multinational corporations

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-2015-08-21

China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) revives “dead” banking sector technology rules. Chinese labor law on dispatch workers encourages firms to turn to contract manufacturing. High-tech firms turn to Hong Kong as new host destination. National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and CBRC issue guidelines designed to prod banks to support major overseas and domestic projects. China injects massive amount of capital into China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China to bolster resources for outward investment and overseas projects. Sri Lanka stresses it still welcomes Chinese investment. Korean coal-fired power plant project in Kazakhstan may be going up in smoke. Korea’s LG Group and its affiliates look to deepen their involvement in Western China on the back of good government relations and favorable Chinese government policies. Indonesia optimistic about inward FDI in manufacturing and will offer special policies to attract more. Vietnam will give private investors greater stakes in select state energy companies. Vietnam courts foreign public and private involvement in its tuna and seafood industries

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.

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