Maritime Silk Road

MNCs in the News-2017-12-08

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang promises significantly better environment for foreign investors. Lego pieces together blocks of winning copyright case in China. Sinopec USA fires up lawsuit against Venezuelan state oil giant PDVSA. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman describes Sinopec USA lawsuit against PDVSA as a normal commercial dispute and cautions against blowing things out of proportion. Nissan files charges in international arbitration court against Indian government for reneging on promised tax breaks. Melco vowed to build headquarters in Japan if it were to be approved casino license following country’s recent legalization of casinos. Improving Sino-Korean political relations giving hope to LG Display that its planned Chinese production facility will finally be approved by Seoul. SK Engineering & Construction to build and run hydropower plant in Pakistan, the first such project for a South Korean company in the country, before returning control to Islamabad. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group expected to invest at least USD $1.8 billion in PT Bank Danamon Indonesia and will work closely to meet Jakarta’s regulatory requirements. Jakarta to buy Rio Tinto’s 40 percent stake in Freeport-McMoRan operated Grasberg mine as part of its efforts to gain control of country’s natural resources. Bangkok considering new non-tariff barriers to EVs in anticipation of increased imports of Chinese EVs resulting from ASEAN-China FTA. Thailand’s CT Bright has joined with China’s HNA Group to set up an investment fund for Thailand’s EEC. Kuala Lumpur making new efforts to promote investment in automation and smart manufacturing. Malaysia’s Prime Minister calls on foreign businesses to renew investment in the country. Hanoi grants investment certificate to Sumitomo Corporation for USD $2.58 billion thermal power plant in Vietnam’s Van Phong Economic Zone.

MNCs in the News-2017-06-09

At the 5th Global CEO Roundtable Summit, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang states that his government will move in several areas to improve the environment for foreign businesses. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) dismisses European Union (EU) Chamber of Commerce in China criticisms of China’s investment environment while opining China still welcomes European investment. ZTE Nigeria denies it is abusing expatriate quota limits and touts its employment practices in the country. Nomura Holding Inc. acquires Venezuelan state oil bonds for USD $100 million provoking strong denunciations by the political opposition. Western Digital abandons plans for a majority share in Toshiba chip division while trying to use the International Court of Arbitration to block Toshiba’s creation of a separate memory chip subsidiary. Hyundai Motors joins smart car partnership with Baidu to foster better Korean-Sino relations. Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries establishes joint venture with Zvezda Shipbuilding to service Russian state-owned enterprise ship needs. Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia seeks support from Indonesian Vice President to implement Jakarta-Bandung bullet train project. United States President invites Thai Prime Minister to visit White House in July to discuss investment and other issues. Sale of Petronas’ 49% share in offshore gas block advances to second round despite political opposition. International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa urges Malaysians to adopt rational attitude towards its local equity ownership policy. IE Singapore signs memorandum of understanding with Myanmar Investment Commission. Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Party Committee welcomes more US investment. Vietnamese Prime Minister promises to improve business environment of his country to attract more Japanese investment.

MNCs in the News-2016-08-19

China’s Foreign Ministry downplays worries about its cybersecurity law. Apple launches numerous initiatives to enhancing its operating environment in China. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) asserts its rights to review Didi Chuxing-Uber Technologies China merger for potential antitrust issues. Second Australian rejection of a major Chinese investment this year spurs MOFCOM to warn Australia of consequences and to call upon the latter to create a better investment environment. Iran courts increased Chinese investment and prods China for greater involvement in the latter’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) scheme. Korea’s Ministry of Environment will conduct a major investigation to find out if other foreign carmakers falsified emissions and noise level test data. Seoul’s Central District Prosecutors’ Office grills second Volkswagen Korea executive over allegations the company illegal changed car parts to pass emission tests. Korea’s Fair Trade Commission concludes that Google Korea’s preloaded apps and subsidies for search ads did not restrict market competition. Korea is moving to deal with map data requests from global companies. The Malaysian government continues to support the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor, with foreign investment representing 40 percent of the money committed to the project. Vietnam’s realized inward foreign direct investment (IFDI) flows fall far below committed IFDI.

"The Political Economy of China's Maritime Silk Road Initiative and South Asia" International Conference Held

On November 21 and 22, 2015, “The Political Economy of China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative and South Asia” international conference took place in Shanghai, China at East China Normal University. The conference was organized by the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations (Wong MNC Center), hosted by the ECNU School of Advanced International and Area Studies (SAIAS), and co-sponsored by the Wong MNC Center, ECNU SAIAS, the Center for Russian Studies, and the Research Center for Co-Development with Neighboring Countries.

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-2014-11-14

China revises Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Catalog to open sectors and eliminate investment restrictions. Caterpillar lured by Silk Road Initiative. Lull in pressure on foreign firms in China offset by new challenges at the township level. Data on the impact of China’s “tightening” regulatory environment on FDI trends is mixed. Mexico’s cancellation of a Chinese-consortium’s winning high-speed rail bid prompts Chinese government expressions of surprise, regret, and caution. Chinese real estate investment in Japan continues to rise. Political issues in Africa affect Chinese shipper CJ Smart Cargo Group’s investment and operating decisions. Japan hosts Japan-Africa forum to encourage Japanese firms to invest in Africa. Mitsui Sumitomo Bank and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology pursue agricultural cooperation with the UAE. Honda’s expanding Takata air bag related recall draws regulator and politician attention. US businesses seek to work with Indonesian government to help it realize a number of investment goals. APEC CEOs hear Chinese President Xi Jinping stress the need for the Asia-Pacific to enhance its physical and institutional infrastructure.