75R22.5 TL IMP 158D, the range is set to expand with additional sizes in the future.

Roberta D’Agnano, Marketing Director MItas at Yokohama TWS, said, “Modern agricultural operations require implement tyres that do more than simply carry weight. With TERRAGUARD, we combined advanced VF technology with an innovative tread design that actively supports efficiency and soil protection, helping farmers boost productivity in demanding applications. Presenting this product for the first time at Commodity Classic is especially meaningful for us, as the US market is at the forefront of large-scale, high-load farming applications. TERRAGUARD has been developed to meet the specific demands of American farmers, making this event the ideal platform for its global debut.”

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A landmark supply agreement was formalised at the PIF Private Sector Forum 2026 in Riyadh to advance local manufacturing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) will provide polybutadiene rubber and carbon black to a joint venture established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Pirelli. This partnership will supply the raw materials necessary to produce three and a half million tyres annually at a facility within the King Salman Automotive Cluster at King Abdullah Economic City.

This initiative marks a significant step for the NUSANED localisation programme by enhancing domestic content and establishing a comprehensive tyre production value chain within Saudi Arabia. The agreement is unprecedented as it enables the complete manufacturing of car tyres locally. It will result in the creation of a bespoke Saudi tyre brand specifically designed for passenger vehicles and regional car manufacturers, operating alongside the production of Pirelli-branded tyres.

The PIF Private Sector Forum serves as a vital platform connecting PIF-related companies, government entities and private firms to cultivate new partnerships. The event plays a crucial role in enabling the private sector to drive transformative projects. It facilitates the exploration of high-potential opportunities that support business expansion and contribute to shaping the nation's economic future, in direct alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

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