China’s economic reforms have opened new doors for foreign investors, but restrictions remain in key sectors. Understanding the 2024 Negative List and regulatory nuances is crucial for British businesses eyeing the world’s second-largest market. China’s economic allure, with a projected GDP growth of around 5% for 2025, continues to draw global investors, including British firms seeking to tap its vast consumer base and innovation-driven markets. However, the country’s foreign investment …
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Expanding your business into China opens the door to one of the world’s most dynamic and opportunity-rich markets. However, hiring and building a team in this vast and complex environment demands a deep understanding of local customs, laws and regional nuances. Drawing on the combined insights of experts from the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) and Yingke London, this guide explores the key considerations for hiring in China, from choosing the …
What do foreign enterprises need to know about the new changes to China’s VAT law? This article from Hawksford offers a quick guide As of the end of 2024, China elevated 14 out of 18 tax categories from administrative regulations to formal laws, marking a milestone in aligning domestic practices with international standards. Central to this transformation is the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Law, which represents China’s largest tax category and …
Business travel to China can be an exciting opportunity, but preparation is key – especially when it comes to visas, connectivity, payments, and transport. To help you navigate your trip smoothly, here’s a quick, practical guide covering the must-know tech and logistics tips for business travellers. Secure the right visa in advance Obtaining a visa for China requires careful preparation, as the process varies depending on the purpose of travel. …
Getting a visa for China is a crucial step for UK business professionals planning to engage with China’s dynamic market. This guide provides an overview of who requires a visa, outlines the application process, highlights visa-free policies, and offers essential tips to ensure a smooth journey. Who needs a visa for China? UK citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to mainland China. This requirement applies to various purposes, including …
China’s consumer market is vast, dynamic, and full of promise – but only if approached with care and a clear strategy. For many British exporters, choosing the right China distributor can make or break them. A good partner will act as your eyes, ears, and boots on the ground. A poor one can mean lost time, reputational damage, and sunk costs. In a nutshell, a distributor is a middleman between …
2024 was a standout year for intellectual property (IP) in China and around the world. In this article, Lydia Topping and Peter Mumford from Potter Clarkson LLP spotlight some of the most exciting IP developments from the Chinese market in 2024 China’s new patent extensions: A game-changer for innovators Exclusivity for pharmaceuticals in China has taken a giant leap forward with the introduction of new patent term extension (PTE), a …
Spring Festival — also known as Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year — brings a mix of celebration and operational challenges for businesses in China. While the holiday is a time of joy and cultural significance, it also creates unique disruptions, including temporary shutdowns, heightened employee turnover, and logistical bottlenecks. To navigate this critical period, companies must plan strategically, as China Briefing’s Qian Zhou explains Spring Festival 2025 will …
Finding and hiring staff on the ground in China is a key step for companies that want to export to the Chinese market. Hawksford details the key human resource considerations for companies exporting to China, from hiring to firing China’s labour framework and the underlying HR complications impact foreign investments in the local economy. Finding and hiring staff in China is a delicate and complex process, especially for foreign SMEs, …
Kristina Koehler-Coluccia, Head of Business Advisory at Woodburn Accountants & Advisors, offers a quick guide on the income tax implications of China’s “six-year rule” for foreigners working in China In 2019, China introduced a significant change to its individual income tax (IIT) system by implementing the “six-year rule” for foreigners. This rule, which starts applying in 2024, determines how foreign residents are taxed on their overseas income. What is the …

