Establishing Trading Companies in Waigaoqiao

November 2003 China Briefing

This Shanghai special issue covers the establishment of trading companies in Shanghais Waigaoqiao free trade zone, Shanghai demographics and the income and spending power of the Shanghainese, a piece on claiming back VAT upon export in China, and an overview of Shanghai's Pudong area. Chris Devonshire-Ellis, Senior Partner, Dezan Shira & Associates, writes "Establishing Trading Companies in Shanghai Waigaoqiao" and identifies the application procedures and types of business operations suitable for investment in the zone. Lulu Zhang, Regional Partner, Dezan Shira & Associates Shanghai, writes about "Export Tax, VAT Rebates & Obtaining Tax Exemption In China" and details VAT and export tax rebate policies, the correct procedures for the calculation of VAT, which items are VAT exempt, and the conditions over VAT liabilities arising. The article also specifies the issues over qualifying for China export tax rebates and the circumstances surrounding these. Laetitia Henon-Hilaire of Dezan Shira & Associates research arm contributes an overview "Income & Spending Power of the Shanghainese", with indicators of urban and rural incomes in Shanghai, per capita disposable income levels, and consumption patterns in Shanghai.