Amendment to CEPA Provides Enhanced Access to Mainland Markets
The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (“CEPA”) amendment between mainland China and Hong Kong, effective 1 March 2025, expands market access for Hong Kong businesses. Covering trade in goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation, CEPA now includes liberalisation measures in sectors like construction, financial services, and tourism. Key updates include easing equity ownership limits and professional service restrictions. Hong Kong enterprises can also capitalize on premier legal and arbitration services for Mainland operations. While most measures apply nationwide, select pilot initiatives focus on the Greater Bay Area, highlighting enhanced integration and opportunities for Hong Kong-based companies in a growing market.
China Adjusts Export Tax Rebates for Certain Goods
On 15 November 2024, China announced significant changes to its export tax rebate policies, effective 1 December 2024. The elimination of rebates for aluminium, copper, and certain biofuels, along with a reduction in rebate rates for batteries and refined oil products, is set to impact businesses across key sectors. This shift aims to address the financial burdens faced by exporters under the current VAT framework. Companies must now evaluate how these adjustments affect their operations and develop strategies to navigate the evolving landscape. Discover how these changes could reshape the export market and what it means for your business.
Shenzhen Strengthens Support for Venture Capital Ecosystem
On 24 October 2024, the Shenzhen Municipal Committee’s Office of the Financial Committee promulgated the Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of Venture Capital Investment in Shenzhen (“Action Plan”). The document was released as a consultation draft, inviting public input. The deadline for feedback submission was 31 October 2024.
Key Measures Unveiled in Hong Kong 2024 Policy Address
On 16 October 2024, the HKSAR Government unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 Policy Address themed around continuous development and renewal. Accordingly, the Policy Address is titled “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”.
A broad array of initiatives are presented in the Policy Address to solidify Hong Kong’s status as a leading international financial and innovation centre. New growth areas will be explored and tapped into in order to facilitate comprehensive economic and social development.
Hong Kong Publishes Outcomes from Pillar Two Tax Regime Consultation
Between December 2023 and March 2024, the HKSAR Government conducted a consultation on the Global Anti-Base Erosion (“GloBE”) Rules and the Hong Kong Minimum Top-up Tax (“HKMTT”). Upon the conclusion of the consultation, Hong Kong’s Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Department, has recently published a Legislative Council (“LegCo”) Paper. The document recapitulates the input gathered from various stakeholders and presents the government’s feedback based on the findings.
New Peruvian Port to Serve as Key Gateway for Latin America-Asia Trade
The Chancay Port in Peru, a $3.6 billion project funded by China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is set to transform trade between Latin America and Asia. Located 70-80 kilometers north of Lima, it can handle large ships and reduce shipping times by 10-20 days. While promising economic benefits for Peru, the project has raised concerns about China’s influence in the region.
Hong Kong Set to Revise Copyright Ordinance
Hong Kong’s Intellectual Property Department has concluded a two-month public consultation on copyright concerns related to AI advancements. The consultation focused on protecting AI-generated works, addressing copyright infringement liability, and introducing a potential text and data mining exception. The existing Copyright Ordinance can protect AI-generated works, treating them as “computer-generated” creations. The proposed changes aim to balance AI development promotion with copyright protection.
China’s 136th Canton Fair Ends on High Note
From 15 October to 4 November 2024, the 136th Canton Fair in Guangzhou welcomed a record-breaking 253,000 attendees from 214 nations, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous session. Buyers from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries accounted for over 60% of participants, with Middle Eastern attendees rising by 32.6%. Export deals totaled USD 24.95 billion, driven by growing interest from U.S. and European markets. Enhanced digital platforms and innovative product showcases underscored the fair’s role as a catalyst for global trade.
China’s New Beneficial Owner Disclosure Rules: Key Insights for Businesses
Effective November 1, 2024, the Administrative Measures on Beneficial Owner Information mandate that companies, partnerships, and foreign company branches in China disclose beneficial ownership details to enhance market transparency and combat money laundering. Issued by the People’s Bank of China (PBC) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the Measures align China with global standards set by the G20 and FATF. Non-compliance may lead to fines up to 50,000 yuan. The disclosed information remains confidential and accessible only to authorized government and AML institutions, emphasizing the need for proactive compliance.
China Promulgated the Negative List 2024 for Foreign Investment Access at National Level
On November 1, 2024, China enacted the “Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (2024 Edition),” repealing the previous list published at the end of 2021. Compared with the 2021 edition, the 2024 national Negative List for Foreign Investment Access has removed the last two remaining restrictions in the manufacturing sector. The number of restricted items on the national Negative List has been reduced from 31 to 29.