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MNCs in the News-2018-12-14

Inward foreign direct investment (FDI) into China for the first 11 months of 2018 year-over-year relatively stable. Beijing stops requiring its local governments to support the Made in China 2025 policy. European Union Ambassador to China calls on China to stop requiring companies to transfer technology for market access. Apple considers moving some production out of China due to possibility of increased tariffs on its China-produced smartphones and laptops. 2018 proves a tough year for Chinese outward FDI (OFDI) in the oil sector. Huawei accepts various UK technical requirements “to address risks in its equipment and software.” Following a Japanese government’s decision that effectively excluded China’s Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp. from public procurement, Japan’s three major mobile phone carriers Softbank Corp., NTT Docomo Inc., and KDDI Corp. plan to stop using various products from these companies. Japanese expert panel calls on Tokyo to take measures to protect the usage of consumer data. Korea Electric Power Corp. report on Northeast Asia power grid notes it would face serious challenges because of sanctions on North Korea. Beginning July 2019, Korea will impose a value-added tax on a wider range of services provided by global technology giants to level the playing field for Korean firms.

MNCs in the News-2018-11-16

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reported October inward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows reflected a 7.3 percent rise over the previous year. MOFCOM looks to aid Chinese private companies invest overseas albeit in an “orderly,” guided way. German officials are pressing their government to hang up on Chinese corporate participation in the country’s early 2019 5G spectrum auction. American Enterprise Institute report suggests Belt and Road Initiative investment by Chinese companies is losing steam. Tokyo reassures Japanese businesses of its opposition to any actions requiring Japanese companies to pay compensation to forced laborers, saying the matter was settled in 1965. Japan succeeds in getting member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to adopt new guidelines relating to the quality of infrastructure development and investment. Korean price rigging conspiracy at US military bases in Korea fuels massive USD $200 million in criminal and civil penalties. South Korean legislatures considers broadened value-added tax on global information and communication technology companies to create a level playing field for Korean firms.

MNCs in the News-2018-10-26

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) says the country will accelerate its efforts to pass a new foreign direct investment (FDI) law that promotes and protects FDI. China’s Supreme People’s Court plans to act to improve the intellectual property rights protection system in China. Following Apple, Amazon and Super Micro call on Bloomberg to retract its story about Super Micro hardware hacked by Chinese intelligence agencies. United States (US) asset sellers and brokers turn away from Chinese buyers because of the delays and uncertainties that arise when Chinese companies are involved in FDI in the US. Multinationals contemplate moving supply chains out of China if the impact of US tariffs on China becomes too severe. Despite his close links with Saudi Arabia, Masayoshi Son cancels his speech at the Future Investment Initiative after Saudi Arabia admits the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. US Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States torpedoes sale of Japanese Italian subsidiary to a Chinese firm on unclear grounds. Fears of the adverse economic impact of the US-China trade war, US rate hikes, and rising oil prices spur Seoul to announce economic package to fuel jobs and investment. Korean builder Dealim Industrial wins major engineering, procurement, and construction ammonia plant deal in Saudi Arabia.

MNCs in the News-2018-09-21

China takes a softer stance on dominating the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector at the World AI Conference in Shanghai. Summer Davos observers and participants stress the progress of the [China] Greater Bay Area in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Alibaba’s Jack Ma retreats from promise to create 1 million jobs in United States (US). Germany looks to pursue more measures, including a billion euro investment fund, to control Chinese FDI flows into the country. Japanese chemical firms boost FDI in Southeast Asia to ramp up production to fill the space flowing from reduced production of Chinese firms that cannot meet China’s environmental requirements. Building upon the foundation created by Japanese and Indian leaders, Japanese companies and investors are pouring money into India to support IT startups. South and North Korea agreed to take steps to reconnect infrastructure links and restart discontinued inter-Korean projects. South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering signed Memoranda of Understanding with Indonesian officials regarding the expansion of its industrial facilities and the construction of a hydroelectric power plant there.

MNCs in the News-2018-06-15

Investigation reveals Foxconn factory in China supplying Amazon products has serious problems regarding labor conditions. Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) for first five month of 2018 shows impressive growth over 2017. China’s SF Motors drives ahead in effort to build electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Indiana (United States). Fears about potential Chinese dominance lead Vietnam to protest their government’s special economic zones plan. Japanese firms making own deals with American states that “go their own way” in pursuing investment opportunities. Mexico’s Economy Minister visiting Japan as country seeks to diversify investment and exports amid NAFTA talks impasse. Korean firm announces $1.7 billion investment plan for liquefied natural gas infrastructure in Philippines following President Duterte’s recent Seoul visit. South Korean construction companies forming task forces and planning investments in North Korea following US and North Korea summit. Mahathir set to “woo investors and offer business deals” during recent Japan visit. Malaysian state Perak to cooperate with EU to strengthen investment cooperation.

MNCs in the News-2018-03-16

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reports small growth in inward foreign direct investment (FDI), albeit with significant growth in high-tech inward FDI (IFDI). United States (US) President Donald Trump likely to impose USD $60 billion of tariffs on Chinese goods to punish Beijing for forcing American companies to transfer technology. China's financing for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) energy projects slows significantly in 2017. Chinese report that BRI projects are delivering living standard and work improvements to locals. Panasonic starts mass production of hybrid car batteries in China as Beijing's push for electric vehicles is expected to boost demand. JFTC raids Amazon's Japanese headquarters over suspicions that online retailing giant violated anti-trust regulations. Two Korean builders win order for a USD $740 million smart hospital project in Singapore. Kumho workers stage strike in protest of foreign ownership as Qingdao Doublestar acquires struggling South Korean tire company. Jokowi states that survey reveals that Indonesia ranks second when it comes to the world's attractive countries for investors. China has stated its intent to help fund and build what could become Indonesia's longest bridge. Honeywell repeats commitment to bring investment to and cooperate with Thailand given its plans fit the government's Thailand 4.0 vision. Mercedes-Benz and Thai JV partner to invest $123 million to build EV batteries in Thailand. Vietnamese authorities to review large foreign investment projects in the wake of withdrawal of USD $3.2 billion refinery and petrochemical project. Binh Duong province (Vietnam) grants 15 investment certificates for foreign firms investing in the region.

