US

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang emphasizes China’s willingness to work harder to create a favorable environment for foreign investors. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stresses that the country’s planned rules on Internet domain names will not affect companies’ “normal operations.” China will set up its first overseas permanent military base in Djibouti. China’s Railway Rolling Stock Corp. aims to win large amounts of business in the developed world. In the face of US Senatorial concerns, Syngenta AG insists a China National Chemical Corp. takeover would not raise security issues. Japan may finance a multi-billion dollar deep-sea port project in Patimban, Indonesia. JR Tokai and its American partner Texas Central Partners (TCP) are going to ask the US Federal Railroad Administration to set new rules allowing an ultrahigh-speed to be built to Japanese bullet train specifications. Mercedes-Benz Korea not rolling along as far as the Korean government is concerned. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion probes if Korean companies should relocate from the shuttered Kaesong Industrial Complex to Vietnam. Korean businesses and association, in collaboration with the government, will establish a public-private consultative council to boost overseas Korean construction business. Thai Democrats challenge financing model for Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed train line. Vietnamese inward foreign direct investment for the first quarter of 2016 surges over the comparable period a year earlier.

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.

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.

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.

Foreign car companies launch recalls for cars imported into and produced in China. GlaxoSmithKline rehires employee who may have revealed its bribery activities in China. China public security organs will establish network security offices in leading Internet firms. Facing soaring costs at home, Chinese textile firms invest in the US to take advantage of lower production costs. Chinese firms increasingly planting agricultural investment in places like Australia. Mitsubishi Materials arrives at a settlement with conscripted Chinese workers. Japan will send high-level minister to Iran to explore investment and trade opportunities. Korean Economic Research Institute calls for government to reduce restrictions and provide better services to improve Korea’s inward FDI performance. Australian court overturns massive Adani group (India) mine, rail, and port project in Australia. Indonesia to issue new tax holiday policy. Vietnam touts growing M&A and policies to support greater foreign investment in Vietnam. Vietnam recognizes contribution of foreign firms to promoting the sale of Vietnamese goods.