Chinese Enterprises Overseas Investment Support
In 2024, Chinese enterprises are poised to sustain a steady growth trajectory in overseas investments, with an increasing diversification of both investment sectors and geographic regions. While traditional markets in Europe and America remain important, there is a growing emphasis on countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The scope of investment is also broadening from traditional sectors like energy and minerals to encompass high-tech industries, manufacturing, services, and infrastructure, mirroring the transformation and upgrading of China’s economy and its rising prominence in the global value chain.
To effectively navigate the diverse market environments, Chinese enterprises are adopting a multifaceted approach to investment models, incorporating greenfield investments, mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, and joint ventures. In light of heightened global economic uncertainty, risk management has become a top priority, with enterprises mitigating potential risks through enhanced due diligence, optimized investment structures, and insurance coverage.
However, neglecting preliminary planning can expose Chinese enterprises to a myriad of risks in their overseas ventures:
- An ambiguous business model may lead to a lack of cultural fit and missed market opportunities;
- an inadequately designed investment structure can result in shareholder disputes and legal complications;
- insufficient tax planning can lead to double taxation and excessive tax burdens; and
- inadequate due diligence may obscure financial and legal risks.
These challenges can escalate operational costs, impede project progress, or in the worst-case scenario, result in investment failures and damage to the corporate reputation.
Therefore, engaging a professional firm for preliminary planning is paramount. A seasoned team can offer bespoke solutions, spanning business models, investment structures, tax planning, and due diligence, thereby comprehensively assessing risks and optimizing investment strategies to empower enterprises in their international expansion and facilitate long-term value creation.
CW CPA is dedicated to empowering Chinese enterprises to achieve successful global expansion. We possess a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by Chinese enterprises, coupled with a robust global professional service network, enabling us to deliver tailored and comprehensive solutions for “going global.”
“Go Out Club by CW is my curated membership platform designed to help ambitious Chinese enterprises expand globally with confidence. From compliant ODI filings to strategic tax structuring and access to a trusted global network — we’re your financial gateway to international success.”
– Thomas Wong, Partner, CW CPA
Member Benefits & Service Offerings
Strategic Advisory & Compliance
China ODI Filing Support
Ensure compliance with outbound investment regulatory requirements from NDRC, MOFCOM, SAFE, and local bureaus.Cross-Border Tax Structuring
Design efficient, risk-managed holding company structures tailored to the target markets (e.g. BVI, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE).
International Market Access
Global Professional Network Referrals
Curated introductions to trusted legal, accounting, HR, and compliance firms across 100+ jurisdictions — vetted by CW.Market Entry Partner Matching
Connect with overseas incorporation agents, employment solution providers, and IP lawyers aligned to your industry.
Networking & Credibility
- VIP Introductions & Closed-Door Events
Participate in high-trust business matching sessions with foreign firms, investors, and agencies. - Showcase Opportunities
Feature your company in our member success cases, spotlight reports, and outbound exhibitions.
China ODI Filing for Approval
Prior to making overseas direct investments (ODIs), Chinese enterprises are required to obtain approval or file with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Additionally, registration with a state-approved foreign exchange bank is mandatory before contributing capital to overseas entities. Our team possesses extensive experience in navigating the ODI filing process, ensuring seamless compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Investment Structure Advisory
We provide analysis of various investment structures such as direct investment or through investment holding companies. Additionally, we offer expert guidance on the selection of suitable investment holding vehicles, carefully considering factors such as tax efficiency, legal compliance, and operational flexibility.
Project Coordination and Professional Team Formation
We support clients throughout the overseas investment lifecycle by meticulously selecting and assembling teams of qualified professionals. These teams may include lawyers, accountants, market analysts, tax advisors, and other relevant experts. While technical aspects of the investment are expertly handled by local professionals on the ground, We make sure that the entire implementation process is seamless and efficient. We serve as a bridge to overcome the cultural, legal, and financial nuances that often arise between Chinese business practices and those of the target markets.
Local Resources Integration
We can develop 1-2 week on-site commercial itineraries tailored to your target markets. These planned itineraries encompass strategic meetings with key stakeholders in the local industrial parks, relevant government bodies, potential suppliers, and prospective customers. Our team leverages its extensive network and in-depth market knowledge to curate these interactions, ensuring that you gain valuable insights into the local business landscape and forge meaningful connections with potential partners.
Allinial Global Network – Extended Services
Our global partners help you execute on the ground in your destination market:
| # |
AG Member Services
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|
1 |
Local Company Incorporation |
Register legal entities with full compliance in target jurisdictions. |
2 |
Legal Contract Drafting & Review |
Commercial agreements, distributor/agency contracts, labor and IP documents. |
3 |
Employment & Payroll Setup |
Local HR compliance, employment contracts, payroll outsourcing. |
4 |
Local Tax Filing & Compliance |
Handle ongoing VAT, income tax, and statutory reporting locally. |
5 |
Audit Services |
Statutory audit for overseas subsidiaries or holding companies. |
6 |
Transfer Pricing Documentation |
Ensure compliance with local transfer pricing rules and defend intercompany arrangements. |
7 |
Trademark & IP Registration |
Secure trademarks, patents, and copyrights in destination countries. |
8 |
Regulatory Licensing & Permits |
Assist with business licenses, product registration, and industry-specific approvals. |
9 |
Business Advisory & Market Entry Consulting |
Local insights, cost structures, risk red flags, and go-to-market planning. |
How It Works: Collaborative Delivery Model
CW CPA leads
Initial advisory, structuring, and regulatory compliance for outbound filings and tax planning.
Allinial Global Firms Deliver
On-the-ground execution of legal, operational, and post-entry compliance.
Go Out Club offers a seamless experience from outbound strategy to in-country execution. With CW CPA as your lead advisor and a global network of Allinial Global member firms in over 100 countries, you benefit from truly credible and coordinated support worldwide. Our integrated service model ensures consistent quality across jurisdictions — one brand, one team — giving you the confidence to expand with clarity and peace of mind.
CW CPA assisted a Chinese listed company in establishing manufacturing operations in Mexico, supporting their strategic expansion and global supply chain diversification. This successful case was featured by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) on its official website, as part of its case sharing series showcasing how accounting firms are helping Mainland Chinese enterprises “go global.”
The article was also shared across HKICPA’s official platforms:
A leading Chinese enterprise specializing in precision metal structures and electronic components sought to expand its global footprint by establishing manufacturing facilities in Latin America. The goal was to enhance service efficiency and reduce transportation costs for its clientele in the Americas.
Through strategic collaboration with local and international service providers, the Chinese enterprise successfully established factories in two designated Latin American cities, adhering to all local legal and tax requirements. This strategic move created a robust foundation for its operations in the Americas, optimizing supply chain management and cost control.
Our role was to ensure the client’s project was executed seamlessly, bridging any cultural and communication gaps, by assisting the Chinese company in identifying a local professional firm that offered a comprehensive suite of services tailored to their unique requirements:
- Preliminary Planning:
- Analyzed specific rules of origin under the relevant free trade agreement and assessed the tariff implications of sensitive materials.
- Tax Analysis:
- Evaluated the proposed structure for overseas sales through a holding entity, including dividend distribution analysis and tax implications for delivering products in free trade zones under export manufacturing and service policies.
- Legal and Corporate Structure:
- Assessed various entity types, considering tax and legal implications in different jurisdictions.
- Provided comprehensive legal services for company establishment and operation.
- Real Estate Services:
- Offered legal and tax counsel on controlling real estate ownership in the target country and assisted in evaluating factory facility purchase or leasing options