Shaanxi

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-2016-09-02

China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee adopts amendments that allow for the permanent suspension of four foreign investment related laws in the Fujian, Guangdong, Shanghai, and Tianjin Free Trade Zones (FTZ). China has decided to allow for the creation of six new provincial FTZs as well as one municipal level FTZ, with each place expected to play to its features and comparative advantages. The European Chamber of Commerce in China asserts China’s market barriers are politically unsustainable. China’s Ministry of Commerce confirms to reporters that it is investigating the proposed Didi-Uber merger. British Prime Minister Theresa May confirms she would have her National Security Council examine the potential security implications of China’s participation in the massive Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant project. Japan pledges USD $30 billion investment in Africa at the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Japanese trading firms find electrifying power project opportunities in Africa. Korean free economic zones are not achieving the anticipated results. Indonesian state-owned enterprises seek funding from multiple sources to fund the country’s massive infrastructure plans. Vietnam and Cuba aim to boost bilateral investment flows.