Li Keqiang

Inward foreign direct investment (FDI) into China continues to impress. China softens move to eliminate preferences given to foreign investors. Tim Cook launches new environmental initiative during visit to China. Cisco CEO John Chambers highlights how politics is affecting his firm’s business and the operations of other IT companies. LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner describes the censorship of the firm’s Chinese-language website as essential but “very painful.” China’s freeing of prices in the electricity sector have potential to open new investment and sales opportunities for foreign firms. China’s investment in Africa increases, drawing praise from Kenyan local leaders. Political and economic factors spur increased Chinese investment in Israel. China’s investment lenses focus on Latin America’s “liberal” economies. Korea’s POSCO Energy negotiating joint investment fund with Korea’s National Pension Service that would support overseas power plant investments. Korea’s Daewoo International working with various Saudi government partners on building a car manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia. Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board promises to smooth South Korean investment in Indonesia.

China puts the brakes on foreign automobile joint venture (JV) ownership shares. The implementation of some of China’s bank technology security rules may be delayed. US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew makes China’s counterterrorism law and banking technology rules a centerpiece of his visit to China. China State Council’s recently mandated changes to local government foreign investment attraction incentives will adversely impact Korean investment. Indonesian President welcomes Chinese investment to Indonesia and calls for greater cooperation. Indonesia’s investment attraction agency will partner with Indonesia’s spy agency to generate better investment information.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) hangs up anti-monopoly case against Qualcomm. American Chamber of Commerce survey of 477 firms in China reveals business concerns about numerous issues. China’s All China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) charges Foxconn Technology Group with abusing its workers and Foxconn fights back. Local labor district and labor union mediation helps to settle labor severance dispute at Citizen Guangzhou factory. American and European government representatives and business associations express displeasure with cyberspace situation in China. Chinese investments in Europe soar and Chinese government calls for Greece to protect Chinese investments. ISIS’s murder of Japanese citizens leads to changes in Japanese company operating strategic and environment. The Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) initiates an antitrust investigation against Qualcomm. Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs gets into gear to attract foreign investment.

BMW agrees to give China car dealers RMB 5.1 billion in subsidies to address dealer concerns. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) terminates 17 rare earth mineral export quotas. Li Keqiang to attend Davos Forum for the first time in six years. Shanghai Husi lashes out at Shanghai Food and Drug Administration. China promises US $250 billion in investment in Latin America over next 10 years. China Construction Bank (CCB) wins branch license from the UK Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority. Honda slapped with US $70 million fine by US National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Sony’s satire “The Interview” (about North Korea) proves to be a success on the Internet despite hacker threats. US FBI states there is strong evidence that North Korea was guilty of cyber attack against Sony. FDI into Korea in 2014 jumped due to free trade agreements and government policy initiatives. Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency to step up efforts to realize government inward foreign direct investment goals for 2015.