Nokia

MNCs in the News-2020 June

China Ministry of Commerce data shows respectable year-over-year inward foreign direct investment growth (FDI) in April and May, with some hoping for continued growth in the 2nd half of the year. China’s new development initiatives for its Western regions are not succeeding in attracting inward FDI (IFDI) for both business and political reasons. The China Securities Regulatory Commission will look to allow big Chinese commercial banks into investment banking so they can help China fend off the growing challenge from foreign investment banking firms. The United States (US) Pentagon has submitted a list of 20 Chinese companies with ties to China’s military that operate “‘directly or indirectly’” in the US. The Indian government bans almost 5 dozen mobile apps. India’s state government of Maharashtra freezes investment proposals from three Chinese businesses. Japan adds select medical fields to the list of areas requiring special FDI reviews. Japan moves to allocate funds to domestic firms so they have a greater chance to participate in the 5G wireless technology race. Japan’s Kirin Holding will commission an audit of its Burmese joint venture (JV) partner over allegations its JV channels funds to Myanmar’s military. Japan is contemplating Indonesian proposals that Japan participate in its Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail which is delayed and overbudget. The Korean Communication Commission announces that Google will revise select YouTube subscription practices following a large fine and negative ruling. South Korea outward FDI, which favors North America, plunged dramatically in March. Potential for Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction to start its Indonesian Jawa Thermal Power Plant Construction Project increases after project based second feasibility study. US Presidential election increases pressure on Korean carmakers and tiremakers to invest more in the US.

MNCs in the News-2020-02-28

American Chamber of Commerce in China survey shows foreign businesses want tax breaks, clearer and more consistent policies, and greater transparency to help their recovery from the coronavirus epidemic. Survey of European businesses in China reflects, among other things, dissatisfaction with “unpredictable rules, highly restrictive quarantine demands and extensive pre-conditions to restart operations.” Huawei plans to build its first European Union (EU) manufacturing plant in France to address security and other concerns. United States (US) Transportation Security Agency requests its employees to cease using China’s TikTok app to create public content and promotional materials. Tokyo may revise its Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act to lighten advance notice requirements for certain entities such as university endowments and corporate pension funds. Nissan warns that the failure to strike a free trade agreement with the EU post-Brexit may affect the future of its factory in the United Kingdom. Seoul to modify laws and boost incentives to lure more large South Korean companies to come home.

MNCs in the News-2020-02-07

China’s Ministry of Commerce pushes Chinese Chambers of Commerce to provide force majeure certificates to Chinese firms struggling to meet their contractual obligations due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis. Wuhan Institute of Virology move to apply for a patent to use United States (US) firm Gilead’s remdesivir to treat pneumonia like symptoms raises intellectual property issues. Huawei’s Chief Representative to European Union (EU) institutions says the firm will build 5G manufacturing bases in Europe. US Attorney General Bill Barr advocates US and its allies taking controlling stakes in Nokia, Ericsson, or both to fend off Huawei 5G challenge. Japan’s Ministry of Defense reveals two new Japanese defense-related companies that suffered cyberattacks, without stating if classified information was leaked. Japanese company plans to cope with Brexit subject to change depending upon trade negotiations between the United Kingdom (UK) and the EU. Japan files petition with the World Trade Organization to challenge planned merger between Hyundai Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. Panama re-awards Metro Line 3 to Korean consortium, rejecting challenges from Chinese firms and a consortium with a Chinese company.

MNCs in the News-2015-06-12

Zhejiang Province/Financial Times study suggests foreign investors see continued opportunities in China, but still expect certain policy improvements. Premier Li Keqiang courts high-level foreign executives to participate in China’s modernization and promises a supportive environment. China continues seeks independence from foreign radio frequency identification chip companies and their technologies. European Chamber of Commerce in China survey reviews pessimism among European Union (EU) investors in China. Chinese company strikes deal with Russia’s Transbaikal Regional Government to develop 115,000 hectares of uncultivated land. Indonesia seeks to improve its World Bank Ease of Doing Business Survey ranking. Indonesia will limit foreign ownership stakes in its banks. Vietnam Capital Markets Working Group presses government to pursue new policies to facilitate marketization of its State-owned Enterprises