MNCs

MNCs in the News-2015-10-09

Leading car hailing services apply for legal status from Chinese authorities. The US has identified Chinese companies that it feels profited from Chinese military hack of US corporate data. Inward FDI in Korea is heavily concentrated around Seoul, though the trend is not as strong as in past years. Korea is considering imposing “Google tax” on mobile and electronic device app and content purchases. Volkswagen Korea will issue written apology for software that provided deceptive vehicle emissions data. Hansae plans to build a large plant in Haiti to jump US tariff walls. Indonesia grapples with Japan’s displeasure with its awarding of a medium-speed speed rail project to China. Malaysia expresses confidence that state-linked firms are capable of dealing with the challenges of TPP related competition. Singapore pressures retailers not to do procure from or sell the products of firms associated with massive fires in Indonesia that are polluting Singapore. Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Agency will take measures against Volkswagen for its scheme to circumvent environmental regulations.

MNCs in the News-2015-10-02

Chinese government agencies stress to foreign businesses that they will do more to create a supportive investment environment. China investigates Schindler for possible bribery. Non-governmental organization calls attention to alleged mistreatment of workers at Apple supplier. China’s Ministry of Commerce fines Bombardier and CSR Nanjing Puzhen, for creating a joint venture prior to obtaining necessary approvals. MOFCOM hits Microsoft and its Xbox game console partner Shanghai Oriental Pearl Media for minor violation of antitrust rules. Private and high-tech Chinese firms achieve a newfound high profile in the business delegation accompanying Chinese President Xi Jinping on his state visit to the US. Unisplendor takes 15 percent stake in Western Digital. Indonesia leaning towards China for Jakarta-Bandung medium-speed rail, but keeps the door open for Japan. Foreign investment in Indonesia’s commodity sectors like mining stagnates. At the 13th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, Indonesia calls for Chinese investment in value added manufacturing, infrastructure, and downstream activities. The European Association for Business and Commerce says European firms still see Thailand remains an attractive destination for investment. Singapore’s state-linked infrastructure firm Sembcorp will join with Bangladesh to build a power plant. Vietnamese industrial parks prove successful in drawing in foreign investment. Vietnam becomes a leading investor in Cambodia.

MNCs in the News-2015-09-25

China announces plan to take its “Negative List” nationwide by 2018. Top Chinese leaders stress China’s continuing interest in attracting foreign direct investment. Analysts see Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meetings with hard-pressed American tech executives as a ploy to fend off US commercial espionage sanctions. Cisco moves to strike partnership with Chinese server maker Inspur in order to regain lost ground in China. Microsoft strikes partnerships with politically connected Chinese firms to bolster its business opportunities in China. Boeing strikes multi-billion dollar deal with Chinese firms and will build 737 completion center in China. US Chamber of Commerce executive expresses discontent with China’s new offer regarding a bilateral investment treaty (BIT). Chinese premier Li Keqiang encourages great outward investment and activity by Chinese SOEs. British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne pushes greater Chinese nuclear investment in the U.K. China and France agree to set up joint investment fund to target third countries. Korean government will probe whether Volkswagen and Audi cars sold in Korea have software that manipulates emissions data. Indonesia continues to strike investment and financial deals with China despite cancellation of high-speed rail plan. Indonesian government plans to give investors more opportunities in downstream energy sector. Foreign firms struggle with Indonesia’s ban on export of raw mineral ores. Thailand moves to address demands of Japanese SMEs.

MNCs in the News-2015-09-18

China and the US step up negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty (BIT). US companies face intensification of pressures to accommodate Chinese government’s information technology security anxieties. US backs off imposing sanctions against Chinese companies benefitting from commercial hacking activities. China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspections, and Quarantine tells FAW-Volkswagen to do more in regards to Sagitar defect. Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) registers impressive growth in first eight months of 2015 and all of 2014 with One Belt, One Road (OBOR) investment continuing to soar. Lenovo is working to ensure its server products can be purchased by US government agencies. China will help set up infrastructure to promote China-ASEAN internet connectivity and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Japan’s Kayaba Industries Co. pleads guilty to price fixing scheme and accepts large fine. Korea’s National Tax Service undertakes tax audit of Mercedes-Benz Korea. Korean government pushes foreign businesses to hire more workers, especially young workers. Indonesia is moving to implement incentives to boost foreign investment in refinery operations. Vietnam takes heed of complaints of Korean business community.

