due to come into effect

[me78]

"Another factor likely to prompt consolidation in Japan is a new law, due to come into effect in May 07"
What is the exactly meaning of "due to" .I know it means in accordance to, but in this context is irrelevant.
and 2) The company has struck a deal with the oil giant , to set up a $2billion plant in Saudi Arabia.

has struck a deal = arrange a deal ? maybe

[Coffa]

"Another factor likely to prompt consolidation in Japan is a new law, due to come into effect in May 07"
What is the exactly meaning of "due to" .I know it means in accordance to, but in this context is irrelevant.
and 2) The company has struck a deal with the oil giant , to set up a $2billion plant in Saudi Arabia.
has struck a deal = arrange a deal ? maybe

1) "..., scheduled to come into effect..."

2) Yes, it means 'has agreed a deal'.

[me78]

"Nor is there any sign of a shift away from Japan's conservative business culture"
Does this mean that there is no sign of changing the Japan's conservative business culture.

[wsemajb]

Yes, it means there is no sign of change.

You could also write
"Nor is there any sign of a shift in Japan's conservative business culture."

Away from is added to make it clearer that the writer means toward liberalization. Shift alone might leave room to
include the possibility of becoming more conservative, although in this case the author's intention is pretty clear.