Featured News
Stay on top of the latest business news from across Asia. Here we bring you a selection of the latest articles on economic, regulatory, tax, HR, and payroll developments published on our respective regional platforms.
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China Briefing
The Path to Peak Emissions: Climate and Environmental Policy in China's 15th Five-Year Plan
The 15th Five-Year Plan doubles down on renewables build-out and seeks to tighten environmental regulations, posing both regulatory challenges and substantial economic opportunities for foreign companies in the years to come.
China’s Strategy for Overseas Investment in the 15th Five-Year Plan
China's new Five-Year Plan signals a more cautious, technology-driven approach to overseas investment, with greater emphasis on protecting Chinese assets abroad.
China's Agentic AI Boom: What the OpenClaw Surge Reveals
China’s rapid uptake of OpenClaw highlights the country’s transition from experimental generative AI toward agentic, task‑executing systems. The shift is reshaping China’s AI value chain, with implications for cloud services, enterprise automation, and foreign market entry strategies.
Cost of Living in China 2026: A City-by-City Breakdown for Expats
This city‑by‑city guide analyzes expat living costs in China in 2026 using a Shanghai Index benchmark. It explains how inflation trends, exchange rates, and regional development policies shape real purchasing power across different cities and lifestyles.
India Briefing
Labor Compliance Calendar for Liaison Offices in India (FY 2026–27)
Liaison Offices (LOs) in India must follow the FY 2026-27 compliance calendar covering labor codes and the new income tax framework. Key requirements include RBI/FEMA reporting, quarterly TDS filings, and state-specific Shops & Establishments Act.
TDS Compliance & DTAA Optimization: A Guide to India’s Income-tax Act, 2025 for FY 2026-27
A comprehensive guide to India’s new TDS regime in FY 2026-27 for businesses and foreign investors. Learn about withholding tax on debt, capital gains, and technical services under the Income-tax Act, 2025.
Rethinking Payroll Under India's Income Tax Rules 2026: Employer Accountability in Salary and TDS
Ensure your payroll is compliant with India’s Income Tax Rules, 2026, effective April 1. Learn more about new TDS norms, HRA documentation, and perquisite valuation under the Income-tax Act, 2025.
Social Security Code 2020: Universal Coverage, Reporting Digitized
India’s Social Security Code 2020 expands EPF and ESIC coverage and extends social protection to gig & platform workers. For employers and investors, this is a major compliance reset with simplified processes, lower penalties, and a digital-first regulatory environment.
Vietnam Briefing
Mapping Adidas’ Supply Chain in Vietnam: Clusters, Logistics, and Labor Dynamics
Over the last decade or so Adidas has greatly increased its presence in Vietnam. Here’s where they're located and why they’re there.
Corporate Restructuring Amid Global Turbulence: How Vietnam Businesses Are Adapting
Vietnamese businesses are increasingly turning to corporate restructuring to navigate global turbulence, including rising tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and cost pressures.
Vietnam’s Labor Market in 2026: Hiring Hotspots and Talent Shifts
Vietnam’s labor market enters 2026 with stronger headline momentum but a more selective hiring environment.
Decree 29/2026: Vietnam Operationalizes its First Carbon Trading Market
Vietnam launched its first carbon trading exchange, establishing an operational framework and piloting GHG quota allocation for 2025–2026.
ASEAN Briefing
Choosing Between BOI and Non-BOI Companies in Thailand for Foreign Investors
Understand whether a BOI or non-BOI company in Thailand makes financial sense based on tax benefits, ownership control, setup timelines, and compliance requirements.
Foreign Business License in Thailand — Do You Need One?
Foreign investors must know when a Foreign Business License in Thailand is required, key exemptions, capital rules, and compliance steps.
VAT on Cross-Border Digital and Service Transactions in Vietnam: What Foreign Businesses Must Get Right
Foreign businesses face VAT exposure from the first transaction in Vietnam. Explore key risks, pricing implications, and structuring considerations.
Branch vs Subsidiary in Vietnam: Corporate Income Tax Impact
Planning entry into Vietnam? Understand how corporate tax shapes profit allocation, repatriation, and risk when choosing your structure.