Myanmar

Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, Founding Executive Director of the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations, delivers keynote speech at 18th Annual China Goes Global Conference

Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, Founding Executive Director of the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations (Wong MNC Center), served as a keynote speaker at the 18th Annual China Goes Global Conference held at EM-Lyon Business School (Paris, France). At this gathering, attracting researchers and practitioners from around the world, Dr.

U.S. Air War College Hosts Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, Founding Executive Director of the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations, for Speech on China’s Belt and Road Initiative in early November 2024

On November 5, 2024, Dr. Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, Founding Executive Director of the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations, gave a speech entitled “High, Low, and No Speed along the BRI” for the “Great Power Studies” course at the United States (US) Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama. In his speech, Dr. Blanchard offered some basics about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), BRI aims, and shortcomings in the study of the BRI.

Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations hosts fruitful workshop on Chinese Overseas Ports in Southeast and South Asia

In mid-December 2022 in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations (Wong MNC Center) hosted a 1-1/2 day workshop entitled Chinese Overseas Ports in Southeast and South Asia: Profiling Problems and Progress.

MNCs in the News-2022-January

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) touts that China will act to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) despite a challenging environment. In the wake of a backlash following its removal of Xinjiang products from its shelves, Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation fines Sam’s Club for deceptive consumer practices on its app. Beijing municipal government fines 7-Eleven China for the latter’s website maps that have problematic presentations of Taiwan and other territory. China’s work and the presence of dredgers at Cambodia’s Ream naval base concern the United States and others that China’s seeks to station military assets there. Indian tax authority probe causes it to demand Xiaomi India pay unpaid customs duties. Sri Lanka asks China for debt relief on loans used to pay for Belt and Road Initiative projects. Ruling parties from Japan and Taiwan agree to pursue cooperation on semiconductors to alleviate semiconductor shortages and address the China high-tech challenge. Japanese companies remain committed to Myanmar despite the latter’s serious political, economic, and other problems. The chair of Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) promises to continue to improve the KFTC’s regulation while supporting innovation. Apple submits plan to Korea Communications Commission that allows alternative in-app payment systems and reduces payment fees.

MNCs in the News-2021-August

China’s utilized inward foreign direct investment (FDI) showed solid growth over the first seven months of 2021 compared to the prior year period. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) is working to develop an improved negative list for 2021. China’s MOFCOM orchestrates site visits for foreign Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, and businesses in Xinjiang. China’s outward FDI (OFDI) to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries shows solid growth for the first seven months of 2021 year-over-year (YOY), though China’s total nonfinancial OFDI growth rate was negative YOY. India’s massive infrastructure plans attract the cautious interest of Chinese companies and investors. Chinese companies hope regime change in Afghanistan will lead to improved security and stability that facilitates restarting investment and infrastructure projects and initiating new ones. The Japanese government moves to implement a law limiting FDI or activities in sensitive areas such as near military installations or critical infrastructure. Japan’s Kirin Holdings has no intention to exit Myanmar despite the political turmoil that has flowed the military coup there. South Korea moves towards the approval of a law that will limit the ability of firms like Google and Apple for force software developers to use their payment systems on in-app purchases. Korea levies fines and penalty surcharges against Facebook and Netflix for improper data collection, disclosure, and/or cross-border data transfer practices.

MNCs in the News-2020 July

Chinese President Xi Jining courts foreign direct investment (FDI) in encouraging letter to the Global CEO Council. China plans to impose sanctions on United States (US) company Lockheed Martin because of the latter’s weapons sales to Taiwan. China’s new, strict cybersecurity laws and regulations have driven Morgan Stanley, a US investment banking firm, to block its interns in China from remotely accessing its virtual network. The recent border clash with China has increased the pressure on New Delhi to reduce the country’s dependence on Chinese solar goods. Various special interest groups have called for the US to sanction China’s CRRC after the US Pentagon labeled it as backed by the Chinese military, saying it represents a security threat. Despite calls for a boycott in the wake of India’s border clash with China, many are skeptical Chinese smartphones can be displaced from the India market. Japanese and British trade negotiators agree they will not require encryption keys or the localization of data. Japan’s Mizuho Financial Group faces growing shareholder pressure to stop financing coal projects. Japan helps Japanese companies move to Vietnam and also helps them shift production lines to Japan as well as various Southeast Asian countries. Myanmar gives three Japanese firms permission to build a mega-liquified natural gas power plant. Korea to spend billions to promote an innovation-based economy. European Union to restart review of the merger of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings. Incheon Port Authority joins the United Nations Global Compact. The backlash against Huawei creates some openings for Samsung, though it is unclear if the Korean firm can exploit them.

