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Insights

CW CPA Professional Insights on China and Cross-Border Business

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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.
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