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

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August 20, 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:

China FDI in H1 2026: What MOFCOM's H1 Data Reveals

China’s FDI 2026 data show a 5% H1 decline alongside a 5.3% rise in newly registered foreign enterprises, signalling cautious but sustained investor engagement even as capital moves toward higher-value sectors.

Corporate Secretarial Services Hong Kong – Finding A Strategic Partner

Corporate secretarial services in Hong Kong extend well beyond regulatory compliance, directly shaping a company's governance strength, fundraising readiness, and risk exposure. This article outlines what separates a strategic corporate secretarial partner from a purely administrative one.

Vietnam Strengthens Beneficial Ownership and AML Requirements

Resolution No. 66.23/2026/NQ-CP, issued on July 24, 2026, amends selected provisions of the 2022 Law on Anti-Money Laundering and related regulations. The changes focus on beneficial ownership, customer due diligence, legal arrangements, risk classification, and customer information updates.

Corporate Tax Residency in Indonesia: A Complete Guide

Determine whether your company qualifies as a tax resident in Indonesia and how residency status affects corporate tax obligations, treaty access, and cross-border operations.

Investing in South India: Comparing States, Sectors, and Opportunities for Foreign Firms

India’s five southern states, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, account for 33.6 per cent of the country’s combined GDP. Their strong consumer markets are complemented by established clusters across technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, export-oriented industries, and business services.

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COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

An Employer’s Guide to Wage, Payroll, and HR Compliance in India in 2026

This issue explains how India’s labor codes, state-level minimum wage rules, employment models, contractor risks, payroll TDS obligations, and the Income-tax Act, 2025 affect workforce planning, compensation structuring, HR administration, and employee exits.

Vietnam's New Personal Data Protection Rules: Compliance, Governance, and Risk Management Guide

Vietnam’s New Personal Data Protection Rules: Compliance, Governance, and Risk Management Guide explores the regulatory requirements, implementation challenges, and risk management considerations companies should address to ensure compliance and support sustainable digital operations.

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