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.
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.
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.
From 14 to 16 April 2024, Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz paid a visit to China with a sizeable delegation comprising heads of a dozen industrial giants. The visit coincided with the 52nd year of diplomatic relations between Germany and China and the 10th year of the all-round strategic partnership between Germany and China. This article covers significant events such as Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to China, the robust bilateral trade figures, highlighting China’s longstanding role as Germany’s largest trading partner in recent years. Additionally, the article explores German investment trends, opportunities, and challenges in China.
The “Guangdong Maritime Economy Development Report (2024)” highlights that Guangdong has held the top spot in China’s maritime economy for 29 years. In 2023, its maritime GDP was 1.87781 trillion RMB, comprising 13.8% of the regional GDP. The maritime industry, including emerging sectors like marine pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, contributed significantly to regional growth. Technological advancements and international cooperation, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, have bolstered its maritime sector’s robust performance.
The China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, which took effect on May 1, 2024, marks a significant advancement in economic relations between the two nations. By immediately eliminating tariffs on 60% of goods, with plans to extend this to 90%, the agreement opens up expansive trade and investment opportunities. This treaty not only facilitates a reduction in trade barriers but also promotes economic growth and cooperation. The immediate impact is seen in sectors ranging from agriculture in Ecuador to manufacturing in China, fostering a dynamic economic partnership.
Hong Kong’s new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) is set to attract high-net-worth investors, reinforcing the city’s status as a global financial hub. Launched on March 1, 2024, the scheme enables international and Chinese investors to gain residency in Hong Kong by investing in specific asset classes. To help you leverage the New CIES, this article provides an overview of the eligibility criteria, the range of investment assets that fall within scope, and details regarding the application procedure.
Do you own a non-listed company in Hong Kong? You may be eligible to apply for funding under the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (“BUD Fund”) to support your expansion efforts outside Hong Kong. This article will walk you through the eligibility criteria, funding scope, allocated funding amounts, and a step-by-step guide to navigating the application procedure under the different BUD schemes.
At the forefront of innovative development, Shenzhen has captured the interest of foreign investors around the world. At the start of August 2023, the Shenzhen Municipal Government issued three documents, each containing a clutch of measures, to comprehensively optimise the city’s business environment and facilitate foreign investment. This article will delve into how the newly implemented set of measures can enable foreign businesses to operate and invest in Shenzhen and the GBA with greater ease.
The Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Zhuhai, is a significant development area aimed at supporting the growth and economic diversification of Zhuhai. It is part of the regional development plan for the Greater Bay Area of China. Hengqin Island, the largest island of Zhuhai situated next to Macao, has been a focal point for development efforts. In this article, we explore the economic potential of Zhuhai and highlight the advantageous industries and preferential tax policies within the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
CW CPA is a professional advisory and CPA firm offering accounting and financial reporting, audit and assurance, corporate secretarial, HR process outsourcing, tax advisory and China consulting services, with offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai in China, Barcelona in Spain, London in the UK, Bogotá in Colombia, Belo Horizonte and São Paulo in Brazil. CW CPA is a member of Allinial Global, an award-winning association of legally independent accounting and consulting firms whose members collaborate to bring their clients best-in-class solutions.
