TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

China’s August 2026 Tax Brief: Foreign Dividend Relief Ends and VAT Compliance Tightens

China's dividend tax exemption for foreign individuals has come to an end after 32 years, and it's the headline story in this month's tax brief. This issue also covers a major VAT clarification on non-taxable transactions, tighter restricted-share rules for listed companies, and an updated China-Norway tax treaty.

Best Accountants in Hong Kong: A Guide for Foreign Investors

This guide explains what accountants in Hong Kong do, compares the main types of firms, from the Big Four to regional advisory practices, and sets out the criteria foreign investors should apply when selecting a provider.

Vietnam’s New Penalties for Customs Violations: A Guide to Decree 169

Decree 169/2026/ND-CP, effective from 1 July 2026, replaces the previous customs penalty framework. This article explains the key changes, penalty calculation rules, compliance implications for importers and FDI manufacturers, and practical steps for staying compliant.

Can Companies Use Publicly Available Personal Data Under India’s DPDP Act?

India’s DPDP Act excludes certain publicly available personal data from its scope. Companies using public data for scraping, aggregation, AI, and commercial purposes should understand the statutory exclusion and related compliance considerations.

Which Sector-Specific Licenses Do Foreign Investors Need in Indonesia?

Foreign investors establishing a company in Indonesia may need sector-specific approvals before operations can begin. The requirements depend on the company’s activities under the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI) 2025, their risk level, and any additional rules for the relevant sector.

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

Seminar | 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