1MDB

MNCs in the News-2018-06-22

China to release two enhanced negative list for inward foreign direct investment (FDI) in July. Australia keeps hanging up on Huawei despite the latter’s efforts to gain new business opportunities. British officials seem reluctant to let a Chinese-owned British firm’s deal for a small airplanes part maker take off. Warming political relations between China and India provide a fertile environment for the growth of Chinese outward FDI (OFDI) in Indian start-ups. Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association stresses Japanese carmakers’ investment contribution to the US in move to undermine criticism from President Donald Trump. Japan’s financial regulator tells Japanese banks to report suspicious money transfers involving ten Japan-North Korea joint ventures. Chinese government to give LG Display approval to launch USD $6.7 billion OLED plant in Guangzhou, though partnerships with Chinese competitors may be required. SK Engineering & Construction signs letter of intent with Manila on USD $2 billion investment plan for environmentally friendly coal-fired power plants. Mahathir says Malaysia could extend new tax incentives for foreign investment in areas such as technology and research and development. Malaysia seeks to recoup USD $4.5 billion of funding that was potentially lost through 1MDB corruption scandal

MNCs in the News-2017-08-18

China takes steps/promises measures to draw in more foreign direct investment (FDI). China’s State Council details a slew of initiatives to increase greater inward FDI (IFDI) as well as to foster specific types of IFDI. Donald Trump signs executive order authorizing US Trade Representative to decide whether or not to investigate China’s theft of American intellectual property. China’s Ministry of Commerce reports small drop in IFDI over the first seven months of 2017 year over year (YOY) while outward FDI drops dramatically over the first seven months of 2017 YOY. The Philippines is looking to Japan and China to finance investments in energy and power generation projects worth over USD $135 billion. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. to expand operations in Saudi Arabia to support Saudi initiatives to reduce reliance on oil. Kumho Tire Co. to be bought out by its Chinese competitor Qingdao Doublestar Co. for USD $857 million after South Korean state-owned development bank sells its stake to Doublestar. Hyundai to promote Indonesia as Southeast Asian production base because of, among other things, the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement will remove car import duties in 2018. Indonesia and Vietnam to boost investment activity following 7th Indonesia-Vietnam Joint Commission on Economic, Science, and Technical Cooperation. Facebook opens full office in Indonesia due to tightening regulations on foreign Internet firms. Recent report touts that Malaysia’s strategic location and competitive position make it attractive for foreign investment. US deepening investigation into money stolen from Malaysian state investment fund allegedly used to obtain around USD $1.7 billion in real estate, jewelry and art.

MNCs in the News-2017-07-28

The China Banking Regulatory Commission moves to allow foreign banks to purchase Chinese lenders through a locally incorporated subsidiary. Analysis claims China is cracking down on acquisitive private actors, so-called “Grey Rhinos,” because of risks they pose to the Chinese economy. The United Kingdom is moving to tighten its foreign investment regime partly to deal with investors like China which have been investing in sensitive areas. Toyota to produce electric vehicles in Thailand to take advantage of various economic incentives. Consortium led by government sponsored Innovation Network Corp. of Japan announces final bid for Toshiba's flash memory division. South Korea following up on USD $10 billion infrastructure development deal with India. Recent data reveals Korean companies increased spending on US lobbying after inauguration of US President Donald Trump. Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board says Singapore remains largest investor in Indonesia, with Chinese investment increasing in both quantity and quality. Thailand’s Board of Investment confident overall applications for investment privileges will reach target of USD $18 billion in 2017. Malaysia’s Second Finance Minister states country has some well-run government-linked companies and rebuts concerns about Chinese investment. Two Japanese and seven Chinese state-owned enterprises bid for Bandar Malaysia project. Vietnam Steel Association proposes limiting foreign investment to certain kinds of steel projects.

MNCs in the News-2017-07-14

Chinese inward foreign direct investment (FDI) in June shows slow growth year-over-year (YOY) while the first half of 2017 showed a very slight decline in inward FDI (IFDI) YOY. Twenty percent of American firms in Shanghai plan to redirect their investment elsewhere. China’s non-financial outward FDI (OFDI) over the first six months of 2017 YOY plummets due to capital controls, tight loan supervision, and overseas factors. Almost a dozen members of American Congress ask US Securities and Exchange Commission to block Chinese-led consortium from buying Chicago Stock Exchange. At a recent conference, Chinese officials tout dramatic future growth in Chinese OFDI and moneys supplied for One Belt, One Road projects. Japan External Trade Organization and India’s provincial governments increase investment cooperation for special industrial zones to meet expansion needs of Japanese firms. Toshiba still negotiating with bidders, as company strives to fulfill government demand to keep chip technology under domestic ownership. SK Group moving to aggressively increase relations with Chinese officials. China considers investment to connect Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor with Kunming's special economic zone. Malaysian financier central figure in probes related to plundered Malaysian state development fund 1Malaysian Development Bhd. Vietnamese government gradually opens its transportation and logistics sector, providing investment opportunities for foreign firms.

MNCs in the News-2016-10-28

Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeds inward FDI (IFDI) by an increasing amount in September and for the first nine months of 2016. Chinese companies embrace diverse strategies to ensure host country stakeholders embrace their investments. ChemChina’s interactions with the European Union (EU) over its Syngenta acquisition raise new uncertainties about the deal. Chinese FDI flows into Germany now are almost double what they were for the prior ten years! Businesses from the Philippines glom in large numbers onto President Roberto Duterte mid-October trip to China. China Everbright Ltd. CEO criticizes the motives behind some COFDI. Toyota is waiting for news from the United Kingdom (UK) about the post-Brexit tariff situation before making any decisions about future investments in the UK. Despite Brexit, Nissan opts to built its new Qashqai model in the United Kingdom (UK). Japanese firm wins new contract work for Delhi-Mumbai freight railway. Marubeni and Sojitz win multi-billion dollar gas-fired power plant station contract in Indonesia. Korea Electric Power Corporation signs mega-contract to operate four UAE nuclear power plants that it also will build. FDI flows into Indonesia increased 7.8 in the third quarter year over year (YOY). Japanese firms show increasing confidence in increasing their investments in Indonesia. FDI flows into Thailand increase minimally, reflecting limited confidence in the country’s growth prospects. Foreign technology firms push Thailand to undertake various measures to maintain and advanced its status as a “digital nation.” Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will focus on getting more Chinese investment during his trip to China. PowerChina International, Shenzhen Yantian Port Group, and Rizhao Port Group will work with Malaysia on a deep sea port in the Strait of Malacca.