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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.
Microinsurance is gaining significant traction worldwide, especially in developing countries. While these insurance products may have modest individual value, their potential is lucrative when extended to vast customer populations. In the context of Vietnam, we explore the current state of the microinsurance sector and identify areas where foreign insurance companies can find value.
China and Pakistan have agreed to extend the Belt and Road Initiative into Afghanistan, potentially drawing in billions of dollars to fund infrastructure projects in the sanctions-hit country, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. The agreement was reached in Islamabad on Sunday (May 28). Afghanistan’s will now be part of a BRI reconstruction process including introducing elements of the US$60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into the Taliban-ruled country.
Individually run businesses, and especially those in the ecommerce/tech space in the UAE, should seriously consider upgrading their licenses to SME status given the new provisions in the UAE Corporate Tax regulations. Changing from sole trader to SME status in the UAE can save US$546,000 in tax exposure.
As China begins to open up and welcome foreigners back to the country, it is noticeable upon return that things have changed since that final, pre-Covid year of 2019. Not only, and understandably given the pandemic, did 95% of all foreigners leave the country to get back home, the political attitude and technologies have all shifted in the past three plus years. A third of a decade. Yet today, new employment and business opportunities await new, and returning expats and foreign investors. We explain why and look at where Beijing is going in the future.
The Philippines has ratified the RCEP Free Trade Agreement, following which China has announced it will implement changes in the tariff rates for certain import items from June 2. The RCEP acts as a catalyst for closer economic ties and mutually beneficial outcomes among its 15 Asia-Pacific member countries. We explain the opportunities for both China and Philippines businesses as the RCEP begins to take shape.
The Philippines was among the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets in 2022, with GDP growth of 7.6%, the country’s fastest since 1976. The country has reduced its reliance on overseas remittances and has developed its industries to move up global value chains, presenting foreign investors with newfound opportunities. Some of the most dynamic sectors in the Philippines are business process outsourcing and semiconductor manufacturing, which are gradually contributing to a larger portion of the national GDP.
Northern Vietnam Industrial Parks: Benefits and Challenges
UAE Tax Deductible Business Entertainment Expense Allowances
US-China Relations in the Biden Era: A Timeline
China Reopening After COVID: Latest Developments and Business Advisory
India to Clear M&A Proposals Between 15-60 Days
China’s Position on Global Digital Governance
Russia’s auto manufacturers are looking to Africa for price competitive operations as the Russian ‘Sanctions Road Initiative’ spreads its routes further away from Western influence. Evgeny Terekhin, Moscow’s Ambassador to Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, has said that several Russian auto manufacturers are looking at Ethiopia as a possible destination for establishing a regional auto assembly plant.
The American fashion brand Guess has reacquired its stake from its Russian partner in an unusual deal for the Russian fashion market, according to Kommersant. The move by the US clothing giant is atypical for the current market environment as the vast majority of Western companies exiting Russia are seeking to sell their assets to local investors. In 2022, Guess’s revenue in Russia increased by 24%.
China’s Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Tehran, Xu Qisong has said that China’s investment in Iran increased by 150% in 2022, according to the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCIMA). “In 2022, bilateral trade between China and Iran reached US$15.8 billion, an increase of 7% compared to the same period of the previous year. China has been Iran's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years.”
Auto manufacturing in Iran has increased by 48% during the first two months of the current Iranian year. A total of 193,437 various vehicles (including passenger cars, pick-ups, buses and minibuses, vans, trucks and trailers and etc.) were produced in Iran, equating to a total annual production of about 1.2 million vehicles in total. That would place Iran as the world’s fifteenth largest manufacturer, poised to overtake the French with about 1.4 million.
The Philippines is working to move up the global value chains, thereby presenting foreign investors with newfound opportunities.
A Guide to Withholding Taxes in Indonesia
Opportunities for Foreign Investors in the Philippines – Latest Issue of ASEAN Briefing Magazine
Changes to Customs Procedure for the Import of Digital Products to Indonesia
Adapting to Singapore's Escalating Rental Prices: Strategic Implications for Foreign Businesses
A Guide to Value Added Tax in Indonesia
A Guide to Corporate Income Tax in Indonesia
In its "Positions" on global digital governance, China reaffirms its stand on sovereignty and responsible technology practices.
Understanding China’s New Regulations on Generative AI
China’s Startup Landscape - Industries, Investment, and Incentive Policies
A Complete Guide to China's Visa-Free Policies
US-China Relations in the Biden Era: A Timeline
China Reopening After COVID: Latest Developments and Business Advisory
The Evolving Face Of Foreign Investment In Beijing
Fast-track mergers and acquisition (M&A) proposals in India will now benefit from an even more simplified process from June 15, 2023.
India Surpasses China in M&A Fees for Western Investment Banks
M&A as a Corporate Strategy to Leverage Technology, Embrace Digital Disruption in India
How to Ensure the Success of Your M&A Deals in India?
Investing in India's Madhya Pradesh State: Multi-Sectoral Opportunities for Foreign Companies
India's Semiconductor Sector: Tracking Government Support and Investment Trends
Non-Resident Indians Confident About Investing in India, Cite Better Returns
In this article the Vietnam-Briefing explores what to expect when establishing a manufacturing plant or factory in one of northern Vietnam’s industrial parks.
Vietnam’s Electricity Sector: Challenges and Prospects for Foreign Investment
How to Register a Trademark in Vietnam
Tax Obligations for Non-Resident Property Owners in Vietnam
Microinsurance in Vietnam: An Industry Overview
Brazil President, Vietnam PM Talk Trade on G7 Sidelines
Managing Labor Shortages in Hai Duong: Insights for Foreign Firms
US Fashion Brand 'Guess' Reacquires Russian Business: Analysis
The Russia-China Business Forum in Shanghai: Trade & Development Overview
Foreign Investors Are Using Their China Investments To Establish Branches In Russia
Russia, Islamic World, Developing Similar Global Geopolitical & Trade Views
Russian President Putin To Visit China For International Belt & Road Forum In September?
All Agreements, Grants, and Initiatives Approved at the Central Asia–China Summit
Turkiye’s Multilateral Trade with Central Asia: Current Situation and Future Prospects
The China-Central Asia Summit: Agreed Financial Infrastructure Frameworks
China-Central Asia Summit Results In Xi’an Declaration and Regional Trade & Investment Advances
Iran’s Auto Manufacturing Industry Production Expands 48%
Paid Employee Leave In The UAE
Clarifying UAE Individual Income Tax Liabilities & Exemptions For Residents and Non-Residents
New UAE VAT Ecommerce Rules Kick In From July 1st
The UAE Mandatory Unemployment Insurance Scheme