Market Entry & Industry Updates
Key Takeaways from China’s Two Sessions 2025: Economic Policy Priorities and What They Mean for Foreign Investors
On 11 March 2025, China wrapped up its yearly Two Sessions on a promising note, signalling encouraging prospects ahead. The Two Sessions refer to the annual meetings of the national legislature, the National People’s Congress, and the political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. They bring together policymakers to deliberate on the country’s key economic and social policy direction for the year. Marking the last year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, 2025 prioritises stability while concurrently building on forward momentum for growth and development.
China’s Ambitious 2025 Action Plan to Spur Foreign Investment
On 19 February 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) and National Development and Reform Commission jointly issued the 2025 Action Plan for Stabilising Foreign Investment (“Action Plan”). Policymakers have repeatedly affirmed the pivotal role played by foreign investment in the pursuit of high-quality opening-up. The Action Plan, therefore, serves as the logical and natural continuation of these long-standing efforts to nurture innovative productive forces. The 20 measures under 4 aspects specified in the Action Plan are to be implemented nationwide by the end of 2025. Details regarding ancillary measures to facilitate their effective and efficient implementation will be released in due course.
Hong Kong budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Hong Kong’s 2025-26 Budget, announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan, focuses on economic growth through innovation and industry upgrades. Key measures include tax reliefs, enterprise support, and incentives for technology, finance, trade, and green development. Salaries and profits tax reductions, SME financing support, and infrastructure investments aim to boost competitiveness. While Hong Kong faces geopolitical and economic challenges, the budget prioritizes stability and long-term growth. The government maintains its simple tax regime and introduces targeted initiatives to strengthen its business hub status. CW welcomes these measures, supporting businesses in navigating opportunities and ensuring sustainable development.
China Economic Outlook 2025
China’s economic outlook for 2025 signals a year of transformation, marked by shifts towards high-tech production, consumption-driven growth, and sustainable development. With GDP expected to grow by at least 5%, government policies are focusing on stimulating domestic demand, stabilizing the property sector, and expanding green energy and healthcare industries. Key initiatives include consumer trade-in programs, fiscal stimulus, and monetary easing. While global trade tensions pose challenges, China’s strategic diversification and policy adaptability position it for resilience. As 2025 unfolds, China remains committed to innovation, high-quality growth, and economic stability.
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.
