Shanghai Free Trade Zone

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang promises better environment for German firms in China while seeking greater contributions from them at home and abroad. China announces, albeit with caveats, it will expand negative list system from coastal to interior areas. China’s four free trade zones (FTZs) experience boom in newly registered entities. China’s National Development and Reform Commission moves to draft clearer antitrust guidelines. China promises special operation to protect Disney trademark. Google and other blocks tech firms continue to seek opportunities in China. United States Trade Representative Michael Froman emphasizes TPP’s digital rules are not just about China. China’s China National Nuclear Corp. glows about possible mega nuclear deals with Argentina. HKND plans to move forward with its massive Nicaragua canal plan next year. Takata loses its best client and faces other US penalties for its deceptive actions. Japanese government lobbies Malaysia to go with Japanese high-speed rail option. Korea lobbies foreign firms to set up in Korea as a strategic base to access other countries with whom Korea has free-trade agreements. Volkswagen’s emission data scandal does not dent German car sales in Korea, but its sales plummet. Korea’s Trade Minister promises better environment for foreign business while business representatives press Korea to work harder. Korean Fair Trade Commission investigates Siemen’s Korea healthcare division for unfair trade practices. Korea firms work to secure major expressway project in Myanmar. Indonesia touts its plan to make things better for things in its special economic zones. Indonesia and India work to build cooperation in renewable energy which should provide new investment and trade opportunities. Malaysian officials stress the flexibilities the government won in TPP negotiations and the gains to be had for Malaysian companies. Malaysia’s Prime Minister emphasizes Malaysia’s strong place as a center for Islamic finance. Kedah state government in Malaysia encourages more investment from and cooperation with Qingdao.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in China in May increases by 7.8 percent year-over-year (YOY). New York Times expects Chinese leaders to take heed of foreign business opposition to proposed restrictive Chinese policy measures. Cisco touts plan to invest US $10 billion in China to fund innovation, equity investment, and research and development. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) may turn its attention to cases similar to Qualcomm where there is suspect abuse of intellectual property rights (IPR). China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology expands opportunities for foreign investors in e-commerce sector. Stabilized bilateral political relations prop up Japanese FDI in China while China’s less appealing economic prospects and labor issues spur a decline. China’s outward FDI continues to surge with massive increases in Chinese FDI in the EU. Australian government touts investment benefits of recently signed China-Australia Free Trade Agreement

China will delay rules on banking IT to solicit feedback. China grapples with rising foreign business concern about data storage and access regulations. Foreign investment in China continues to show despite evidence of a slowdown in other areas. China’s National Development and Reform Commission stresses that China will be moving to a “Negative List” management system for inward foreign direct investment (FDI). Shanghai vows to protect Disney Resort’s intellectual property (IP). Qualcomm moves to reconnect with China after its $1 billion antitrust fine. China Metallurgical Group (MCC) struggles to mine the riches of its Afghanistan copper mine. Indonesian government “Made in Indonesia” plan drives Xiaomi to explore component assembly in Indonesia. Korea seeks to fatten up foreign investment its food hub, Foodpolis, with various incentives and high-quality assets.

China remains an attractive FDI destination, but observers say policy predictability and transparency are critical to attracting greater amounts. China may give foreign companies greater options in the securities sector. China faces questioning in the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its banking sector information technology (IT) restrictions. China works to bud into a global seed/agro-business giant. UK Banbury cybersecurity center gives Huawei clean bill of (security) health. Japanese corporate passivity in chasing Australian submarine tender opportunity is offset by Japanese official enthusiasm. Indonesia compliments Japanese auto firms on their investment expansion plans. Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) moves to control Bayer’s oral conceptive business in Korea. Korean civil group accuses McDonald’s of labor violations. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) adds to Hyundai-Kia’s incentives to enlarge production in Mexico. Surging auto imports into Taiwan due to trade agreement led Volkswagen to shy away from investing in the island.