China Banking Regulatory Commission

Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard's picture

China’s Government Reform and Implications for Foreign Investors

Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard
Posted: Mar 23, 2018

At present, the eyes of the foreign business community in China understandably are fixed on United States (US) President Donald Trump’s levying of tariffs on Chinese strategic goods, China’s retaliation, and the potential for the situation to escalate. While such matters warrant attention, the business community also should be alert to China’s planned government restructuring which will reduce the total number of ministries, eliminate some ministries like the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine, consolidate others such as the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) and China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), create new ministries like an international aid agency, and shift the oversight of some ministries.

MNCs in the News-2018-02-09

Following the Mercedes-Benz Dalai Lama ad incident, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks foreign firms to follow "basic ground rules." China Banking Regulatory Commission promises steps to make it easier for foreign banks to do renminbi business in China. Google China works to win friends by searching for information about Chinese overseas investment opportunities and overseas brand successes. China's capital control have adversely impacted some Chinese investing in the technology sector in the United States. Nissan to invest USD $9.5 billion in China with JV partner Dongfeng Group as carmaker strives to exploit China's production quotas for EVs. MGM Resorts plans to set up integrated resort in Japan's Osaka Prefecture because it plans to establish tourism facilities. Hyundai finally on track to receive Chinese government subsidy for EVs after switching to Chinese battery manufacturers. Seoul Semiconductor files suit against Mouser Electronics for dispensing products that infringe upon patent held by it. Indonesia's investment board cites "frequent and abrupt changes in regulations" as major cause of foreign investor wariness when investing in Indonesia. UAE business delegation met with Indonesia's Industry Minister for preliminary talks for producing compressed natural gas in Indonesia. Thailand's parliament approves USD $45 billion EEC project to stimulate country's underdeveloped east. Nissan working with alliance partner Mitsubishi and Bangkok to produce electric cars and batteries in Thailand for export abroad. Malaysia expects more Chinese investment in real estate, manufacturing and logistics industries as Belt and Road Initiative funds find their way into the country. State run Saudi Aramco and Malaysia's state-owned Petronas are raising USD $8 billion to begin construction on planned Malaysia refinery and petrochemical complex. Edge Glass Joint Stock Company begins construction of USD $220 million Vietnam glass factory encouraged by favorable local government measures. US tax reforms causes Vietnam to worry about future foreign investment prospects.

MNCs in the News-2017-12-15

China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) announces plan to ease requirements for foreign banks wanting to conduct yuan trading. Government restrictions put brakes on the progress of foreign autonomous vehicle development in China. Wisconsin to power it up to meet future Foxconn plant’s electricity needs. Economist Intelligence Unit finds that the United Kingdom’s attractiveness to Chinese investors dropped severely from 2015 to this year. Japan and the EU conclude talks on a free trade deal, however investment dispute settlement issues remain unresolved. Toshiba and Western Digital end legal battle over flash memory unit sale, though antitrust screening in big global markets could obstruct the unit’s sale. Samsung and LG expanding employment and investment in Vietnam in the wake of Hanoi’s efforts to attract foreign companies. Hyundai Motor Co. sets up JV in Indonesia in wake of South Korean President Moon’s New South Policy. Indonesia’s Gunung Steel Group and China’s Shenwu Technology Corp to build USD $3 billion steel plant in line with Jakarta’s goal to increase country’s steel production capacity. Singapore’s APRIL Group lodges case against Indonesian government through its Indonesian unit RAPP. Thai Beverage only foreign firm to bid for large share in Vietnam’s state-owned brewing company Sabeco. Jacobs Douwe Egberts to buyout Malaysia’s OldTown with deal conditional upon approval from Malaysian antitrust authorities. BRG Group and Sumitomo Corporation to finalize plans for USD $4 billion smart city in Hanoi as local government pledges to create favorable conditions for its execution.

MNCs in the News-2017-10-20

At 19th Party Congress, China promises greater market openness for foreign investors, but foreign businesses and governments cautious. Top China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) official says foreign banks may get more latitude in entering and operating in China’s banking sector. Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) plummeted 41.9 percent over the first nine months of 2016 year-over-year. In the first three quarters of 2016, Chinese outward merger and acquisitions activity drops significantly in both deal volume and size. Toyota and Mazda seek USD $1 billion incentive package from US states bidding for their joint car factory. SoftBank Group struggling to carry out US investments after several of its deals have been caught up in the CFIUS review process. US Department of Justice demands Kobe Steel release all information related to it falsified steel and metal data. SK-Sinopec JV to expand its Wuhan Petrochemical plant mirroring success of SK Innovation’s China Insider strategy. Korean battery manufacturers finding backdoors into the Chinese market despite Chinese government’s preferential treatment of domestic firms. Indonesia works to attract private investment despite bad atmosphere created by problems with Freeport-McMoran. Freeport-McMoRan facing labor union protests over anticipated layoffs. New US-Thai joint committee formed to increase bilateral investment following Thai Prime Minister’s recent US visit. Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industries leads trade mission to Europe to attract German investment. MITI reports a decline in investments this year. Vietnamese government begins implementing its divestment plan for Dung Quat Oil Refinery, attracts foreign investors. Foreign brewers eagerly awaiting Vietnamese government’s divestment plans for country’s largest domestic brewer Sabeco.

