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
Cross-Border Data Transfer - New Provisions Clarify Contract Procedure for Personal Information Export
New draft provisions clarify how companies can export personal information by signing a "standard contract".
China’s Cloud Computing Market: Developments and Opportunities for Foreign Players
China's cloud computing market is the fastest-growing in the world. We discuss how the industry is developing and the opportunities available for foreign businesses.
GDPR Versus PIPL - Key Differences and Implications for Compliance in China
How different are Chinese and European data regulations? We compare the requirements under the PIPL vs GDPR and discuss steps for companies to be compliant.
New Specifications for Cross-Border Processing of Personal Information for MNCs
We discuss the requirements for MNCs in China to engage in cross-border personal information processing.
India Briefing
What Are the Outcomes of India's 47th GST Council Meeting? Rate Revisions, Withdrawal of Exemptions, Easing Compliance
It has been five years since the roll-out of India's GST indirect tax regime.
Electric Vehicle Industry in India: Why Foreign Investors Should Pay Attention
The electric vehicle industry in India benefits from 100% FDI allowed, new manufacturing incentives, and increased subsidies under FAME-II.
India’s New Plastic Waste Management Rules Effective from July 1, 2022
Businesses must note that single use plastic will be banned in India from July 1, 2022, and noncompliance will trigger penalties.
India Extends GST Compensation Cess Levy till March 2026
India has extended the GST compensation cess for four years, which will keep tax rates high on notified goods like tobacco and cars.
Vietnam Briefing
US Exempts Tariffs on Vietnamese Solar Panels for 2 Years: What to Expect
Vietnam Briefing highlights the recent tariff exemption of Vietnamese solar panels by the US and opportunities for solar panel manufacturers.
Why Manufacturing is Driving Vietnam’s Growth
Vietnam Briefing examines why manufacturing is driving Vietnam's growth and the factors contributing to Vietnam as a China plus one destination.
Vietnam's Solar Industry: Bright Prospects for Investors
Vietnam Briefing highlights the recent boom in Vietnam's solar industry and the future trajectory of solar energy development in the country.
Renewables in Vietnam: Current Opportunities and Future Outlook
Vietnam is making a big push into the renewable energy sector to meet its increasing demand and ensuring energy security.
ASEAN Briefing
Indonesia Makes Changes for the Disbursement of Old Age Security Funds
Employees in Indonesia will not have to wait until the age of 56 to withdraw their JHT / old age security funds. We discuss the new criteria.
Increase in Social Insurance Rates for Foreign Employees in Vietnam
Since January 1, 2022, foreign workers in Vietnam have been subject to increased social insurance rates.
Singapore to Implement New Points System for Employment Pass Applicants From 2023
Singapore will introduce a new points system for Employment Pass (EP) applicants from 2023, in addition to higher qualifying salary thresholds.
Assessing the Current Human Resources Talent Pool in ASEAN
ASEAN is endowed with a diverse workforce but these are spread across different levels of the developmental spectrum.
Silk Road Briefing
Remember China’s Casinos In Southeast Asia? They Were Just Launch Pads For Infrastructure Developments
Using Chinese Gambling Losses To Create New Infrastructure By Chris Devonshire-Ellis Do you remember the Chinese casinos that began operating along the borders with China in Cambodia and Laos? The mega casino developments in Metro Manila in the Philippines? Well, it turns out that a little-known aspect of China’s Belt and Road Initiative has been[.....]
Azerbaijan’s Caspian Baku Port To Expand Cargo Traffic Infrastructure & Transshipment
Significant increases of shipping, road and rail transportation necessitate new facilities as Baku booms Azerbaijan is considering the implementation of numerous projects to boost Baku Ports freight cargo transshipments, Khudayar Gasanli, the Head of Baku Port Strategic Planning and Development has stated. According to Gansali, the demand for routes running through Azerbaijan is rapidly increasing[.....]
Civil Unrest In Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has seen mass civil unrest in its Western Karakalpakstan Province. Uzbekistan’s Prosecutor General, Abror Mamatov has said that “During the mass disturbances in Nukus, 18 people were killed, and 243 injured.” Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed an executive order introducing the state of emergency in Karakalpakstan, where riots emerged following proposed amendments to[.....]
China’s Belt & Road And Beyond – July 4 2022
Compiled By Chris Devonshire-Ellis Geopolitics NATO’s Strategic Concept 2022 Views 75% Of The BRICS Economies A Security Threat – Analysis (Silk Road Briefing) As NATO Grows, China and Russia Seek to Bring Iran, Saudi Arabia Into Fold (Newsweek) China Has Urged The West To Read The New 14th BRICS Summit Declaration Carefully. This Is What[.....]
Russia Briefing
Russia Looks To Mongolia To Further Develop China Trade & Connectivity
Arctic gas transit to China and increased Russia-China rail capacity on the agenda Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived yesterday (Tuesday, July 5) in the Mongolian capital, Ulaan Baatar, for talks with his Mongolian counterpart, Battsetseg Batmunkh, as well as with the President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and the chairman of State Great Khural, Gombojavyn Zandanshatar.
Russia Insisting Payment For Gas Supplies To Be Made In Rubles Only
EU will have to choose between maintaining its own sanctions or being cut off from LNG supplies Gazprom has proposed today (July 4) switching to only approving the payment for supplies of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to unfriendly countries in Rubles. This was announced on Monday, July 4, by Kirill Polous, deputy head of[.....]
Putin Visits Turkmenistan, Discusses Trade & Attends The Caspian Summit
Western media focuses on table sizes while the Summit discusses Caspian transportation and logistics that affect the EU, Middle-East, India, South Asia and China. Caspian States Leaders Meeting In Ashgabat By Chris Devonshire-Ellis Russian President Putin, fresh from his visit to Dushanbe to meet with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, arrived in Ashgabat last Wednesday to[.....]
Russian President Putin’s Central Asia Tour: Tajikistan
Russian President Vladimir Putin has started a mini tour of two Central Asian nations, arriving in the Tajikistan capital Dushanbe yesterday (Tuesday, June 29, 2022) to hold talks with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon. It is the second time Putin and Rahmon have met in two months – Rahmon was in Moscow in May to[.....]