Narendra Modi

Shanghai municipal government investment measures appear to have enabled the city to maintain strong foreign investment growth despite a challenging environment. BIStel says it will expand its investment in China despite the China-United States trade war because China is its biggest target market. Saudi Arabia’s Aramco signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for investment in major refining and petrochemical investments in Liaoning that may substantially boost energy exports to China. According to China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), Chinese non-financial outbound FDI in 47 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) increased 8.1 percent year-over-year. Despite uncertainties over Brexit, Chinese companies remain interested in investing in the United Kingdom. Tokyo considers backing Russia’s Novatek’s Arctic liquefied natural gas project in the hopes of bolstering Japan’s negotiating position in territorial talks with Moscow. An increasing number of Japanese automakers are leaving or reconsidering their position in the UK as Brexit fast approaches. Seoul expects the second US-North Korea summit to facilitate inter-Korean investment projects including a Korea peninsula rail link. India and South Korea agreed to enhance cooperation in diverse economic areas, including many pertaining to investment.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) calls China’s investment and service trade environment “very restrictive.” US tariffs and environmental rules severely constrain Chinese firms, creating space for Japanese chemical firms. Muji pondering moving HQ from the United Kingdom (UK) due to tax and trade complications flowing from Brexit. New South Korea government penalty scheme relating to recalled vehicles following BMW’s massive recall raises trade secret loss anxieties among South Korean firms. Meeting between high-ranking Hyundai official and Indian Prime Minister Moti leads Hyundai to promise a leading role in helping develop India’s electric vehicle industry.

Donald Trump administration contemplates using Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act to challenge China’s technology transfer and intellectual property right protection practices. Foreign businesses increasingly fret about the burdens to be flowing from China’s rejection of non-approved virtual private networks (VPNs) and other data controls/restrictions. China’s Ministry of Finance issues a guideline to limit risk of overseas investments by state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Foxconn Technology Group announces major planned investment in the United States (US) to do R&D work relating to self-driving vehicles perhaps due to Trump’s efforts to bring more manufacturing to the US. Workers at Nissan’s Mississippi factory vote on whether to join the United Auto Workers. Japan’s JFE Holdings Inc. considers further investment into India’s JSW Steel Ltd as a way to profit from increased steel demand potentially flowing from Indian Prime Minister Modi’s economic plans. South Korean firms struggle in the Middle East due to government indifference and rising political tensions. South Korea’s LA Cable & System signs USD $195 million contract with Qatar’s state owned utilities firm. Jakarta focuses on simplifying investment application process for foreign firms seeking investment licenses. Indonesia’s government will start taking bids in September for construction of six massive geothermal power plants. Thailand and Australia discuss revising the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement to increase investment and trade. Indian Oil Corp Ltd in talks with partners to search for cheaper location for Pacific Northwest LNG terminal after recent withdrawal of Petronas. South Korea’s Lotte signs Eco-Smart city development contract with Vietnam’s People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s Prime Minister confirms that creation of Vietnam’s first three special economic zones would enjoy special rules to attract greater investment.

Cisco says it will give its source code to no one while seeking a “win-win” arrangement with China. Chinese media report that Google has set up a shell company in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) official says that the government will work to facilitate greater outward investment by Chinese firms. Chinese nuclear firms radiate over opportunities presented by China’s Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Taiwan struggles to set policy regarding mainland Chinese investment in its chip sector. Chinese firms look to expand abroad to escape limits on their ability to test and sell GMO crops at home. Following the China-Africa summit, Chinese firm wins new railway deals with Kenya. Japan to sign major high-speed rail contract with India. Japanese firms will participate in Brazil urban rail projects. Korean Finance Ministry will create a major fund to support Korean businesses in China. Samsung Engineering scores major petrochemical project awards from Petronas. Nestle acknowledges some working in its Thai seafood supply chain are treated like modern-day slaves. Former Malaysian (Sabah) Chief Minister believes government can create the conditions facilitating a Chinese firm building a bridge connecting Labuan and Sabah. China Railway Engineering Corp. makes investment in Malaysia to lay a possible foundation for bidding on a high-speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.