Japan

MNCs in the News-2015-07-10

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.

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

MNCs in the News-2015-06-05

KFC seeks to roast those making false charges against it. China’s proposed law for controlling nonprofits has potentially severe negative ramifications for foreign business associations. European Chamber of Commerce in China challenges the draft National Security Law and its potential negative implications for China. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is drafting guidelines pertaining to the abuse of intellectual property rights (IPR). China’s State Administration of Taxation acts to create supportive tax treaty environment for Chinese firms overseas. China National Cereals, Oils, and Foodstuffs Corp. (COFCO) states it will commit resources and manpower to support China’s Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI). Korea Fair Trade Commission looks into questionable sales practices by Volkswagen Korea. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) disrupts Korean government initiative to build closer investment, trade, and business links with the Middle East. Indonesia’s Investment Promotion Board gives greater attention to Japanese foreign direct investment. Vietnam moves to give United Overseas Bank a license to open a wholly foreign owned foreign bank.

MNCs in the News-2015-05-29

Hewlett-Packard (HP) sells majority stake in Chinese networking division to Tsinghua University. Beijing will open its service sector to spur greater foreign investment. Blocked Twitter actively courts Chinese companies at Shanghai event. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology contemplates new software security guidelines. Chinese gold miners in Sudan face unexpected loss of business opportunities due to sudden government termination order. Japanese Prime Minister Abe proposed huge increase in infrastructure financing to aid Japanese businesses and counter China. Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board and Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka sign agreement to cooperate on attracting Japanese investment into Indonesia’s maritime sector. Indonesia reaffirms it will takeover Total’s Mahakam gas block and a PT Freeport Indonesia controlled gold site. Vietnam expects law changes to spur new foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into its construction sector. Russia and Vietnam probe expanded investment cooperation.

MNCs in the News-2015-05-22

China sets up China Investment Corporation (CIC) subsidiary to support outward investment and the export of advanced industrial capacity. Chinese government will support expansion of e-commerce globally and sector’s growth within China. China’s investment in Brazil to surge in both form and amount. US Department of Energy (DOE) reported discourages Chinese investment in US LNG export projects. China National Petroleum Corporation affiliate concludes oil production expansion deal in Abu Dhabi. Indian Prime Minister Modi touts his “Made in India” program during a visit to Korea. Thai Deputy Prime Minister urges Japanese leader Abe Shinzo to encourage more Japanese investment in Thailand’s growing industrial sector. Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board fields complaints from Chinese investors during road show in Beijing and succeeds in concluding billions in investment commitments. Indonesian high-level delegation visit to Japan sparks new Japanese corporate investment and partnerships on coal gasification. Vietnam reports Japan is Vietnam’s second largest foreign investor and a major investor in processing and manufacturing.

Mr. Naoyuki Haraoka's picture

AIIB Infrastructure Financing and its Impact on Investment Flows to Developing Countries

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a newly created Chinese-led regional development bank, is now attracting global attention from governments, businesses, and analysts and seems to be at the center of the debate on global governance; that is, whether it should be US- or China-led in the future. The US and Japan have opted not to join this bank since its governance and objectives remain unclear and, in particular, because it is uncertain how the AIIB will cooperate (or compete) with the existing international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.

MNCs in the News-2015-05-08

China’s State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) probes…and not…Siemens China healthcare unit over possible bribery. Trademark infringement case throws American shoe company New Balance off balance. Various factors are greasing the way for increased Chinese investment in Russian energy and other sectors. U.S.-China Economic Security Commission publishes report charging Chinese companies with using Chinese law to escape “the jurisdiction of U.S. courts and regulatory agencies.” China’s State Council champions overseas investment as a way to promote exports along the Silk Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road. Huawei bolsters its R&D activities and contributions in Brazil. US National Highway Transportation Safety Administration puts brakes on individual US citizens’ request it conduct an investigation of Toyota (Japan) 2006-2010 Corolla model cars. Provisions of Korea-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement expected to contribute to increase Korea investment in Vietnam.

MNCs in the News-2015-05-01

China slaps Beijing Simplot Food Processing Co. Ltd. with record fine for water pollution. Qualcomm finds new ways to bolster its position in China. Chinese companies expand the range of investment projects they consider in Brazil despite the latter’s political and economic challenges. Chinese energy companies face multiple political complexities when they invest in Canadian oil sands assets. Chinese companies engage in capacity building due to local supplier problems and negative impact on government relations. Tokyo Electron-Applied Materials Merger fails. Korean firms face troubles relating to China’s new stance towards Variable Interest Entities. Korea’s Foodpolis draws Chinese food firm investments for political and economic reasons. Indonesian moves to leverage its market raise foreign government concerns in regards to Indonesia’s World Trade Organization compliance. Indonesia’s investment board pursues diverse measures to attract “green investment.” Realized foreign direct investment in Vietnam continues to grow.

MNCs in the News-2015-04-10

China enhances predictability and transparency of tax law process. Court case puts pressure on China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Monsanto to release data on Roundup. China moves to ease RMB conversion by foreign-invested enterprises. State Council promises to facilitate outward investment by Chinese firms. China’s Tong Ren Tang and other TCM companies leverages Chinese government support to expand its international presence. Warm Japanese-Indonesian relations spur Japanese businesses to court good relations with Indonesia. Korea Rural Community Corp. pushes to win major Indian land reclamation project.

MNCs in the News-2015-03-27

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.

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