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May 28, 2026

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Weekly business and foreign investment news roundup in Asia

by Asia Briefing and Dezan Shira & Associates (An Ascentium Company).

ASIA EDITION

TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

The Xi-Trump Summit Follow-Up: What Was Agreed—and What Was Not

The long-awaited Xi–Trump Beijing Summit produced only limited tangible results.

However, it helped ease key disagreements between the two sides. Both countries agreed to expand agricultural trade and launch new trade and investment cooperation mechanisms.

Hong Kong’s IPOs Rebound as Chinese Tech Taps New Source of Capital

Hong Kong IPO activity surged in 2025, with HKEX ranking first globally by funds raised and new listings. Companies considering a primary or secondary listing should factor in cross-border structuring, dual compliance requirements, and ongoing corporate governance obligations from the outset.

Vietnam Raises Statutory Basic Salary from July 2026: Implications for Employers

Vietnam’s government has issued Decree No. 161/2026/ND-CP, introducing an increase to the country’s statutory pay rate, effective July 1, 2026. Employers should review payroll structures, labor cost forecasts, and HR compliance systems ahead of the implementation date.

India–Italy Trade Roadmap: Where European Companies Should Look for Opportunity

India and Italy are targeting €20 billion in bilateral trade by 2029, with cooperation expected to deepen across advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, critical minerals, connectivity, and innovation. For Italian and European companies, the roadmap points to stronger market-entry, supply chain, and industrial partnership opportunities in India’s priority growth sectors.

Using Nominee Directors in Singapore: What Foreign-Owned Companies Need to Manage

Every Singapore-incorporated company must appoint at least one ordinarily resident director, including foreign-owned, dormant, and pre-revenue entities. Nominee director arrangements can help meet this requirement, but investors must also manage governance control, banking scrutiny, tax substance expectations, and director liability from the outset.

UAE Real Estate Tax: What Property Owners and Investors Should Review

The UAE is no longer automatically tax-free for all real estate investors. Property owners, foreign investors, and holding companies should assess how corporate tax, VAT, free zone rules, transfer fees, and ownership structures may affect profitability, compliance exposure, and long-term investment planning.

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COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

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