Asia Briefing’s Latest Regulatory and Operational Updates for Asia Investors

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October 16, 2025

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Weekly business and foreign investment news roundup in Asia

by Asia Briefing and Dezan Shira & Associates.

ASIA EDITION

TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

New Procurement Rules Favor “Made in China”: Strategic Takeaways for Businesses

China’s new government procurement policy introduces a 20 percent price evaluation advantage for qualifying domestic products and sets clearer standards for what counts as “Made in China.” This poses challenges for foreign businesses, especially those with offshore production, but also opens doors through clearer rules and fairer competition.

Transshipment and Origin Risks: How Vietnam-Based Businesses Can Stay Compliant

The US administration has intensified scrutiny of transshipment practices via Vietnam, imposing steep tariffs and driving stricter origin compliance in 2025. With enforcement still evolving, the right strategy can turn risk into opportunity, especially for firms with genuine manufacturing operations in Vietnam.

GST in Singapore: When Overseas Vendors Must Register and Collect Tax

Foreign companies supplying goods or services to Singapore customers are subject to specific obligations under the country’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. For cross-border businesses, understanding when these obligations arise and how to comply is essential to maintaining access to the Singapore market.

India's Textile PLI Scheme: Extended Window Offers Fresh Entry Opportunity

India has again extended the application window for the Textile PLI Scheme until December 31, 2025. Businesses in the textile sector should act quickly to leverage the extended PLI window, as it offers a timely opportunity to secure incentives for scaling production and strengthening export competitiveness.

UAE Launches Mandatory E-Invoicing System: What Businesses Need to Know

The UAE has officially rolled out its e-invoicing system. The country’s first unified digital invoicing framework defines the legal, technical, and operational parameters for mandatory e-invoicing, positioning the UAE among global frontrunners in tax digitalization.

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