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-2017-07-21

In rare praise for foreign firms, Chinese President Xi Jinping lauds their contribution to China and says the Chinese government must do more to attract and retain them. The China Banking Regulatory Commission imposes strict limits on Chinese banks providing support for overseas deals by Dalian Wanda. Some feel the United States (US) Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States is becoming stricter which, in turn, may hinder Chinese investment flows in the US. Toyota continues USD $310 million UK plant expansion after receiving Brexit reassurances from British government. Japanese financial institutions move to set up subsidiary businesses in the EU as Brexit jeopardizes their financial services licenses. Hyundai to open fifth Chinese assembly plant as compact vehicle sales are expected to rise before Chinese government’s increase in purchase taxes next year. South Korea’s Nexen Tire Corp. signs memorandum of understanding with United Arab Emirates’ state-owned Mubadala Development Co. Indonesian branch of ExxonMobil drops talks on East Natuna natural gas block, with Jakarta saying it intends to invite firm to discuss project again. Economist says Malaysia to become key economic corridor because of strong economic fundamentals, strategic geographical location and Prime Minister’s diplomatic efforts. China’s restrictions on bank loans to Dalian Wanda Group diminish prospects of Bandar Malaysia project. Vietnam’s Prime Minister signs decision to boost his country’s solar power development which is spurring much foreign investor interest. At HCM City conference, Laotian provinces court investment from Vietnam.

MNCs in the News-2016-11-24

China’s Ministry of Commerce notes that it will continue to welcome and support foreign direct investment (FDI) from the European Union (EU). Very senior Chinese Communist Party official meets with Microsoft CEO and calls for the company to share its technology with China. China’s State Administration for Industry and Commerce imposes almost a $100 million fine on Sweden’s Tetra Pak for abuse of its market position. Qualcomm’s joint venture with the Guizhou provincial government will start to produce China-customized server chips in 2018. I order to enter China, Facebook reportedly is working on a tool that would empower the Chinese government to censor content. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) said it would recommend a Chinese investment consortium not be allowed to purchase Germany’s Aixtron. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission said Washington should take action to ban China’s state-owned firms from acquiring U.S. companies. Japan’s Itochu Corporation and Electric Power Development Co. Ltd. will provide full support for the construction of a coal-fired Batang power plant in Central Java. Japan and Argentina work to boost Japanese investment in Argentina. New China Ministry of Industry and Information battery production standard will severely limit Korean battery sales in China. China takes adverse actions against Korean financial companies to, it is believed, punish Korea for its acceptance of the THAAD system. Despite uncertainties flowing from the US presidential election result, the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board still has faith in its investment realization targets. The Indonesia-Japanese investment relationship remains robust. Following on the heels of his efforts to court Chinese investors, Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak is lobbying Japanese investors to put money in higher-value added activities in his country. Vietnam welcomes foreign investors to participate in the restructuring of the country’s banking sector. Vietnam pushes for investment in the food processing sector.

MNCs in the News-2015-08-21

China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) revives “dead” banking sector technology rules. Chinese labor law on dispatch workers encourages firms to turn to contract manufacturing. High-tech firms turn to Hong Kong as new host destination. National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and CBRC issue guidelines designed to prod banks to support major overseas and domestic projects. China injects massive amount of capital into China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China to bolster resources for outward investment and overseas projects. Sri Lanka stresses it still welcomes Chinese investment. Korean coal-fired power plant project in Kazakhstan may be going up in smoke. Korea’s LG Group and its affiliates look to deepen their involvement in Western China on the back of good government relations and favorable Chinese government policies. Indonesia optimistic about inward FDI in manufacturing and will offer special policies to attract more. Vietnam will give private investors greater stakes in select state energy companies. Vietnam courts foreign public and private involvement in its tuna and seafood industries

MNCs in the News-2015-04-24

China’s Finance Minister Lou Jiwei raises concern about US Bilateral Investment Treaty proposals. Wall Street Journal analysis reveals that many Variable Interest Entities may be at risk depending upon how Chinese treats such structures. IBM cooperation with Chinese firm and China raises concerns about the business and political implications. Huawei CEO Eric Xu raises concerns about the potential fallout of China’s new stance toward foreign information technology. The American Chamber of Commerce’s White Paper calls for numerous improvements in the general and sectoral policy environment facing foreign businesses in China. China’s Finance Minister expresses concerns about US Bilateral Investment Treaty demands. China moves to make its negative list more positive in four key free trade zones (FTZs). Jiangsu Province’s Provincial Price Bureau makes Daimler Mercedes-Benz pay a price for price fixing. Visa and MasterCard appear ready to cash in on China’s bank-card clearing market after State Council opens the market in response to a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling. Korea moves to enrich up its Food cluster Foodpolis. Korean president Park Geun-hye visit to Latin America results in boost to Korean investment and trade. Indonesia will court Chinese investors with special “information desk” in Beijing.

MNCs in the News-2015-04-17

China will delay rules on banking IT to solicit feedback. China grapples with rising foreign business concern about data storage and access regulations. Foreign investment in China continues to show despite evidence of a slowdown in other areas. China’s National Development and Reform Commission stresses that China will be moving to a “Negative List” management system for inward foreign direct investment (FDI). Shanghai vows to protect Disney Resort’s intellectual property (IP). Qualcomm moves to reconnect with China after its $1 billion antitrust fine. China Metallurgical Group (MCC) struggles to mine the riches of its Afghanistan copper mine. Indonesian government “Made in Indonesia” plan drives Xiaomi to explore component assembly in Indonesia. Korea seeks to fatten up foreign investment its food hub, Foodpolis, with various incentives and high-quality assets.

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