TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

Register Your Trademark in China Before Market Entry

China generally follows a first-to-file trademark system, meaning another party can secure rights before a foreign brand launches. We explain why trademark registration should form part of market-entry planning and how early filing can reduce brand, licensing, and expansion risks.

Hong Kong Holding Companies: When China’s 5% Dividend Tax Rate May Be Denied

Recent enforcement highlights the risk of losing China’s preferential 5 percent dividend withholding tax rate where treaty conditions are not met. We explain the key risk factors, how businesses should assess historical exposure, and what can strengthen future treaty claims.

Bookkeeping in India: What Foreign-Owned Companies Must Get Right

Foreign-owned companies in India must maintain statutory books and records while managing tax, GST, payroll, and intercompany accounting requirements. This guide outlines the key compliance areas businesses should address to keep their finance function audit-ready.

Indonesia VAT Reverse Charge: When Does It Apply?

Indonesia’s VAT reverse-charge mechanism can apply when businesses purchase services or intangible goods from overseas, including certain intra-group transactions. We explain when the rules apply and what Indonesian companies should review to manage VAT exposure correctly.

Working in Vietnam in 2026: Visas, Work Permits, Tax, and Social Insurance

Foreign employees and their employers must navigate interconnected visa, work-permit, employment, tax, and social insurance requirements. This practical guide explains the principal rules and procedures applicable in Vietnam in 2026.

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

India Market Entry in Motion: Trade, Distribution, FTAs, and Scale-Up Strategy

Rather than treating exports, FTAs, and incorporation as separate decisions, this guide presents them as an integrated market-entry strategy, helping businesses reduce risks, strengthen compliance, and build a foundation for sustainable growth in one of the world's fastest growing major economies.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR ASIA:

Managing Hong Kong Tax Exposure: Navigating FSIE and Offshore Profits Claims

SSeminar | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 4:00 PM, 16/F, Wing On Centre, 111 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

From Vietnam to Singapore: The 2026 Outbound Investment Dialogue

Seminar | Thursday, September 17 (GMT+7) | The Sentry C, 15 Le Thanh Ton street, D1, HCMC