At least in the case of the Foxconn plant, I don't even think anyone actually got any favors. The politicians in question (Trump, Scott Walker?) just think that

At least in the case of the Foxconn plant, I don't even think anyone actually got any favors. The politicians in question (Trump, Scott Walker?) just think that the appearance of a deal like this makes them look good to their voters. That's all the "favor" they needed.