News Across Asia | ASIA BRIEFING

India Briefing

Tiger Global-Flipkart Tax Dispute: A Landmark Test of India’s Anti-Avoidance Regime

01/19/2026

On January 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of India reaffirmed the country’s substance-over-form doctrine in the Tiger Global-Flipkart case, confirming that tax authorities may deny treaty benefits under GAAR even where valid TRCs are in place. For foreign investors, the ruling underscores the importance of establishing genuine commercial substance.

ASEAN Briefing

Malaysia Revises Its Expatriate Employment Policy

01/19/2026

Malaysia will revise its expatriate employment policy from June 2026, raising salary thresholds and introducing time limits for Employment Pass holders.

China Briefing

China’s Economy in 2025: GDP Reaches 5.0% Growth Despite Challenges

01/19/2026

China’s Economy in 2025 achieved its official growth target, underscoring macro‑level stability despite persistent demand‑side pressures. At the same time, sector‑level performance points to an economy still in the midst of structural adjustment.

Vietnam Briefing

Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification Updated for Administrative Purposes

01/19/2026

The 2025 Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification (VSIC) underpins official statistics, business registration, and administrative databases in the country.

Middle East Briefing

Saudi Arabia Opens Tadawul Main Market to All Foreign Investors from February 2026

01/19/2026

Saudi Arabia will allow all foreign investors to directly access Tadawul’s Main Market from February 1, 2026, following CMA regulatory reforms.

India Briefing

Investing in India's Madhya Pradesh State: Multi-Sectoral Opportunities for Foreign Companies

01/19/2026

We discuss the foreign investment scope in Madhya Pradesh, its progressive policies, sector-linked incentives, and key infrastructure.

China Briefing

The Greater Bay Area IIT Subsidy for 2026 Kickstarts in Shenzhen

01/16/2026

Shenzhen has opened applications for the 2026 GBA IIT subsidy program. High-end foreign talent have until March 31 to apply for a rebate on the portion of IIT paid in excess of 15 percent of their taxable income.

India Briefing

India’s Manufacturing Appeal is Rising – Even as Asia’s Competition Intensifies

01/16/2026

India’s manufacturing appeal is gradually rising as it manages challenges around infrastructure investment, policy reforms, and supply chain diversification to strengthen its role in global production networks.

China Briefing

US-China Relations in the Trump 2.0 Era: A Timeline

01/16/2026

On December 31, 2025, Trump signed a proclamation delaying the increase in tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities for another year.

Middle East Briefing

Saudi Arabia’s New Sports Law: Regulatory Changes and Sector-Wide Implications

01/16/2026

Saudi Arabia’s new Sports Law establishes a unified regulatory framework that formalizes the sports sector as a commercial industry, introducing clearer rules on licensing, governance, investment, and dispute resolution.

India Briefing

India-EU Trade Deal Set for January 27 Signing in New Delhi: Report

01/15/2026

As per a report published by European media, the EU is set to formalize its largest-ever trade deal with India on January 27, 2026, excluding agriculture, as the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) talks near conclusion.

China Briefing

Why China is Still the Top 1 Manufacturing Destination in Asia

01/15/2026

China retains its position as Asia’s top manufacturing destination in 2026, supported by world-class infrastructure, innovation capability, and policy reforms. While challenges exist, China's scale and technological depth anchor its position.