NHTSA

MNCs in the News-2016-01-22

China’s inward foreign direct investment (IFDI) falls in December 2015, though its FDI totals for 2015 show growth. The American Chamber of Commerce in China Business Climate Survey shows significant numbers of companies still favor China despite having many concerns and notable profit pressures. Guizhou concludes USD $280 million semiconductor joint venture with Qualcomm. Saudi Aramco looks to increase its investment footprint in China especially in the refinery sector. Iran and Egypt court greater Chinese investment, economic cooperation, and tourism during Xi Jinping’s Middle East tour. Egypt TEDA Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Development Company will soon begin work to expand the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. Wanda Group to invest in USD $10 billion industrial park in northern India. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) orders new recall of Takata air bags. South Korean environmental ministry will bring criminal case against Audi Volkswagen Korea managing director. Foreign governments challenge South Korea over the terms of legislation governing the operations of foreign law firms in Korea. Amnesty charges firms like Samsung and Sony do not do enough to ensure the minerals they use are not produced with child labor. Thailand secures pledge of reduced interest rate from China for joint Thai-Chinese medium-speed rail project. Deloitte pushes Singapore to improve its tax regime for treasury centers and headquarters to fend off competition from neighboring countries.

MNCs in the News-2015-11-06

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang promises better environment for German firms in China while seeking greater contributions from them at home and abroad. China announces, albeit with caveats, it will expand negative list system from coastal to interior areas. China’s four free trade zones (FTZs) experience boom in newly registered entities. China’s National Development and Reform Commission moves to draft clearer antitrust guidelines. China promises special operation to protect Disney trademark. Google and other blocks tech firms continue to seek opportunities in China. United States Trade Representative Michael Froman emphasizes TPP’s digital rules are not just about China. China’s China National Nuclear Corp. glows about possible mega nuclear deals with Argentina. HKND plans to move forward with its massive Nicaragua canal plan next year. Takata loses its best client and faces other US penalties for its deceptive actions. Japanese government lobbies Malaysia to go with Japanese high-speed rail option. Korea lobbies foreign firms to set up in Korea as a strategic base to access other countries with whom Korea has free-trade agreements. Volkswagen’s emission data scandal does not dent German car sales in Korea, but its sales plummet. Korea’s Trade Minister promises better environment for foreign business while business representatives press Korea to work harder. Korean Fair Trade Commission investigates Siemen’s Korea healthcare division for unfair trade practices. Korea firms work to secure major expressway project in Myanmar. Indonesia touts its plan to make things better for things in its special economic zones. Indonesia and India work to build cooperation in renewable energy which should provide new investment and trade opportunities. Malaysian officials stress the flexibilities the government won in TPP negotiations and the gains to be had for Malaysian companies. Malaysia’s Prime Minister emphasizes Malaysia’s strong place as a center for Islamic finance. Kedah state government in Malaysia encourages more investment from and cooperation with Qingdao.

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-2014-11-28

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.

MNCs in the News-2014-11-07

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.