Category: Foreign Direct Investment
Mixed Forecast for India’s Growth
The monsoons have arrived in most parts of India inviting grey gloomy skies with the smiles in the agricultural and related sectors being the silver lining. This corresponds to the gloomy lower economic growth forecast for India which also comes with a silver lining of retaining […]
India Needs Focused Planning For Achieving Long Term Goals
The Indian economy has the capability to drive immediate priorities and achieve its long term goals, though there are several notes of caution and potential downsides. These downsides can be addressed with strong policy and fiscal measures. This will require focused planning and consistent implementation. The […]
India Off To A Cautious Start in 2025
The first month of 2024 was a continuation of the effects of the previous month and year. The economic growth forecasts continued to be lowered by global financial institutions for the immediate months and year ahead. There are several factors which have been highlighted which are […]
2024 Closes on Slowing Economy & Regulatory Pushes
The last month of 2024 saw the impacts of a somewhat slower economic growth forecasts for India based on developments in the year. Foreign exchanges reserves also reduced and seems to have a connection with the slowly economy coupled with foreign invstors’ action of pulling out […]
India Looking For Regional Economic Cooperation
India has been focusing on fostering trade relationships with ASEAN and continued to discuss the new agreement. The economic growth forecast seems to remain positive. There have been further withdrawal of funds by foreign portfolio investors. There have been interesting usage of artificial intelligence to translate […]
India’s Economy: On Soft Mud
There have been some interesting developments lately with respect to India’s economic growth. While international financial institutions continue to forecast stable or even upward revisions, foreign portfolio investors are acting quite differently. There is renewed focus on alternate dispute resolution mechanism with a proposed amendment to […]
India: Consistent Economic Growth Forecast
There are signs of stability and growth in the economic growth forecasts for India. This will boost the sectoral efforts and uplift the overall development of the country. The landmark ‘Make In India’ initiative completes a decade of its immense contribution to the country’s all round […]
India’s Economic Developments
There have been key developments on the Indian economic front and global leadership views on the vast potential growth were displayed in recent interactions. The digitization of regulatory procedures continues to a focus of the Government with allocation of time, effort and suitable resources. Regional economic […]
India’s Economic Growth Hopes
The recent upward revision or stable figures in the economic growth forecasts by international financial institutions can be seen as a sign of hope for the Indian economy. The Union Budget had some positive announcements on the foreign investment front. The existing regulations and policies are […]
Rimon Announces Opening of Tokyo Office
Rimon is pleased to announce that is has opened an office in Tokyo. The opening of the Tokyo office signifies the firm’s commitment to the Japanese market. Rimon established a Japan regional practice last year, after hiring several top partners with a focus on advising Japanese companies on […]
India’s Economic Progress and Partnerships
The ‘election month’ saw curious economic developments in India with outflow of foreign investments by FIIs and publication of a UN Trade Body report reasoning India’s ‘improved prospects’ as one of the reasons for upward growth forecasts of the world economy. It also came to the […]
Resolving legal disputes in Vietnam’s diverse and dynamic economy. An interview with James Pham
James Pham is an arbitrator with TRACENT and Managing Partner at VSE Lawyers. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, he reflects on his career helping to solve legal disputes in Vietnam’s diverse and dynamic economy. You are an arbitrator with TRACENT and Managing Partner at […]
Four Carey Olsen lawyers star in Asian Legal Business Offshore Client Choice 2024
Carey Olsen Singapore partner Helen Wang and counsel Kate Lan, Rebecca Lee and Amelia Tan have been featured in the Asian Legal Business (ALB) Offshore Client Choice list for 2024. Asian Legal Business (ALB) curates the Offshore Client Choice list by identifying outstanding offshore lawyers who have built exceptional relationships with their clients. […]
India’s Robust Economic Growth
