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Bounding Investment In China: Constraints and Complications

The United States (US) has been striving for some time to hinder China’s acquisition of technology-related hardware, software, and intellectual property (IP) through export controls, limits on Chinese investment in American high-tech firms, and even investigations of researchers tied to Chinese universities and think tanks. The goal ostensibly is to prevent Beijing from acquiring technology that would bolster China’s military capabilities. For those more cynical, Washington is attempting to undercut China economically and, in turn, contain China or prevent its rise.

MNCs in the News-2020-02-28

American Chamber of Commerce in China survey shows foreign businesses want tax breaks, clearer and more consistent policies, and greater transparency to help their recovery from the coronavirus epidemic. Survey of European businesses in China reflects, among other things, dissatisfaction with “unpredictable rules, highly restrictive quarantine demands and extensive pre-conditions to restart operations.” Huawei plans to build its first European Union (EU) manufacturing plant in France to address security and other concerns. United States (US) Transportation Security Agency requests its employees to cease using China’s TikTok app to create public content and promotional materials. Tokyo may revise its Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act to lighten advance notice requirements for certain entities such as university endowments and corporate pension funds. Nissan warns that the failure to strike a free trade agreement with the EU post-Brexit may affect the future of its factory in the United Kingdom. Seoul to modify laws and boost incentives to lure more large South Korean companies to come home.

MNCs in the News-2020-01-10

China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) makes it yet easier for foreign banks to set up and expand in China. China’s Ministry of Resources moves to lubricate the way for greater foreign direct investment (FDI) in energy exploration and extraction in China. Chinese outward FDI in North America and Europe plummeted in 2019 for multiple reasons. China ranked as Cambodia’s largest source of FDI in 2019. Japan’s Financial Service Agency (FSA) is preparing a guidebook on the registration process for investment management, investment advisory, and related businesses to boost Tokyo’s status as a financial capital. Iranian action against United States (US) troops in Iraq led various Japan companies to send staff out of Iran and limit travel to Iran and/or Iraq. Korea’s inward FDI in 2019 dropped notably versus the highs of 2018, though the second half of 2019 was relatively promising versus the 1st half. Korean construction firms have gone on high alert due to the tensions in the Middle East and the Korean government is mobilized to help such businesses.

MNCs in the News-2019-10-18

At a State Council meeting, China promised more action to eliminate restrictive policies on foreign direct investment (FDI). China’s State Council announced new measures to expand the opening of its financial sector to foreign banks and insurers. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reported that China’s non-financial outward FDI grew 3.8 percent for the 1st three quarters of 2019 year-over-year (YOY), a slight improvement over the prior YOY period. Per a high ranking Cambodian official, for the period 2016 to August 2019 China was his country’s largest investor, with the Belt and Road facilitating this. Japan may exempt asset management companies, including hedge funds, from its new FDI review regime. A no-deal Brexit might significantly impair the value of Nissan’s FDI in the United Kingdom (UK). Strikes at GM Korea and other issues have dented Korea’s exports. Doosan Group’s move to transfer its data storage and protection system to Amazon Web Services raises concerns about development of local cloud computing sector.