Promoting High-Quality Development: Interpretation of New Policies for the Financial Leasing Industry in Shanghai’s Lin-gang Special Area
On December 12, 2024, the Lin-gang Special Area of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone introduced new measures to promote high-quality financial leasing development. These policies aim to enhance competitiveness through optimized business environments, financial support, and industry-specific incentives. Key areas of focus include civil aviation, medical equipment, and green leasing, alongside fostering cross-border innovation and talent development. Effective from January 1, 2025, these measures will shape a dynamic financial leasing ecosystem. Companies should leverage these policies, strengthen financial partnerships, and expand internationally to maximize growth opportunities, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative.
New Policies in Development of Western China: Catalogue of Encouraging Industries in Western China (2025 Version)
The Catalogue of Encouraging Industries in Western China (2025 Version) is a policy document that outlines the industries that the Chinese government encourages for investment and development in its western regions. The 2025 version aims to further boost the economic growth in western China by providing attractive incentives for both domestic and foreign investors. The industries listed in this catalogue are considered essential for the region’s modernization and sustainable development. These industries encompass various sectors, including high-tech, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and ecological protection.
German Companies Deepen Investment in China Amid Strategic Growth in 2024 and 2025
German companies are intensifying their investments in China, signaling strong confidence in the market’s long-term potential. Key sectors like automotive, chemicals, and fashion are leading this growth. Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are advancing electric vehicle (EV) innovations tailored for China, while BASF commits €10 billion to a new chemical production facility. Hugo Boss is expanding its retail footprint to capture China’s demand for premium products. With €7.3 billion in Foreign Direct Investment in the first half of 2024, Germany’s “In China, for China” strategy emphasizes localization and sustainability. Despite geopolitical challenges, German firms remain focused on fostering strategic growth and partnerships.
Navigating the New Anti-Money Laundering Landscape: A Compliance Guide to China’s 2024 Anti-Money Laundering Law for Foreign-Invested and Outbound Enterprises
The 2024 revision of China’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Law brings significant updates to combat financial crimes. Effective January 1, 2025, the law introduces a risk-based approach, expands predicate offenses, and strengthens compliance obligations for financial institutions. Foreign-invested and outbound enterprises must adopt robust AML practices, including thorough due diligence and transparent financial transactions. Advanced technologies like AI and blockchain are encouraged for AML monitoring, reflecting the law’s focus on evolving risks. The revision also emphasizes international cooperation, aligning China’s efforts with global AML standards and reinforcing compliance for enterprises with cross-border operations.
New Implementing Measures for Company Registration in China
The State Administration for Market Regulation issued Order No. 95, introducing new Implementing Measures for the Administration of Company Registration in China, effective February 10, 2025. These regulations aim to enhance transparency, compliance, and efficiency in company registration, affecting both domestic and foreign enterprises. Key highlights include stricter oversight of capital contributions, mandatory registration liaison officers, and detailed requirements for intermediaries. Companies must also align their business scope with capital requirements and adhere to market access policies. CW provides expert guidance to ensure compliance with these measures and streamline the registration process in China.
Hong Kong Signs Free Trade Agreement with Peru
On 15 November 2024, Hong Kong and Peru signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima. The agreement covers competition, intellectual property, investment, trade in goods and services, and online commerce, among other strategic areas. It grants Hong Kong enterprises access to over 150 Peruvian industries, surpassing WTO commitments. The FTA provides a stable legal framework to boost commerce, fostering opportunities for Hong Kong businesses to expand into Latin America. With bilateral trade growing steadily—merchandise at 4% annually (2019-2023) and services at 16.3% annually (2018-2022)—this partnership solidifies economic ties.
China Extends Annual Public Holiday Entitlement
Effective 1 January 2025, China’s revised Regulation on Public Holidays increases the annual public holiday entitlement from 11 to 13 days. Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve and 2nd May (Labour Day festivities) have been added, extending the Spring Festival holiday to four days and Labour Day holiday to two days. Employers must update employee handbooks, adjust overtime pay calculations to reflect triple pay on these new holidays, and revise payroll calculations considering fewer average working days. These changes provide employees with more rest days while prompting businesses to ensure compliance with adjusted policies and legal requirements.
China Pushes for Nationwide Adoption of Fully Digitalised E-Invoices
Effective 1 December 2024, China’s State Administration of Taxation (SAT) has implemented fully digitalised e-invoices, or e-fapiao, nationwide. This initiative simplifies invoicing processes, replacing traditional paper-based invoices with a streamlined digital format featuring 17 key elements, including a unique 20-digit identification code. Legally equivalent to paper invoices, the e-invoice reduces administrative burden and enhances tax compliance. The move underscores China’s commitment to modernizing tax administration while promoting efficiency and standardization for businesses and consumers. By eliminating the need for duplicate copies, the digital system improves usability and supports the broader digital transformation of the country’s financial ecosystem.
China Gives Green Light to Establish Wholly Foreign-Owned Hospitals
China’s new pilot work plan, effective 29 November 2024, permits wholly foreign-owned hospitals in nine key cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This initiative aims to enhance the healthcare sector with innovative service models, cutting-edge technologies, and improved local medical capacity. Eligible investors must demonstrate expertise in hospital management and address gaps in healthcare provision. Exclusions apply to hospitals specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, psychiatric care, or high-risk procedures. By fostering foreign participation, China seeks to meet growing healthcare demands while maintaining strict oversight of ethical and medical risks in this highly regulated industry.
Amendment to CEPA Provides Enhanced Access to Mainland Markets
The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (“CEPA”) amendment between mainland China and Hong Kong, effective 1 March 2025, expands market access for Hong Kong businesses. Covering trade in goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation, CEPA now includes liberalisation measures in sectors like construction, financial services, and tourism. Key updates include easing equity ownership limits and professional service restrictions. Hong Kong enterprises can also capitalize on premier legal and arbitration services for Mainland operations. While most measures apply nationwide, select pilot initiatives focus on the Greater Bay Area, highlighting enhanced integration and opportunities for Hong Kong-based companies in a growing market.