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Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard's picture

Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Countries Turning Anti-Social against Internet Giants

For the past few years, internet giants such as America’s Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn, Japan’s Rakuten, and South Korea’s Naver have been facing an increasingly turbulent operating environment in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR). Many of the challenges they face are widely known.

MNCs in the News-2016-07-01

At the Annual Meeting of Champions, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stresses the value of foreign direct investment (FDI) and China’s plans to create a better environment for them. Some fret Microsoft’s acquisition of LinkedIn will complicate LinkedIn’s position in China. China’s State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) reports that China’s state-owned enterprises are increasing their outward activities. Huawei still plans to go forward with multi-billion dollar U.K. investment despite Brexit. Malaysia-Singapore high-speed rail bid to open next year and likely will feature strong competition between Chinese and Japanese firms. Coming into effect of Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement opens up new opportunities for European law firms to set up joint ventures (JVs) with Korean ones. End of sanctions and high-level summits create opportunities for Doosan heavy Industries & Construction in seawater desalination sector in Iran. Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) to help American firms explore opportunities in Indonesia’s mining and infrastructure sectors. BKPM Chairman Franky Sibarani does not see Brexit affecting British investment in Indonesia. Registered FDI in Vietnam continues to show impressive growth with strong increases in FDI flowing into the manufacturing and processing sectors. Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training works to create a better environment for education investing in Vietnam.

MNCs in the News-2015-05-15

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.

MNCs in the News-2015-01-02

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) expects stable inward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. Qualcomm taking steps to address National Development Reform Commission (NDRC) concerns, but still at risk of serious NDRC actions against it. Subway gets bitten over reports of doctored food expiration dates at a Beijing franchise. Chinese car dealer complaints to government force foreign auto companies to put on the brakes in sending cars to dealers. Facebook adjustments to user content raise questions about the company’s dealings with China. Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area connects with LinkedIn Corp. to attract talent. Japan and Thailand explore railway infrastructure cooperation. Foreign pharmaceutical firms in Korea are trying to get workers to swallow a bitter bill as they seek to downsize. Hyundai Motor wins approval from Chongqing and Changzhou to build two new car factories. Malaysia eases restrictions on Indonesian banks to further regional financial integration. Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment launches new national foreign investment information system.