News Across Asia | ASIA BRIEFING

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.

Middle East Briefing

Türkiye and UK Sign Trade Plan Ahead of FTA Upgrade

01/15/2026

Türkiye and the United Kingdom have signed a 16-point JETCO action plan to accelerate negotiations on upgrading their 2021 Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the aim of lifting bilateral trade toward US$40 billion and deepening cooperation in trade and investment.

Middle East Briefing

ADGM Court Confirms Mandatory Seat Law Overrides Arbitration Rules in US$250 Million Freezing Order Case

01/15/2026

The ADGM Court of Appeal confirmed that mandatory arbitration law at the seat prevails over institutional rules, despite LCIA non-compliance.

ASEAN Briefing

Withholding Tax Treatment for Cross-Border Payments in Singapore

01/15/2026

Foreign investors should assess how withholding tax applies to cross-border payments in Singapore, including rates, treaty risk, and issues that affect cost and compliance.

India Briefing

Corporate Tax Compliance for Foreign Companies in India: A Practical Roadmap for 2026

01/14/2026

We explain India’s 2026 corporate tax regime for foreign companies with insights on compliance timelines, DTAA documentation, and regulatory risks.

ASEAN Briefing

Singapore Ranks Fourth in the Asia Manufacturing Index

01/14/2026

Singapore ranks fourth in the Asia Manufacturing Index, reflecting strong performance in infrastructure, trade, tax policy, and innovation, balanced by structural limits in scale and labor.

India Briefing

Gujarat Updates Labor Rules for Shops & Commercial Establishments: What You Need to Know

01/14/2026

Gujarat’s Shops & Establishments amendments, notified on December 16, 2025, introduce key labor compliance changes, including higher applicability thresholds, extended working and overtime limits, and regulated night-shift employment for women.