India is witnessing its 5-year exercise to decide on its future as general elections are progressing through the length and breadth of this vast country. The economic growth prospects seem to have improved significantly as global financial institutions cite robust economic growth for India. Asian Development […]
Opportunities for India’s Trade Partners
India is looking to build stronger economic relationships with its existing trade partners. The negotiations on some of the agreements with these trade partners has progressed recently. Further, the government is keen to promote India’s market potential and diverse opportunities which are available for different countries […]
Company Formation, Corporate Governance & Licensing in United Arab Emirates: Some FAQs for external investors
by Suneer Kumar, Partner & Head of the Corporate & Commercial practice group and Vida Grace Serrano, Senior Associate of Corporate & Commercial practice group, Alsuwaidi & Company, Advocates & Legal Consultants, UAE Corporate Practice: Q1: What are the key considerations when selecting a business structure for company […]
India Hopes for a Better Year
The election year in India has commenced and everyone is keenly observing the ongoing developments for this mammoth exercise which is scheduled during the year. The economic growth forecasts for the Indian economy appear to be stable despite the numerous challenges observed during the year. The […]
2023 Looked Favourably Upon India
The year 2023 has just gone by and ended on a strong note for India’s economy. With strong growth forecasts and record infusion of funds by FPIs. There is collective optimism on the economic front based on the available indicators and performance of various sectors in […]
India – Relook at SEZs and Regional Trade Pact
The Government continues its efforts on improving important economic considerations as it seeks to amend the Special Economic Zones Act and the trade pact with ASEAN countries. The economic growth prospects for India have been stable for some time. Moody’s Investor Service – Moody’s Investor Services […]
India – Economic Growth Forecasts Improve
The economic growth prospects for India have seen some upward movements in the recent reports published by international financial institutions. The detailed coverage by the World Bank is insightful and captures some of the key elements which have contributed to the current or proposed growth. There […]
Shahwar Nizam on how he helps foreign investors legally navigate the Bangladesh market
Shahwar Nizam is Managing Director of DFDL Bangladesh, where he is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and development of the firm. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, he details prime concerns foreign investors should be concerned about when operating or seeking to operate […]
India – Economic Growth Prospects Stable
The economic growth forecasts for India have not seen much change in the near term as per updates provided by international financial institutions. The detailed reporting by Asian Development Bank is noteworthy and provides insights into the performance in the past few months, together with projections […]
Singapore: An Emerging Legal Hub in Asia
Singapore, a small trading port turned thriving global business hub, is on the rise. With a strategic vision, innovative policies, and relentless ambition, this city-state has become a powerhouse in Asia. With its ascent, law firms are seeing Singapore as an emerging legal hub. The Economist […]
Gunita Pawha on helping S&A Law Offices navigate India’s increasingly competitive legal market
Gunita Pawha is Joint Managing Partner of India’s S&A Law Offices. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, Pawha outlines the firms’ unique services offer and geographic footprint — and the efforts to innovate its practice amid market challenges including the entry of foreign law firms. […]
World Chambers Congress – platform for SMEs
The 13th World Chambers Congress takes place in Geneva this week (21-23 June) under the theme of ‘Achieving peace and prosperity through multilateralism in commerce’. Attracting 1,500 participants from over 100 countries, the Congress is the biggest, most diverse economic forum for chamber and business executives […]
Environmental Degradation Threat to Human Rights: Legal Analysis on Asian Perspective
Abstract Access to food, water and clean air are inalienable part of Human rights which cannot be realized in the absence of healthy and sustainable environment. This paper explores the connection between environmental degradation and human rights. The object demonstrates inaccessibility to food, pure water and […]
Landmark Legal Development in India
It came as a huge surprise that the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued regulations permitting foreign lawyers and law firms to register in India.
