Volkswagen Korea

MNCs in the News-2016-08-19

China’s Foreign Ministry downplays worries about its cybersecurity law. Apple launches numerous initiatives to enhancing its operating environment in China. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) asserts its rights to review Didi Chuxing-Uber Technologies China merger for potential antitrust issues. Second Australian rejection of a major Chinese investment this year spurs MOFCOM to warn Australia of consequences and to call upon the latter to create a better investment environment. Iran courts increased Chinese investment and prods China for greater involvement in the latter’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) scheme. Korea’s Ministry of Environment will conduct a major investigation to find out if other foreign carmakers falsified emissions and noise level test data. Seoul’s Central District Prosecutors’ Office grills second Volkswagen Korea executive over allegations the company illegal changed car parts to pass emission tests. Korea’s Fair Trade Commission concludes that Google Korea’s preloaded apps and subsidies for search ads did not restrict market competition. Korea is moving to deal with map data requests from global companies. The Malaysian government continues to support the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor, with foreign investment representing 40 percent of the money committed to the project. Vietnam’s realized inward foreign direct investment (IFDI) flows fall far below committed IFDI.

MNCs in the News-2016-02-19

China’s State Council will work to expand service and merchandise trade by giving foreign businesses new opportunities. Chinese Ministry of Commerce think tank researcher expects Chinese outbound M&A to hit new record in 2016. Regulatory issues in China and abroad appear to impact some Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI). Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Europe) and the Chinese embassy in Spain scramble to react to Spanish police raid in connection with suspected money laundering by ICBC Madrid. COSCO formally declared the preferred bidder for the privatization of of Greece’s Piraeus port. Visit of South Korea’s Trade Minister to eBay Korea’s Incheon facility leads the latter to promise to help small Korean merchants tap the online export market. Volkswagen Korea faces ongoing pressure from Korean regulators in connection with recall orders relating to its emissions-data cheating cars. South Korean outward FDI experiences strong growth in 2015. South Korea accuses North Korea of using Kaesong moneys for its military programs. Korean government agencies mobilize to encourage foreigners to participate in the development of Korean startups. Indonesia’s e-commerce sector lauds government’s plan to open the e-Commerce to FDI. Indonesian president tells businesspeople at US-ASEAN Business Council Conference that his country will undertake more FDI-related reforms. Thai officials express optimism about the Thai-Chinese negotiations about a medium-speed rail project. Vietnamese and American companies strike numerous deals on the sidelines of the US-ASEAN Summit. Vietnam’s southern Binh Dinh Province will take steps to attract more FDI.

MNCs in the News-2015-10-09

Leading car hailing services apply for legal status from Chinese authorities. The US has identified Chinese companies that it feels profited from Chinese military hack of US corporate data. Inward FDI in Korea is heavily concentrated around Seoul, though the trend is not as strong as in past years. Korea is considering imposing “Google tax” on mobile and electronic device app and content purchases. Volkswagen Korea will issue written apology for software that provided deceptive vehicle emissions data. Hansae plans to build a large plant in Haiti to jump US tariff walls. Indonesia grapples with Japan’s displeasure with its awarding of a medium-speed speed rail project to China. Malaysia expresses confidence that state-linked firms are capable of dealing with the challenges of TPP related competition. Singapore pressures retailers not to do procure from or sell the products of firms associated with massive fires in Indonesia that are polluting Singapore. Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Agency will take measures against Volkswagen for its scheme to circumvent environmental regulations.

MNCs in the News-2015-06-05

KFC seeks to roast those making false charges against it. China’s proposed law for controlling nonprofits has potentially severe negative ramifications for foreign business associations. European Chamber of Commerce in China challenges the draft National Security Law and its potential negative implications for China. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is drafting guidelines pertaining to the abuse of intellectual property rights (IPR). China’s State Administration of Taxation acts to create supportive tax treaty environment for Chinese firms overseas. China National Cereals, Oils, and Foodstuffs Corp. (COFCO) states it will commit resources and manpower to support China’s Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI). Korea Fair Trade Commission looks into questionable sales practices by Volkswagen Korea. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) disrupts Korean government initiative to build closer investment, trade, and business links with the Middle East. Indonesia’s Investment Promotion Board gives greater attention to Japanese foreign direct investment. Vietnam moves to give United Overseas Bank a license to open a wholly foreign owned foreign bank.