Chinese outward investment

China tells foreign businesses to stop whining. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reports that China’s three new free trade zones (FTZs) have attracted significant foreign direct investment (FDI). China’s draft cybersecurity law raises new concerns among foreign technology firms and foreign companies operating in China. China’s heavy outward FDI to and presence around Angola raise concerns among Angolans. Tokyo hosts “Mekong Five” leaders summit to promote export, investment, and infrastructure opportunities for Japanese firms. Japan looks to beat China to build the first deep-water port in Bangladesh. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chano-Cha courts greatest Japanese investment in Thailand’s special economic zones. Indonesia’s state energy firm Pertamina asserts ownership over the Mahakam block. Indonesia to revoked thousands of unused investment permits issued between 2000 and 2006. Freeport-McMoRan moves to divest mining shares pursuant to Indonesia government regulations. Vietnam moves to build investment and business cooperation in ICT with Japan and South Korea. Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary promises administrative reforms on tax and customs procedures to create a better investment climate for foreign businesses.

Inward foreign direct investment into China hits two-and-half year low, though service IFDI and IFDI from Korea remain bright spots for the first eight months of 2014. The fray about whether or not China’s antimonopoly investigations fairly treat foreign firms increasingly draws in foreign governments with some foreign executives backing China. Accusations emerge that Qualcomm, the subject of a major antitrust investigation, has bribed a high-level State Council official. Academics and Chinese populace voice diverse concerns about foreign investment in China. Foxconn, major Apple supplier, denies report that benzene use at its factories caused leukemia among workers. Chinese outward FDI continues to show considerable vibrancy, rising to over $65 billion in the first eight months of 2014. China pledges to invest $20 billion in Russia during first China-Russia Cooperation Council for Investment. Drivers of Chinese investment in Africa include direct invitations from the highest political levels. Recent changes in the political environment and lure of the China market seem to be inducing Japanese investors to think about pursuing increased investment in China. National Development and Reform Commission steers its attention to Toyota’s Lexus spare and replacement part pricing practices. Internet Initiative Japan Inc. seeks to provide its first data center, known for its power saving features, to the Laotian government. Iraq conflict forces declines in South Korean oil imports. Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) requires companies with a capitalization exceeding $10 billion to issue CSR reports to deal with the fallout of the Chang Guann food oil scandal. Taiwan to cooperate with France on the Internet of Things.