NDRC

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.

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.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) positive about “negative list” approach. Volkswagen touts its commitment to become the “most sustainable car manufacturer in China.” Mercedes-Benz fuels up its contribution to child and road safety initiatives. China reportedly hits Microsoft with major back tax bill. Henan allocates billions of dollars in incentives to attract Foxxconn and other multinational corporations (MNCs). China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected to prompt increased Chinese investment in South Korea. Politics and competitive dynamics pressure Japanese carmakers in China. Indian Prime Minister Modi ensures supportive environment for Nissay’s investment in Reliance. Honda under fire in US for failing to report accidents and deaths for past 10 years or so. Japan looks to expand financing for defense exports and cooperation. Australia struggles to maintain a high level of foreign investment in major mining projects. Indonesia announces ambitious plans for technology and industrial parks.

FAW-Volkswagen stalls on massive recall issues while accelerating auto parts presence in China. Foreign companies face a taxing environment. China’s National Development and Reform Commission proposes changes to open up China wider to foreign investors. Qualcomm under siege in China and profits suffer. Chinese Minister-Counselor in the UK voices concern about British visa restrictions on Chinese workers while touting Chinese firm contributions to the UK. Huawei tunes into Namibian ICT workers for training at its Shenzhen HQ. Transparency International bites at Chinese company disclosures. Foreign countries look to Japan for defense technology cooperation. Japanese utilities partner with Singaporean and Indian firms to reduce the cost of LNG imports. Brazil, Mitsui, and the Japanese government cooperate on Brazilian subway project. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pushes Honda for information regarding the Japanese auto parts maker Takata’s defective air bags recall. Australia and Fiji look to reinvigorate trade and investment links. Hyundai-Kia pays US massive fine for overstating car fuel efficiency. Iran reaches out to Indonesia to express interest in investments in Indonesia’s oil and gas sectors.

Inward foreign direct investment into China hits two-and-half year low, though service IFDI and IFDI from Korea remain bright spots for the first eight months of 2014. The fray about whether or not China’s antimonopoly investigations fairly treat foreign firms increasingly draws in foreign governments with some foreign executives backing China. Accusations emerge that Qualcomm, the subject of a major antitrust investigation, has bribed a high-level State Council official. Academics and Chinese populace voice diverse concerns about foreign investment in China. Foxconn, major Apple supplier, denies report that benzene use at its factories caused leukemia among workers. Chinese outward FDI continues to show considerable vibrancy, rising to over $65 billion in the first eight months of 2014. China pledges to invest $20 billion in Russia during first China-Russia Cooperation Council for Investment. Drivers of Chinese investment in Africa include direct invitations from the highest political levels. Recent changes in the political environment and lure of the China market seem to be inducing Japanese investors to think about pursuing increased investment in China. National Development and Reform Commission steers its attention to Toyota’s Lexus spare and replacement part pricing practices. Internet Initiative Japan Inc. seeks to provide its first data center, known for its power saving features, to the Laotian government. Iraq conflict forces declines in South Korean oil imports. Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) requires companies with a capitalization exceeding $10 billion to issue CSR reports to deal with the fallout of the Chang Guann food oil scandal. Taiwan to cooperate with France on the Internet of Things.