MNCs in the News-2017-12-01

German business association warns Chinese Communist Party request that foreign firms set up party cells may have adverse consequences. Chinese government advisor suggests Shanghai will create free-trade port represents that addresses the failings of the previous Shanghai Free Trade Zone initiative. Shanghai body asks IKEA to consider a new round of dresser and chest recalls. China’s National Development and Reform Commission promulgates list of penalties that Beijing may impose on firms that engage in illegal outward foreign direct investment (FDI) and related activities. Japanese Court to hear Toshiba Western Digital dispute on sale of flash memory division. SoftBank Group to invest USD $2.5 billion in India’s Flipkart as India’s anti-trust commission approves deal. Seoul and London sign memorandum of understanding easing approval process for Korea’s KEPCO to acquire Britain’s NuGen. Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. and POSCO Daewoo Corp. win Uzbekistan power plant deal. Jakarta has not finalized plans yet for Freeport deal as parties continue to disagree about mine’s valuation. Indonesia’s state-owned utility company Pembangkitan Kawa Bali and Abu Dhabi Future Energy agree to build world’s largest floating photovoltaic power plant. Bangkok approves USD $22.6 billion infrastructure investment in Eastern Economic Corridor, paving the way for more foreign investment projects. Thai firm will build massive power plant in Myanmar despite international outrage over Myanmar’s abuse of Rohingya. Malaysia’s central bank approves larger China’s HNA Group ownership stake in Germany’s Deutsche Bank subsidiary despite initial concerns. Foreign brewing companies eagerly await sale of Vietnam’s state-owned brewer Sabeco. Foreign M&As of Vietnamese business entities rising as Hanoi increases foreign ownership limits and privatizes state-owned enterprises.

MNCs in the News-2017-11-17

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reports slow growth in inward foreign direct investment (FDI) over the first 10 months of 2017. China dangles prospect of freer car ventures for foreign investors if they meet certain conditions regarding where they invest and what they produce. To meet government requirements, Amazon Web Services sells the physical assets for its China cloud business to local Chinese partner. MOFCOM announces plunge in growth of outward FDI (OFDI) between January and October 2017, linked to its effort to control irrational investment. Troubled Toshiba to sell TV and visual solutions subsidiary to China’s Hisense to obtain cash needed to deal with the fallout of regulatory changes that bankrupted its American nuclear business. SoftBank to invest up to USD $25 billion in Saudi Arabia to support Crown Prince’s agenda. Hyundai sent Vice Chairman to US to develop response to Trump Administration’s desire to revise Korean-US Free Trade Agreement. Hyundai confirmed expansion of its Alabama plant ahead of KORUS FTA negotiations. Tadmax Resources partnering with Korea’s state-owned Korea Electric Power Corp to build USD $840 million power plant in Malaysia. Malaysia’s state-owned Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Indonesian state-owned utility company PT PLN to build coal-fired power plant in Kalimantan.

MNCs in the News-2017-08-11

Beijing’s actions to curb overseas foreign direct investment (FDI) by private firms coupled with other factors generate uncertainty among potential Western investment targets. American credit/debit card companies Visa and MasterCard move to gain access to China market, but licensing uncertainties remain. Nissan to sell battery subsidiary to Chinese private equity firm, following recent Chinese government policy changes on purchase of batteries for electric vehicles. Facing pressure to invest in US, Toyota and Mazda plan USD $1.6 billion partnership to establish US based electric vehicle production plant. SK Engineering & Construction Co. announces deal to upgrade Iranian oil plant, reflecting Teheran’s bid to bring in foreign companies to boost its oil industry. Daewoo Engineering & Construction and Samsung Engineering win mega construction projects in Oman. Vale Indonesia experiencing difficulties finding nickel smelter partners for new investments after rule change. Indonesian President courting China for investment but concurrently preparing the military for potential confrontation. EXIM Thailand plans to open new branches in Cambodia and Laos to support outward FDI by Thai firms. China and Malaysia launch USD $13 billion rail project connecting peninsular Malaysia's East and West. Mitsubishi’s CEO tells Vietnamese Prime Minster it plans to produce electric vehicles in Vietnam. Long Son Petrochemical Co Ltd announces Hyundai Engineering and Construction won building contract for petrochemical plant in Vietnam.

MNCs in the News-2015-06-26

China and US will exchange revised Negative Lists pursuant to their Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) negotiations. China undertakes various initiatives to bolster the e-commerce sector in China including opening the sector to foreign investors. Chinese steel companies contemplate investment in Southeast Asia, pushed by government and pulled by host country attractions. Taiwan’s Hon Hai will build vertically integrated supply chain in India to tap into Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” scheme. Japanese development agency, Japanese companies, and Myanmar work together on training initiative to lay a foundation for future railway investment opportunities. Indonesia works to court Chinese and Japanese investors in labor-intensive and export-oriented areas. Outward investment from Singapore plummets 78.1 percent year-over-year in first half of 2015

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