SAFE

MNCs in the News-2019-09-13

Despite the United States (US)-China trade war, renowned economist highlights that US firms continue to remain in China because of the attractiveness of China as well as limits associated with the alternatives. During a meeting with a Japanese business delegation, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang welcomes more Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI) in China. Although it decreased compared to 2017, Chinese outward FDI in 2018 was the second highest globally after Japan. China is moving to expand “internet plus healthcare” cooperation with BRI countries generally and BRI countries specifically. Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating whether BMW’s Japan subsidiary abused its market power to punish dealers that failed to meet sales quotas. Japan’s trade minister notes South Korea’s filing of a World Trade Organization (WTO) complaint will not affect Japan’s export control measures and that it will decide later if it wants consultations. Korean employer and business groups express worries about government plan to ratify parts of International Labor Organization (ILO) convention which they fear will make Korean labor unions more powerful. Head of LG Chem opines that his company’s lawsuit against SK Innovation in the US does not undermine the national interest.

MNCs in the News-2019-03-22

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), inward foreign direct investment (FDI) for the first two months of 2019 grew 5.5 percent year-over-year (YOY). China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) makes it easier for foreign companies to manage their foreign exchange. Italy may open four ports to Chinese FDI as part of its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Germany to establish state-owned fund to protect key companies from takeovers by foreign companies, especially Chinese ones. Koreans forced to work for Japanese corporations without compensation during World War II are rushing to file lawsuits before the statute of limitations runs out. Toyota announces it will build a new hybrid car in Britain for its Japanese peer Suzuki despite Brexit uncertainties. South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province considers bill requiring schools to put “‘war criminal tags’” on products manufactured by Japanese firms. South Korea’s S-Oil and Hyundai Oilbank will pay USD $127 million in fines to the United States (US) Justice Department for fixing fuel prices at US military bases in Korea.

MNCs in the News-2018-10-12

China State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) reports that foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows grew over the first six months of 2018 versus the comparable period last year, though the growth rate was muted. Analysts believe the infiltration of Super Micro Computer server boards will lead to tighter management of supply chains and shifts in their operations and locations. Chinese merger and acquisition (M&A) activity from January to June 2018 shows large percentage drop versus the same period in 2017. At the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit, Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo pledged to promote quality infrastructure projects in Southeast Asian nations along the Mekong River. The Saudi Arabian government is prepared to invest an additional $45 billion in the existing $100 billion Softbank (Japan) Vision Fund. South Korea’s LS Cable & System wins major contract from Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and Britain’s International Trade Secretary signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership in bilateral investments, trade information exchanges, and joint overseas projects.

MNCs in the News-2018-10-05

Regulations promulgated pursuant to China’s 2017 cybersecurity law will give Chinese police expansive authority to examine corporate information systems. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and other bodies reported that Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows experienced a drop in 2017 for the first time since 2002. Apple and Amazon vehemently reject Bloomberg story that their servers were penetrated by hardware corrupted by Chinese intelligence operatives. Plans for Japan’s SoftBank to build the world’s largest solar farm in Saudi Arabia may be burning up, though the firm insists the project is moving forward. Japan’s Mitsubishi partners with various state-owned enterprises (SOEs) on USD $31 billion LNG project in western Canada. South Korea’s Hyundai Development Company (HDC), in a joint venture (JV) with India’s Hindustan Construction Company Ltd (HCC), wins $300 million road project in India. Spurred by South Korea government policies and Indonesia incentives as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Agreement, Hyundai Motor Group plans major car manufacturing plant in Indonesia.

MNCs in the News-2018-05-11

Apple denies taking a bite out of its customers. Official Chinese data indicate that Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) grew healthily in the 1st quarter of 2018. China Three Gorges charges up to take full control of Portugal’s EDP which is drawing political scrutiny. Chinese investment in Malaysia big election issue. British government proposes USD $18.2 billion in loans for Hitachi’s Wales nuclear plant. Uniqlo to enter Indian market in fall 2019 as Indian government initiatives attract foreign retailers to the country. General Motors to move Asia-Pacific headquarters to South Korea to show Seoul commitment to its revitalized Korean operations. Elliot seeking legal action against Korean government for USD $670 million it claims to have lost from merger of two Samsung affiliates. Mahathir says Malaysia may renegotiate some deals with China following his coalition’s victory.

MNCs in the News-2017-04-07

China’s State Council creates seven new free trade zones bringing the total number in the country to 11. China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) pushes foreign businesses to support its efforts to limit capital outflows from China. Prior to Donald Trump-Xi Jinping meeting, Chinese parliamentarian links the quality of the meeting to Google’s prospects for entering China. European Union regulators approve China National Chemical Corporations (ChemChina)’s massive acquisition of Syngenta while requiring some significant divestitures. Trump administration considers some dramatic steps to keep Westinghouse’s nuclear business out of Chinese hands. Sibanye Gold Ltd.’s proposed investment in Stillwater mining may not be golden because of American concerns over strategic materials access. Iran-Japan Investment Treaty enters into force on April 26 and may spur Japanese energy investment in Iran. Japanese foreign acquisitions hit a new record of almost USD $100 billion in fiscal year 2016, but performance is dubious. South Korea’s installation of the THAAD system continues to affect adversely Sino-Korean economic relations and Korean businesses. The fallout between China and South Korea over THAAD contributes to South Korean car manufacturers reducing production in their Chinese factories. Consortium of Chinese and Indonesian companies signs contract launching the construction phase of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project. Afghan President Ghani encourages Indonesian investors to invest in Afghanistan and stresses the security of foreign investors as a top government priority. Tier-one American aerospace manufacturer may invest in Malaysia stimulating business for small and medium enterprises and creating high-income jobs. India and Malaysia sign investment deals with a value of USD $36 billion. Belgium plans to ramp up green energy investment in Vietnam.

