Other Briefings
Manila Appoints Crack Legal Team to Oppose Beijing
Sept. 29 – The government of the Philippines has assembled a “formidable” international legal team to fight its case against China’s claims in the South China Sea before a United Nations arbitration tribunal. The Philippines’ lead legal counsel, Washington-based Maritime law expert Paul Reichler, has said his five-strong team includes British law professors Philippe Sands […]
Singapore Tightens Employment Rules For Foreigners
The Singapore government today announced rules that will require many companies operating in the country to consider Singaporeans for skilled job vacancies before turning to candidates from abroad.
New Issue of Asia Briefing: Work Visa and Permit Procedures Across Asia
In this edition of Asia Briefing Magazine, we outline the specific documents required for foreign nationals working in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as highlight the relevant application processes in each of these countries. Attention is also given to the role of the sponsoring company and the regulations they must adhere to.
Philippines President Cancels China-ASEAN Trade Fair Visit
Pressure from Beijing over United Nations legal action causes rift amid “concerns for safety” at Nanning Expo Sept. 3 – The Philippines’ President Benigno Aquino has cancelled a visit to the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning after Chinese officials demanded he first withdraw a legal complaint over the South China Sea the Philippines has lodged with […]
ASEAN Economic Ministers Meet in Brunei
Aug. 22 – The 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers Meeting (AEMM) was held in Brunei this past Monday. Upon arrival the ASEAN ministers held a joint press conference at which they expressed their happiness about the strong economic performance and resilience of ASEAN in 2012. Specifically, the ministers noted that all […]
Singapore’s RMB Business Up 80% in Three Months
Singaporean banks, arguably the financial apex of ASEAN, have reported an 80 percent increase in the number of local companies using China’s national currency, the renminbi (RMB), to settle transactions.
Mauritius to Tighten India Tax Treaty Loophole, Singapore to Benefit
Jul. 26 – Mauritius, long the largest sender of foreign direct investment into India thanks to a loophole in its tax treaty which allows Mauritius-based holding companies to offset capital gains taxes (CGT), is finally looking to close this loophole following pressure from the Indian government. The Indian government has estimated that over US$74 billion […]
ASEAN Expected to Commence FTA Talks with Hong Kong
Jul. 23 – According to Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc and Hong Kong are expected to begin negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). This agreement would rapidly expand the volume of trade and investment between the two sides. Currently in the preparatory stage, the agreement […]
New Issue of Asia Briefing: An Introduction to Tax Treaties Throughout Asia
In this issue of Asia Briefing Magazine, we look at the various types of trade and tax treaties that exist between Asian nations. These include bilateral investment treaties and also the meatier double tax treaties and free trade agreements that directly affect businesses operating in Asia.
Speculation that China May Join TPP Talks
Jun. 7 – With Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting the United States over this upcoming weekend, speculation is growing that as an olive branch to be offered to develop trust between the two countries, China might be invited to join talks over joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership. China has been highly critical of the TPP bloc, […]
