China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

MNCs in the News-2021-September

China Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) looking at negative list for cross-border services trade in the country’s free trade zones (FTZs). China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology publishes draft regulations relating to the classification of data and data export restrictions. American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai indicates members doing well in China, optimistic about their revenue prospects, and have little intention to move outside of China. High-level Chinese official says Pakistan needs to provide high-level security assurances for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into India severely constrained by bilateral tensions, though some Chinese mobile apps have found new ways to resume operations. COSCO Shipping Ports, to acquire a 35 percent stake in container terminal at the Port of Hamburg. To settle a Japan Fair Trade Commission investigation, Apple modifies the payment policies for some App Store apps. Japan protests South Korean court order forcing Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) to sell assets to provide compensation for wartime forced labor. Samsung calls upon United States (US) to increase tax incentives for its semiconductor FDI in the US. European Commission representative travels to Korea to encourage Korean semiconductor markets to establish operations in the European Union. US Department of Commerce demands confidential business information from Korean chipmakers because of concerns about automobile sector chip shortages. China’s measures to limit online gaming time for young gamers have potentially big longer-term implications for Korean gaming companies.

MNCs in the News-2020 November

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into China continues to surge despite Covid-19 and other challenges. China’s Ministry of Commerce says China will take further measures to liberalize ownership restrictions for foreign firms in the service sector. Shanghai shows strength in attracting inward FDI (IFDI) and adds to its regional headquarters and research and development center totals. India moves to ban an additional 43 Chinese phone apps including Aliexpress due to concerns about consumer privacy and national security. China states it will continue to support the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Malaysian state government of Melaka terminates $10.5 billion Melaka Gateway project. Nissan moves to sell only electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid cars in China to meet Beijing’s goal of all new vehicles being eco-friendly. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is expected to have notable impacts on Japanese FDI as well as supply chains given its provisions relating to tariffs, rules of origins, and intellectual property. Brexit may lead the European Union (EU) to slap tariffs and other requirements on EVs which have significant adverse effects on Japanese EV production in the United Kingdom. Tokyo Gas and Marubeni will construct a liquefied natural gas fired power plant in Vietnam. Korea’s Fair Trade Commission reportedly has come to the conclusion that Google abused its market position to prevent modified Android operating systems. The labor union at IKEA Korea strikes for similar wage treatment to workers at IKEA workers elsewhere. Some Korean steelmakers return back home due to government subsidy program. Korean consortium wins engineering, construction, and operations contract for $1 billion bridge project in Bangladesh.

MNCs in the News-2019-12-13

UIBE Institute of International Economy 2019 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) report recommends China do more to enhance the business environment for FDI such as allowing the market to play a greater role in the allocation of resources. Chinese government orders all government offices and public institutions to remove foreign computer hardware and software by 2022. United States (US) National Defense Authorization Act bans use of federal funds to purchase buses and passenger cars made by Chinese manufacturers, which will hurt BYD’s US operations. Pakistan established new China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) authority to expedite the progress of the initiative. Labor Union at Uber Eats Tokyo cannot stomach the latter’s unilateral decision to lower the base pay of workers. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission suggests too early for Asahi Group to toast its plan to buy Anheuser-Busch InBev’s local Australia operations. South Korea’s reported inward FDI (IFDI) tops USD $20 billion for the fifth consecutive year, though realized IFDI often falls far short of reported figures. Korean consortium HPH Joint Venture may lose multi-billion bid to build metro in Panama due to reported Chinese pressures for a review of the bid award.

MNCs in the News-2018-07-06

There is some evidence China has started sanctioning American firms in China as a way to retaliate against American tariffs against Chinese goods. Foxxconn breaks ground on potential multi-billion dollar display screen plant in Wisconsin that allow it to profit from incentives and satiate Donald Trump’s America First campaign. United States (US) Department of Commerce allows ZTE limited duration, partial reprieve on seven-year comprehensive supply purchase ban. Pakistan seeks new funding from China, warning that failure might force it to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which might result in the end of some of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. Value of new Japanese FDI in US increases by 70 percent as President Trump pushes to expand employment. Japan and Kazakhstan to implement seven joint projects worth approximately USD $2 billion in areas like nuclear energy, transport and water supply. South Korea working with the US and the United Arab Emirates to win $19 billion power project in Saudi Arabia. Samsung urges Chinese officials to cancel discriminatory policies against foreign businesses. Malaysia and China are discussing a future visit to Beijing by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir in the wake of Kuala Lumpur’s suspension of Chinese projects valued over $20 billion. Malaysian senior trade official says country is open to more value-added investments from China.