MNCs in the News-2017-03-03

China’s elderly care needs create space for foreign investors. China’s efforts to control capital flight are leading to increased bureaucratic review and deal delays. Japan’s Takata Corp. enters into a settlement pursuant to which it accepted a felony charge and will create two compensation funds worth USD $1 billion. Nissan Motor Co. faces fines relating to worker injuries at its Mississippi and Tennessee auto factories. Despite the threat of Chinese sanctions, Lotte Group exchanges land with the Korean government that the latter wants for its THAAD missile system deployment. In the face of US President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs on goods imported from Mexico, LG Electronics announced plans for a home appliance plant in Tennessee that will produce for the US market. Freeport McMoran and Indonesia battle it out with some optimistic a settlement will be reached and others fretting about adverse political and economic consequences for Indonesia. Saudi Arabia and Indonesia strike numerous deals following King Salman’s visit to the latter, though Indonesia hopes for tens of billions of dollars more.

MNCs in the News-2016-12-09

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) have reduced the number of sectors on its foreign investment catalog restricted and prohibited lists by more than 30 percent. China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) has denied there are restrictions on foreign firms' crossborder profit transfers. The NDRC has imposed a more than $17 million fine on Medtronic for violating China’s anti-monopoly laws. China’s national cybersecurity standards body, The Technical Committee 260, ignores foreign company pleas about its technical standards for operating systems, microprocessors, and office software. China’s concerns about capital flight and money laundering led it to strengthen its review of overseas deals exceeding USD $10 billion and in an overseas entity unrelated to the investor’s core business. China launches $22 billion fund to support overseas investments by Chinese companies. Chinese investment in Europe soars over 2015 totals. Softbank owner Masayoshi Son promises Donald Trump he will make a massive investment in the US. South Korea’s largest steel pipe producer buys two oil country tubular goods (OCTG) related facilitates in the US to escape possible US trade barriers. Indonesia’s Ambassador to Singapore encourages greater investment from Singapore, Indonesia’s largest foreign investor. Chinese investment in Indonesia soars, helping with infrastructure development, but raising some concerns. Chinese delegation from Zhejiang province to travel to Indonesia to assess the political risk environment in the country. Foreign companies in Thailand ask Prime Minister to update its laws pertaining to foreign workers. Official Thai delegation to China hopes to attract more investment, reinforce the relationship, and increase cooperation on China’s One Belt, One Road initiative. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak rejected the notion he was trading the country’s sovereignty for foreign investment. Vietnam’s FDI inflows reach record highs and Vietnam promises steps to attract more investment.

MNCs in the News-2016-10-14

China’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) for the first nine months of 2016 grows a modest 4.2 percent year-over-year (YOY). China takes various steps to ease process for inward FDI, but foreign observers reserve judgement. Shanghai Municipal Food and Drug Administration imposes several million dollars in fines on Shanghai Husi and OSI Group’s China office for distributing reprocessed and expired meat. GlaxoSmithKline has been moving over the past two years to enhance its R&D capabilities in China and to take other steps to enhance its ability to serve Chinese patients. Chinese outward FDI in the US hits a record in 2015, spurring increased sensitivity. Chinese President Xi Jinping promises Portuguese Prime Minister his country will encourage more investment in Portugal. Alibaba plans to help Thailand with small business development, e-commerce, and e-payments. Chongqing actively engages with China’s One Belt, One Road scheme giving it all kinds of new export and logistics opportunities. Fujitsu plans to downside in the UK and denies the move relates to Brexit, though there are doubts. Japan’s SoftBank partners with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund to create massive tech investment fund. Korean construction firm Doosan wins approximately billion dollar power plant project in Saudi Arabia. Korea Electric Power Corporation wins more than $35 billion coal-fired thermal plant contract in South Africa, the country’s first independent power project. Investors enthused about Indonesia infrastructure opportunities, but worry about requirement they be paid in rupiah. Malaysia welcomes investment in the biomass industry and announces major new investment by Korean petroleum refiner. Samsung’s massive global Galaxy7 smartphone recall may have an adverse impact on Vietnam’s growth rate. Ho Chi Minh City see big drop in investment in industrial parks and export processing zones as it pushes investment in tech rather than labor-intensive sectors.

MNCs in the News-2016-07-22

Inward FDI into China grew slowly over the first six months of 2016 year-over-year. The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s unfavorable ruling against China’s South China Sea claims sparks protests and boycott calls against American “icons” in China to the chagrin of the Chinese government. A Chinese consortium’s effort to buy the entire Opera Software company falls apart reportedly due to a failure to get sufficient Chinese government approvals. Japanese official travels to Singapore to tout the advantages of Japan high speed rail system for the Malaysia-Singapore high-speed rail project. South Korea’s Fair Trust Commission watchdog relaunches investigation into Google Inc.’s requirement that smartphone makers using its Android operating system preload its search engine. Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is conducting a roadshow in Guangzhou to tout the country’s improving investment environment. Indonesia is working to help investors surmount problems that hinder them from realizing their investments and has developed special initiatives. The Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is working on getting more companies to participate in its principle hub scheme. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister calls on his country to be more selective in its FDI attraction efforts and to work on getting better FDI.

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