Jokowi

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.

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.

Hewlett-Packard networks to sell all or part of its H3C unit. China’s State Council opens, in principle, the domestic market to foreign clearing operations. Chinese industry association promulgates corporate social responsibility guidelines for Chinese outward mining investment. Xiaomi looks to start Indian data center to deal with worries about the security of user data. Lenovo-Google deal for Motorola Mobility concludes unexpectedly quickly. Japan and Turkey move to bulk up business and cultural cooperation. Japan rush to get gas from Louisiana shale oil plant in which Japanese firms invested. Japan expects new Indonesian trade minister’s multifaceted ties with Japan to boost economic links. South Korean court orders Japanese firm to pay compensation to World War II era slave laborers. Singapore moving to exploit multinational corporations growing interests in Southeast Asia. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports the situation of small- and medium-enterprises in China is troubled.