MNCs in the News-2018-05-25

China’s State Council moves to spread best practices from China’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs) elsewhere in China. Muji hung out again for its improper treatment of the Taiwan issue. In Beijing, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warns of further potential restrictions on Chinese investment in the absence of reciprocity. Fears of having to disclose details of loans for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) spur Chinese financial institutions to continue to bank on Pakistan. Motivated by forthcoming regulatory changes, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. to buy 37.5 percent stake in state-backed Chinese life insurer. Nissan and Renault reviewing tie-up driven by French Government. Trump’s cancellation of US-North Korea summit dashes hopes of lifting international sanctions against North Korea and jumpstarting inter-Korean projects. South Korean electric battery firms charged up as China Association of Automobile Manufacturers’ whitelist highlights capabilities of Korean batteries. Chinese investors pledge to continue investing in Malaysia given new government offers conducive business environment and political stability. Foreign investors increasingly concerned about Malaysia’s fiscal health as national debt is far higher than previously revealed.

MNCs in the News-2018-04-27

Foreign car makers hope China will speed up the auto reform parts that they desire. Puma hopping to consider other production venues if United States (US) imposes tariffs on shoes and apparel made in China. India does not offer support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. Toyota to sell Chinese partner’s electric vehicle in China to pave way for introducing own models next year. Itochu pulling out of Turkish nuclear power plant project due to surge in safety-related costs. General Motors reaches last minute deal with labor union and South Korean government to save Korean operations. State-owned Korea National Oil Corporation looking to sell Canadian Harvest oil field to repay debts incurred by its Canadian subsidiary. Opponent of incumbent Malaysian Prime Minister vows to reconsider Chinese contracts if elected. KWAP may consider stake in IAG if Prudential cannot met Malaysian central bank mandate that foreign insurers reduce ownership stakes to 70 percent.

MNCs in the News-2018-03-16

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reports small growth in inward foreign direct investment (FDI), albeit with significant growth in high-tech inward FDI (IFDI). United States (US) President Donald Trump likely to impose USD $60 billion of tariffs on Chinese goods to punish Beijing for forcing American companies to transfer technology. China's financing for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) energy projects slows significantly in 2017. Chinese report that BRI projects are delivering living standard and work improvements to locals. Panasonic starts mass production of hybrid car batteries in China as Beijing's push for electric vehicles is expected to boost demand. JFTC raids Amazon's Japanese headquarters over suspicions that online retailing giant violated anti-trust regulations. Two Korean builders win order for a USD $740 million smart hospital project in Singapore. Kumho workers stage strike in protest of foreign ownership as Qingdao Doublestar acquires struggling South Korean tire company. Jokowi states that survey reveals that Indonesia ranks second when it comes to the world's attractive countries for investors. China has stated its intent to help fund and build what could become Indonesia's longest bridge. Honeywell repeats commitment to bring investment to and cooperate with Thailand given its plans fit the government's Thailand 4.0 vision. Mercedes-Benz and Thai JV partner to invest $123 million to build EV batteries in Thailand. Vietnamese authorities to review large foreign investment projects in the wake of withdrawal of USD $3.2 billion refinery and petrochemical project. Binh Duong province (Vietnam) grants 15 investment certificates for foreign firms investing in the region.

MNCs in the News-2016-01-01

China’s Central Economic Work Conference promises to “‘give equal treatment to domestic and foreign companies.’” China’s National People’s Congress approves counter terrorism law that worries foreign businesses and governments. China’s State Council issues guideline designed to enhance IPR protection. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issues a draft of its first “Anti-Monopoly Guidelines on Abuse of Intellectual Property Rights” for public comment. China’s NDRC fines eight international sea freight shipping companies for price fixing. China’s People’s Bank of China suspends three foreign banks from certain kinds of foreign currency activities. Analysts expect Chinese outward investments to reach new heights in 2016. China’s nuclear power firms hope Hinkley Point project will be a stepping stone to new deals abroad. China and Pakistan finalize financing agreement for massive Thar Coalfield development project. Iraqi Prime Minister courts Chinese investment and railway cooperation during his first visit to China. Japan competes vigorously against China in battle to sell high-speed rail overseas. Inward FDI into Korea hits new high in 2015. At the end of December, Korea announced it would impose a Google tax on foreign companies. Hyundai Development Company wins $85.4 million bridge and road construction contract in Vietnam. Samsung Engineering lands another major engineering contract from Mexico’s PEMEX. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community is expected to boost franchise businesses in Indonesia. Indonesia is hopeful that a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the European Union (EU) will boost EU IFDI. Indonesian will increase incentives to boost investment in oil refineries. Thailand expects IFDI to meet its targets in 2016. China and Thailand hold ceremony to launch joint rail project, though disagreements exist which may delay the project’s start date. Malaysia touts the benefits of its Principal Hub scheme. Chinese group negotiating with Malaysian firms in order to position itself for a bid on Malaysia-Singapore high-speed rail. Experts feel recent free trade agreements will boost investment in Vietnam. Vietnam expects US FDI flows into Vietnam to increase significantly, though obstacles remain.