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
China’s 2025 Local GDP Results and 2026 Targets
The 2025 regional GDP results reveal new patterns of development across the country, with some provinces benefitting from manufacturing and tech booms and others impacted by tariff pressure and weak domestic demand.
China’s Import-Export in 2025: Full-Year Data, Trends, and 2026 Outlook
China’s trade performance in 2025 highlighted a widening surplus, resilient exports, and a gradual recovery in imports led by industrial inputs. The data points to a structural shift toward higher-value trade and greater reliance on private-sector exporters.
Why China is Still the Top Manufacturing Destination in Asia
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.
Beyond Zero Tariffs – What Hainan’s New Customs Zone Means for Industry, Investors, and the Island
Effective December 18, 2025, the new Hainan customs zone introduces a two-line tariff system to boost processing and trade activities. It offers duty-free benefits for imports used within the island and incentives for value-added industries.
India Briefing
What Counts as an “Industry” Under Indian Law? Supreme Court to Decide on March 17-18
India’s Supreme Court will revisit the definition of “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, a ruling that could directly influence the interpretation and implementation of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
FAQs: What Foreign Investors and Multinational SMEs Need to Know About India’s Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Discover how India’s Industrial Relations Code, 2020 affects hiring, retrenchment, FTE models, compliance, and dispute resolution for foreign investors and MNCs entering the Indian market.
Gujarat Updates Labor Rules for Shops & Commercial Establishments
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.
How India’s New Labor Codes Will Reshape M&A Transactions in 2026
India’s four new labor codes, notified on November 21, 2025, are going to influence mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities in India in FY 2026-27 by turning workforce compliance into a core financial and deal-structuring issue.
Vietnam Briefing
Vietnam’s Cybersecurity and Data Protection Rules: A Compliance Roadmap for Businesses
As Vietnam’s digital economy grows, businesses must navigate cybersecurity and data protection rules to stay compliant and maintain customer trust.
Resolution 79: What Vietnam’s SOE Strategy Means for Private Businesses
Vietnam’s Resolution 79 positions state-owned enterprises as strategic anchors, reshaping opportunities for private-sector growth.
The Green Transition in Vietnam’s Industrial Parks: Part 2 – Implementation, Energy, and Circular Models
This article focuses on the practical mechanisms by which industrial parks reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen competitiveness.
Preparing for Vietnam’s Special Consumption Tax Changes in 2026: Key Compliance Highlights
Vietnam applies new Special Consumption Tax rules from January 1, 2026, detailing key changes and compliance impacts for businesses.
ASEAN Briefing
Minimum Capital Requirements for Foreign Investors in Malaysia: Sector-Specific Rules Explained
Foreign investors should assess Malaysia’s sector-specific capital thresholds, licensing triggers, and practical requirements before market entry to avoid restructuring risk.
Selecting the Right Transfer Pricing Method in Vietnam: TNMM, CUP, or Cost-Plus
Foreign investors assessing TNMM, CUP, or Cost-Plus in Vietnam must align profit allocation with audit risk and enforcement practice.
Vietnam Year-End Closing and Audit Preparation for Foreign-Invested Enterprises
Foreign investors should assess Vietnam’s year-end closing rules, statutory audits, tax risks, and profit repatriation limits.
How Indonesia’s PT PMA Structure Fits Foreign Ownership and Control Requirements
Foreign investors can use a PT PMA to secure ownership control capital structure and profit repatriation in Indonesia.