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MNCs in the News-2019-09-06

On the eve of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to China, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reports German foreign direct investment (FDI) in China grew more than 60 percent over the first seven months of 2019 year-over-year. Chinese media delivered some packaged criticisms against FedEx for the latter’s alleged shipments of controlled goods and rerouting of packages destined for Huawei. Relatively small-scale protests took place in three Kazakhstan cities against potentially questionable Chinese factory FDI. The United States (US) concludes declaration with Poland for the rigorous evaluation of foreign suppliers involved in 5G networks which some see as directed at China and Huawei. Nissan considers leaving Korea as Korea-Japan frictions make its challenging situation there even worse. Uniqlo partners with the International Labor Organization (ILO) to support research on labor markets and social security systems in some of its production hubs in South and Southeast Asia. Korean economic difficulties due to frictions with Japan encourages Hyundai union to settle with management without a strike. Korean government official meets with LG Group and SK Group executives to try to get them to resolve trade secrets dispute that LG Chem has brought to the US International Trade Commission.

MNCs in the News-2019-08-16

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced inward foreign direct investment (FDI) over the first seven months of 2019 grew 7.3 percent over the same period last year. The city of Beijing intends to relax controls over FDI in cultural and entertainment businesses. Chinese FDI into Europe has slowed as a result of economic uncertainties and trade frictions. A survey suggests Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia are the top three Asian countries presenting the best opportunities for participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Japanese firms in Hong Kong are becoming cautious given tumultuous situation there. Japan alerts new Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister that talk of renegotiating power purchase agreements raises risks. Korean lawmakers contemplate limiting Korea Investment Corp.’s ability to invest in Japanese companies with ties to wartime forced labor. Korean consumer boycott of Japanese goods and services produces decline in imports of Japanese goods of 14 percent over the same period the prior year.

Executive Director Jean-Marc F. Blanchard to speak at 20th (2018) China Venture Capital & Private Equity Forum (Shenzhen)

Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, the Executive Director of the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations (Wong MNC Center), will speak at the 20th (2018) China Venture Capital & Private Equity Forum held from June 8-10 in Shenzhen, China. Dr. Blanchard will speak on "Hard Ways to Facilitate Soft Cooperation: The Case of the (China) Greater Bay Area" at a panel considering how to enhance cooperation in the Guangdong-Macao-Hong Kong (China) Greater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区).

MNCs in the News-2017-11-24

Skype loses Apple app store connection in China due to government regulation. Illegal overtime at Apple supplier Foxconn plant in Henan stopped. Chinese official reports Chinese firms employed more than 1.3 million people abroad in 2016. According to Chinese railway authorities, China has 20 overseas railway projects right now with investment around $15 billion. Bad press on Uber’s data theft cover-up may push SoftBank to renegotiate the terms of USD $10 billion investment deal due to impending legal action. Air bag maker Takata finalizes agreement to sell assets to Chinese owned Key Safety Systems to obtain cash needed to cover court imposed penalties. US trade commission’s proposed import tariffs on washing machines may lead Samsung and LG to reassess whether building new US factories would still be beneficial. South Korea’s SK Group sells used car affiliate to Australia’s Carsales Holdings in face of government barriers to further expansion. Indonesian government looking for more than USD $800 million in private foreign investment to develop tourism near Lake Toba. Real Estate Indonesia invites Japanese developers to engage in housing projects after Japan’s Prime Minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to increasing investment in Indonesia. DHL to invest over USD $350 million to develop its IT services in Malaysia, contributing to Kuala Lumpur’s national digital transformation agenda. Nestlé selects Malaysia for global procurement hub investment as Malaysian Minister announces Kuala Lumpur strives to position the country as a preferred investment destination. Jardine Matheson and Fraser and Neave seek to increase stakes in Vinamilk as Vietnam continues to divest in its state-owned industries, albeit cautiously. Hanoi cooperating with World Bank to create new regulations to increase FDI in Vietnam as country seeks to diversify FDI sources.

MNCs in the News-2017-05-12

Germany’s top financial regulator generically welcomes Chinese investment in Germany’s financial sector. Tokyo and Beijing discuss bilateral economic relations and cooperation, as Japan fears potential spillover of China’s economic problems. India’s Finance Minister invites Japanese companies and financial institutions to engage in India’s “Made in India” initiative. POSCO and SeAH Steel join growing list of Korean multinationals joining American Chamber of Commerce Korea. Malaysian federal government’s support increases Johor’s appeal as a foreign direct investment (FDI) destination. Failure of Chinese bailout deal fuels speculation about future of Chinese investments in Malaysia. Formosa accelerates investment in USD $11.03 billion integrated steel mill project in Vietnam. Vietnam’s Prime Minister meets with Hong Kong delegation to promote infrastructure investment in Vietnam.

