Mainland China Investments in Taiwan Now Permitted
May 1 – New laws allowing Mainland Chinese companies to invest in Taiwan came into effect today, bringing to an end 60 years of cross-straits B2B restrictions. Previously, Chinese companies wanting to invest in Taiwan had to establish Hong Kong or other entities to do so, and even this was considered not politically prudent. The […]
Foreign Businesses Permitted to List in Shanghai
SHANGHAI, Apr. 30 – China’s State Council yesterday approved plans to permit, on a trial basis, overseas companies to list on the Shanghai stock exchange. The ratification allows foreign companies to list on the exchange, to use RMB for trade settlements, and to float shares in RMB denominated bonds. The government also permitted Shanghai to […]
New Regulation on Releasing Financial Info
Apr. 30 – China’s State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Commerce, and State Administration for Industry and Commerce has announced a new regulation regarding the release of financial information in the country by foreign organizations. Effective June 1, the rule will include the approval, investment, supervision and legal responsibilities for foreign organizations in the […]
Hong Kong Announces Strict Measures Against Swine Flu
Apr. 27 – Once the epicenter of a SARS outbreak, Hong Kong,has announced that it would implement strict measures in response to the reported swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the United States. According to the U.S.’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 20 cases have been already been confirmed in New York, […]
Food Safety Law to Require Registration for Foreign Importers
Apr. 24 – Following the draft of a new food safety law, foreign food importers will need to register with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) every four years to ensure the safety of their products. The new law is set to take effect on June 1. A draft implementation rule […]
New Postal Law May Limit Foreign Companies
Apr. 24 – China’s new legislation for postal services may restrict foreign companies from competing with domestic firms. The new Postal Law on the express delivery of documents is currently in its final stages and is expected to be approved soon when the standing committee of the National People’s Congress meet. There is an article […]
China to Restrict F Visas for 60th Anniversary
SHANGHAI, Apr. 22 – In preparation for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, there has been talk that the government may restrict F visas beginning this month. The preparations for a large national celebration of the October 1, 1949 founding are already underway and should Beijing elect to tighten […]
Five Year Tax Exemptions for Media and ‘Cultural’ Industries
Apr. 14 -The Chinese government has announced a preferential tax policy spanning five years to help boost the country’s “cultural industries.” According to the Ministry of Finance, cultural companies will be qualified for an exemption of value-added tax, business tax or import duties from 2009 to 2013. Cultural companies are defined as those dealing with […]