MNCs in the News-2015-09-11

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reports that inward foreign direct investment (FDI) rose 22 percent in August year-over-year (YOY). Foreign companies express concern about China’s reform direction and stance towards foreign business. US business community hopes Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the US will push forward a US-China Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Sources report Google will develop China-mainland version of its Google Play online store that meets government requirements. China’s Ministry of Finance charges Apple with underpaying more than $65 million of taxes in 2013, which Apple has since paid. China plans to host major technology meeting in Seattle in late September around the same time as Xi’s state visit to Washington. Taiwan liberalizes rules governing investment by local chip firms on the Chinese mainland. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Guangdong branch fines Dongfeng Nissan and 17 dealers more than $22 million for price fixing. Chinese and Russian firms conclude numerous investment deals on sidelines of China’s 70th anniversary V-Day ceremonies. Pakistan leases 2000 acres of land at Gwadar Port to facilitate China’s construction of the port’s first free economic zone. Indonesia will lengthen from 2 to 10 years the time before a contract expires that mining investors can seek a contract extension. Indonesia opts to retain ban on unprocessed mineral ore exports. Vietnam Decree 60 fails to boost foreign investment.

MNCs in the News-2015-09-04

Chinese authorities impose penalties on Pfizer for problems relating to erection of Viagra displays. Mainland government policies like the Silk Road Initiative and other factors influence Taiwanese Electric and Electronic Manufacturer’s Association new rankings of favored mainland investment destinations. China Development Bank (CDB) intensifies funding for Chinese overseas investments, deeming the “timing for acquisition is very good.” China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation breaks ground on subway car factory in Springfield (USA). US will take action against Chinese individuals and companies involved in commercial espionage. Japanese companies worth with Japanese universities and government agencies to attract talented IT students, especially from India. Indonesia inward foreign direct investment (FDI) ranked highest among all Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members in the first semester of 2015. Indonesia finally opts to cancel its high-speed rail project disappointing Chinese and Japanese bidders. Foxconn balks at building electronics factory in Indonesia due to government unwillingness to provide free land. Thailand examines boosting incentives for investing in certain sectors in its special economic zones (SEZs). Vietnam draws increasing FDI in its processing and manufacturing sectors especially from Korea. Mongolian Minister negotiating deal over Tavan Tolgoi throws cold water on idea a deal will be struck soon. APEC creates fund to support open trade and investment in mining and sustainable mining.

MNCs in the News-2015-08-28

China dials up new leadership at its telecommunications giants. Tsinghua Unigroup attempts to chip away at opposition to its purchase of Micron Technology. China investors see stable investment returns on offer in the UK. China’s Yunnan province pushes infrastructure construction to support the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) and other initiatives. Alibaba given 6-month extension to operate in Taiwan while Taiwan appellate body review its case. Japan strives to strengthen its medical and pharmaceutical firms. Japan and Mekong River nations adopt “Mekong Industrial Development Vision.” Japan and China competition to build high-speed railway in Indonesia reaches its final stages. Korea touts its advantages and pursues new policies in order to double inward foreign direct investment (FDI). Korea orders recalls of select Ferrari cars, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and Volvo trucks due to various defects. Toyota puts the brakes on Prius production in Thailand due to tariff dispute. Foreign business leaders in Thailand believe Erawan Shrine bombing will not influence FDI inflows. Investors express complain about the vagueness of Vietnam’s new foreign investment guide.

MNCs in the News-2015-07-31

Mercedes-Benz blows out over faulty fuses. China works to boost mixed-ownership of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), giving new investment opportunities to foreign investors. China’s GSR Ventures to raise USD $5 billion to support China’s quest to acquire more technology. Korea Economic Research Institute head encourages the government to take anti-hedge fund measures. Indonesia grants PT Freeport Indonesia export license, deeming they are making progress in developing their local smelter capability. Widodo lobbies China to invest more and help Indonesia become an “Asian production base.” Chinese Consul-General promises hundreds of Chinese SOEs to invest in West Sumatra. Taiwan Investment Commission approves USD $2.78 billion of outbound investment by Taiwan firms. Vietnam pushes its firms to build up their domestic and international brand names.

MNCs in the News-2015-02-13

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.

Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard's picture

Trying to Turn Gold into Lead: Mislabeling Chinese-American FDI in Africa

The first US-Africa summit took place in August. It afforded the US an opportunity to show it was not completely distracted by events in Gaza and Ukraine. It also gave US businesses, encouraged by US President Barack Obama, a chance to strike deals with giants like Coca-Cola, General Electric, and IBM and investors like Blackstone pouring $14 billion into Africa. Not surprisingly, Western media seized upon the summit to raise the issue about the US-China competition in Africa (even Chinese media jumped on this bandwagon) and whether or not the summit showed the US was catching up.

Pages