MNCs in the News-2016-09-16

Inward foreign direct investment (FDI) in China shows growth over the previous month year over year (YOY) and for the first eight months of 2016 YOY. China’s State Council announces China will adopt a nationwide negative list by October 1. Chinese outward FDI (OFDI) dramatically jumps over first 8 months of 2016. Chinese OFDI (COFDI) surges dramatically over first eight months of 2016. British government surprise review of Hinkley Point C nuclear plant deal involving China General Nuclear Corporation (CGNC) results in approval. Chinese government and CGNC pleased by British decision on Hinkley Point C. China is major investor in Myanmar’s power sector. Peru’s President expresses concerns about the financial viability and environmental consequences of a Chinese-proposed transcontinental railway from Brazil to Peru. Brexit may drive some political realignments between Japan and Britain, though Japanese companies await developments. GM Korea President James Kim calls for an end to worker strikes and warns of adverse consequences for GM Korea. Korean Fintech firms will push the Korean Fair Trade Commission to force Apple to open its APIs for near field communication. Following high level leader summit, Korean firms win many deals in Russia. Indonesia tax amnesty fails to produce anticipated results. Indonesian minister’s proposal to soften 2009 Mining Law draws fire. Thailand reports the Sino-Thai high-speed rail initiative is chugging forward.

MNCs in the News-2016-08-05

Analysts speculate on the economic and political factors that drove the new British government to delay a decision on the Hinkley Point C project. Some conjecture British Prime Minister Theresa May has delayed the project due to national security considerations. Chinese government urges British government to move forward with Hinkley Point decision and hints at possible adverse consequences for relationship. France awards CGN one of its first industrial-scale offshore floating wind power projects. South Korea’s environmental ministry bans the sales and cancels certifications of 80 Volkswagen models over VWs fraudulent emissions and noise tests. South Korea’s National Tax Service Seoul Regional Office launches a tax probe into the Korean affiliate of Huawei Technologies Co. for possible tax evasion. Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is confident of reaching its realized inward FDI (FDI) investment goals for 2016 because of its fast-track permitting process. BKPM chief downplays possibility that the South China Sea dispute will affect FDI flows, including from China, into Indonesia. Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister emphasizes the country plans to ensure all investors in the energy sector obey the country’s laws and rules. Thai oil and gas conglomerate PTT PLC says it is still in the process of developing a massive refinery and petrochemical plant in Vietnam. Registered inward FDI (IFDI) into Vietnam over the first seven months of 2016 soars over the same period year-over-year (YOY).

MNCs in the News-2016-04-08

China fails to submit new negative list proposal to US. Chinese firms are pouring money overseas driven by a depreciating currency among other factors. The Washington Post calls for a new approach to Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) that takes into account non-traditional risks. ZTE replaces three top executives in reaction to US sanctions and warns of possible further penalties. China’s Beijing Urban Construction Group wins bid to build a US $300 million international cargo hub and airport in Bolivia. Korea Electric Power Corp. wins its first overseas solar power plant contract. Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board warns it will annul the investment permits of foreign companies that are avoiding their tax obligations. Indonesia and France work to expand the possibilities for French infrastructure investment in Indonesia. Thailand’s United Power of Asia Plc has signed an agreement with Myanmar’s state utility to construct a gas-fired power plant in the Dawei special economic zone. Russia and the US are competing for investment opportunities in Vietnam. Vietnam moves to increase its harvest of investment, especially FDI, in the agricultural area. Vietnamese representatives court investors from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao at a seminar in Hong Kong.

MNCs in the News-2015-08-21

China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) revives “dead” banking sector technology rules. Chinese labor law on dispatch workers encourages firms to turn to contract manufacturing. High-tech firms turn to Hong Kong as new host destination. National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and CBRC issue guidelines designed to prod banks to support major overseas and domestic projects. China injects massive amount of capital into China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China to bolster resources for outward investment and overseas projects. Sri Lanka stresses it still welcomes Chinese investment. Korean coal-fired power plant project in Kazakhstan may be going up in smoke. Korea’s LG Group and its affiliates look to deepen their involvement in Western China on the back of good government relations and favorable Chinese government policies. Indonesia optimistic about inward FDI in manufacturing and will offer special policies to attract more. Vietnam will give private investors greater stakes in select state energy companies. Vietnam courts foreign public and private involvement in its tuna and seafood industries

MNCs in the News-2015-06-19

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

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