MNCs in the News-2020 June

China Ministry of Commerce data shows respectable year-over-year inward foreign direct investment growth (FDI) in April and May, with some hoping for continued growth in the 2nd half of the year. China’s new development initiatives for its Western regions are not succeeding in attracting inward FDI (IFDI) for both business and political reasons. The China Securities Regulatory Commission will look to allow big Chinese commercial banks into investment banking so they can help China fend off the growing challenge from foreign investment banking firms. The United States (US) Pentagon has submitted a list of 20 Chinese companies with ties to China’s military that operate “‘directly or indirectly’” in the US. The Indian government bans almost 5 dozen mobile apps. India’s state government of Maharashtra freezes investment proposals from three Chinese businesses. Japan adds select medical fields to the list of areas requiring special FDI reviews. Japan moves to allocate funds to domestic firms so they have a greater chance to participate in the 5G wireless technology race. Japan’s Kirin Holding will commission an audit of its Burmese joint venture (JV) partner over allegations its JV channels funds to Myanmar’s military. Japan is contemplating Indonesian proposals that Japan participate in its Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail which is delayed and overbudget. The Korean Communication Commission announces that Google will revise select YouTube subscription practices following a large fine and negative ruling. South Korea outward FDI, which favors North America, plunged dramatically in March. Potential for Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction to start its Indonesian Jawa Thermal Power Plant Construction Project increases after project based second feasibility study. US Presidential election increases pressure on Korean carmakers and tiremakers to invest more in the US.

MNCs in the News-2018-06-08

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announces two new negative lists will be put forth by end of June. China’s State Administration of Market Regulation probes foreign chipmakers because of concerns about rising memory chip prices. In response to charges regarding the debt burdens on participant countries flowing from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s MOFCOM denies forcing projects on anyone and touts the benefits of its BRI. Development of controversial Chinese development around Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port progresses with selection of planning consultancy. British government and Hitachi agree to begin full-scale negotiations on potential construction of nuclear power plant in Wales after settling on cost sharing. Japan to offer generous loan terms to more businesses in order to reach 2020 target of USD $2.5 billion in infrastructure exports. Philippines authorities in midst of processing four letters of intent from South Korean firms representing potential $4.4 billion in energy investment. Suspicious payments of $2 billion by previous Najib government to China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau under investigation by Malaysian authorities. Indian federal investigators have filed criminal charges against AirAsia India, partly owned by Malaysia’s AirAsia, for “conspiracy” involving bribes to policymakers to change regulations.

MNCs-2017-12-29

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into China’s service sector shows strong performance in 2017 with observers recommending various improvements to draw in more. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is concerned about surges in mobile chips and may launch an investigation. The China Banking Regulatory Commission has published draft rules that would make it easier for foreign banks to enter China and expand their businesses there. NDRC minister says China is considering passing legislation that would improve supervision of outward FDI (OFDI) and clarify the limits that exist. Japan’s Sumitomo among foreign bidders for Indian Railways’ first global tender. Japan’s Kubota to join USD $92 million project to improve water supply infrastructure in Yangon following local government order. LG Display receives green light from Seoul to build USD $4.5 billion OLED production plant in Guangzhou. South Korea’s state-owned Korea Gas Corporation finally collects return on its 2010 investment into Australia’s liquefied natural gas sector. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group posed to gain approval from Jakarta to purchase 73.8 percent of Bank Danamon Indonesia. Major foreign motorbike companies to build production and assembly plants in Thailand as government investment packages continue to proliferate. UK firms looking to bid on light rail transit and construction projects from Malaysian government. Japan surpasses South Korea to become largest investor in Vietnam in 2017 as Hanoi attracts more foreign money for infrastructure investment.

MNCs in the News-2017-12-01

German business association warns Chinese Communist Party request that foreign firms set up party cells may have adverse consequences. Chinese government advisor suggests Shanghai will create free-trade port represents that addresses the failings of the previous Shanghai Free Trade Zone initiative. Shanghai body asks IKEA to consider a new round of dresser and chest recalls. China’s National Development and Reform Commission promulgates list of penalties that Beijing may impose on firms that engage in illegal outward foreign direct investment (FDI) and related activities. Japanese Court to hear Toshiba Western Digital dispute on sale of flash memory division. SoftBank Group to invest USD $2.5 billion in India’s Flipkart as India’s anti-trust commission approves deal. Seoul and London sign memorandum of understanding easing approval process for Korea’s KEPCO to acquire Britain’s NuGen. Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. and POSCO Daewoo Corp. win Uzbekistan power plant deal. Jakarta has not finalized plans yet for Freeport deal as parties continue to disagree about mine’s valuation. Indonesia’s state-owned utility company Pembangkitan Kawa Bali and Abu Dhabi Future Energy agree to build world’s largest floating photovoltaic power plant. Bangkok approves USD $22.6 billion infrastructure investment in Eastern Economic Corridor, paving the way for more foreign investment projects. Thai firm will build massive power plant in Myanmar despite international outrage over Myanmar’s abuse of Rohingya. Malaysia’s central bank approves larger China’s HNA Group ownership stake in Germany’s Deutsche Bank subsidiary despite initial concerns. Foreign brewing companies eagerly await sale of Vietnam’s state-owned brewer Sabeco. Foreign M&As of Vietnamese business entities rising as Hanoi increases foreign ownership limits and privatizes state-owned enterprises.

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