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Asia Briefing publishes articles, magazines, and guides on doing business in Asia.
It has been produced by Dezan Shira and Associates since 1999.
A new round of amendments to the China Company Law seeks to improve the country’s business environment by optimizing corporate governance norms. The draft amendments include changes to the rights of company shareholders, responsibilities of shareholders and directors, deregistration procedures, and more. We look at how the proposed amendments differ from previous legislation and how they may impact foreign investors in China.
China and India will account for half of the global economic growth in 2023 versus just a tenth for the US and the EU combined, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook. The IMF stated China’s GDP growth was expected to reach 5.2% during the year, while India would achieve growth of 7%. Both are set for a slight GDP decline in 2024, before rebounding in 2025, meaning that Chinese and Indian consumerism will be attractive markets for businesses looking for higher returns than the West is currently able to deliver.
There is no single unifying regulation on auditing and compliance in Indonesia. Foreign investors will need to be aware that regulations regarding auditing, accounting, and financial reporting are stipulated over several laws and bylaws, and that a good understanding of these can ensure their business stays compliant. Foreign investors should, however, focus on the Company Law, which dictates the terms for when audits become obligatory in addition to the accounting standards companies should adhere to when preparing financial statements. We explain the details.
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Union Budget for 2023-24 on February 1, following the release of the Economic Survey of India 2023 yesterday at the start of the Budget Session of the parliament. India’s new Union Budget promotes infrastructure growth, green industry, and makes changes to the new tax regime. We report the major highlights.
China has released an updated draft version of the value-added tax law for public comment. The draft legislation consolidates previous tax regulations into one document while making a few significant changes and adjustments to current tax standards and regulations. We explain the major changes that the draft China value-added tax law would bring to the country’s tax regime and discuss how it may impact businesses.
China began easing immigration procedures on January 8, 2023, after the downgrading of COVID-19 to a Class B infectious disease and the removal of centralized quarantine for inbound travelers. Beijing has promised to gradually resume the issuance of ordinary visas and residence permits for foreigners, as well as tourist visa exemption for short-term travelers. As the country continues to open up, we discuss the 2023 Chinese visa application guidelines.
India’s FAME-II Scheme for Electric Vehicles Gets 80% Bump in Budget Allocation
Mainland China to Fully Resume Travel with Hong Kong and Macao
Investing in Vietnamese Startups: Quick Guide 2023
Thailand Adopts Work from Home Bill: Implications for Employers
US-China Relations in the Biden Era: A Timeline
China Coronavirus Updates: Latest Developments and Business Advisory
The recent terrorist attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran, in which Embassy staff were killed, has moved the two nations closer to war. Such an event would damage the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and close off the Caspian Sea routes from Azerbaijan’s Baku Port to Iran’s Caspian Ports, which provide Gulf and South Asian access to goods from Europe. It would compress EU trade with Asia to just the Suez Canal option and probably limit access to the Middle Corridor via Kazakhstan.
70% of Russia’s Africa trade is concentrated within the four economies of Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa. These countries are the cornerstone of Russia’s Africa policy; and are generally recognised to become important economies by 2050 with Egypt in the 15th spot for GDP PPP and South Africa ranking 27th. We discuss the background, trade trends and statistics in this increasingly important market for Russian and EAEU investors.
Like all significant conflicts, an uptick in technological advances always delivers wins, as the pressing need for resolutions in times of combat brings pressures to bear on hurrying up and even changing the path of new technical developments. Asset-backed crypto, unsustainable debt ceilings and the emergence of SWIFT alternatives are all en route as the emerging world flexes its financial, credit capability and productivity muscles.
The enigmatic and often ancient Wooden Dhows based from Dubai and carrying smaller cargo across the Middle East and as far as Indian and MENA ports increased by 12% in 2022. Not just scenic tourist attractions, these craft ply important Gulf and North African trade routes. The UAE Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows stated on Tuesday (January 31) that dhows ferried 1.7 million metric tonnes of merchandise from countries across the MENA region and beyond.
Thailand has made an amendment to the Labor Protection Act to offer the same labor rights to remote workers.
An Overview of Swiss Investments in Indonesia
The European Union and Malaysia Sign Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
Audit and Compliance in Indonesia: A Guide for Foreign Investors
A Guide to Taxation in Indonesia
Singapore and the UK Deepen Cooperation on Fintech and Sustainable Finance
A Guide to Taxation in Cambodia
China is to fully resume travel with Hong Kong and Macao starting February 6, 2023. We look at the supporting measures.
China to Extend Preferential Individual Income Tax Policies
Travel and Consumption Recover Over the 2023 Chinese New Year Period
5 Key Industries to Watch in China in 2023
US-China Relations in the Biden Era: A Timeline
China Coronavirus Updates: Latest Developments and Business Advisory
China’s Company Law - How the New Draft Revisions Could Impact Businesses
The Indian Economic Survey 2023 provides growth projections for the current financial year (FY 2022-23) and prospects for FY24.
Policies to Facilitate India’s Transition to Clean Mobility
India-Germany Bilateral Trade and Investment Relations
Who Are Apple’s Contract Manufacturers in India?
India’s FAME-II Scheme for Electric Vehicles Gets 80% Bump in Budget Allocation
India's G20 Presidency and Asian Trade Implications
India’s Union Budget for 2023-24: Key Highlights
Vietnam’s startup sector is booming. Here’s a quick overview of how the sector is developing.
Vietnam’s Revised Insurance Law Opens Sector Further for Foreign Firms
Tet Flower Sales Reveal Fertile Floriculture Market in Vietnam
E-mobility Seminar Sheds Light on Vietnam’s EV Market
Where are Nike’s Factories Located in Vietnam?
Russia Accelerates Its Artificial Intelligence Development Program
Russian Far East Grain & Soya Exports To China Up 210% YoY In January 2023
Investors From ‘Friendly Countries’ To Have Easier Access To Russian Markets and Investment Capital
Kazakhstan Eyes Increased 2023 Foreign Direct Investment Worth US$25 Billion
China’s 2023 Trade and Investment with Turkiye: Development Trends
UAE Sets Zero Corporate Tax Threshold At US$100,000
Saudi Arabia Launches Four-Day Access ‘Transit’ Visa
Updates on the UAE's New 9% Corporate Income Tax Charges and Applicability
Investors From ‘Friendly Countries’ To Have Easier Access To Russian Markets and Investment Capital
Dubai Expecting A Busy 2023 In Developing An International IPO Market
Cryptocurrency To Play ‘Major Role’ In UAE Global Trade – Minister of Foreign Trade