Why does Vietnam remain a top destination for foreign of investment? An interview with Richard Luu, Managing Partner, Asia Legal Law Firm
Richard Luu is Managing Partner of Asia Legal – a business law firm in Vietnam, where he specializes in cross-border M&A transactions and dispute resolution. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, Richard explains why Vietnam remains a top foreign investment destination in Southeast Asia — and […]
India economic progress: New Year New Beginnings
India economic progress brings new hope and optimism for 2023 after a recovery phase in the second half of 2022. It is aiming for a betterment from the past year. The expectation for improving economic progress is not totally unfound. While considering that the Indian economy […]
India: Economic Forecasts Dip on Global Cues
With the Covid-19 pandemic waning in India, the other aspects of the economy came to the fore. Especially the increasing inflation which appears to be one of the major factors dampening economic growth prospects. Most of the international financial institutions and global rating agencies have lowered […]
India: Economic Growth Further Slows Down
India’s economic growth has further slowed on global cues and disruptions as reflected in the reduced economic growth forecasts by global financial institutions. Concurrently, the Indian Rupee had almost a freefall against the dollar due to global factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, soaring crude oil […]
A lawyer helping facilitate trade and investment between Asia and Europe. An interview with Delphine Constantin
Delphine Constantin is the Founder and Managing Director of D Sy Law, where she helps facilitate trade and investment between Europe and Asia. In this interview with Asia Law Portal, she explains her practice and its network of offices and how she has adopted an innovative […]
India’s Economy Sees Impact of Global Headwinds
As mentioned last month India continues to be negatively impacted by the ongoing war with lower economic forecasts as a fallout of the ongoing conflict. There have been increasing surge of Covid 19 new cases in certain parts of the country, which is worrying local governments […]
Singapore announces sanctions against Russia
Singapore unveiled its sanctions against Russia on 5 March 2022. These focus on the control of exports of military and technological goods to Russia and financial measures against Russian banks, entities and activities. Authors: Hagen Rooke Leigh T. Hansson Calvin Chan Alexander Brandt Catriona Casha Michael J. Lowell Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian […]
India Sees Slight Economic Recovery
The Indian economy fared better to slightly recover from recessionary situation in the past few months. There is optimism due to the impending launch of the vaccination drive after the Government grants emergency authorisation. This is reflected in improved forecasts by global institutions. There is significant […]
The Worst Economic Contraction since India’s Independence
The Covid-19 situation continues to deteriorate in India and cause contraction that the country has never seen since its independence. The Government is making desperate attempts to revive the economy and marginal effects can be seen in the increase in exports. Changes in the foreign direct […]
India’s Economy Locked Down
The grim fallout of India’s self-imposed lockdown of more than 2 months is coming to the fore now. The economic growth has now dipped to zero or even negative leading to a contraction. While continuing the lockdown, the Government has relaxed restrictions on certain business activities. […]
60% of US companies in the Mekong region plan to expand operations
According to a recent study by the East-West Center in Washington and the Stimson Center Southeast Asia Program. More than 1,000 US Companies are active in the five Mekong countries. And more than half are planning expansion in the region. The Mekong Region As the report […]
India’s Economy Wilting Under Covid-19 Headwinds
India’s self-imposed near-total lockdown of 21 days extends further to May 03, 2020. This 40-day shutdown has derailed the economy as per reports of global financial institutions. There has been marginal lifting of the restrictive measures in select areas for some essential services only. But the […]
India: Doing Business Ranking the only Face-Saver
India’s improvement in the World Bank’s Doing Business ranking is the only bright spot in a lackluster economy that desperately needs reassurance of a revival. It’s akin to the Diwali sparkle which lights up India around this time but belies the darkness for the rest of […]
Realising Indonesia’s new national capital city: HFW to host seminar in Jakarta
Realising Indonesia’s new national capital city: opportunities and challenges
India: Will Corporate Tax Cut Revive Growth or Widen Fiscal Deficit
The mounting pressure of a sagging economy and sharp economic growth forecast reductions by global institutions, the Government of India announced significant tax relief to corporates. However, while this seemed to cheer the industry and may be a stimulus in the short term, experts have warned […]
India economic slowdown: Stimulus to Slow the Slowdown
The Government finally took some recourse to revise the slowing India economy by introducing a stimulus economic package. The foreign direct investment limits were further liberalized to add possibly as part of the stimulus. The slowdown was now reported by Moody’s as well. The Personal Data […]
Asia and Europe are now each other’s leading trade partners
Asia and Europe are now each other’s leading trade partners, with $1.5 trillion in merchandise trade , overtaking their respective trade relationships with the United States, according to a study produced at the initiative of the European Union, as the World Economic Forum (WEF) reported. The […]
India: Economic Growth Slows Amidst Data Localisation Concerns
The Indian economy is heading for a slowdown as growth forecasts are flat or lowered. The laws pending for approval before the general elections are now in focus. Data localization concerns are rising with the data protection related proposed legislations due to be passed law soon. […]
ASEAN Insiders Series 2019 – Foreign Direct Investment
ASEAN – Open for business Since its formation in 1967, ASEAN has grown from an underdeveloped region into one of the globe’s most diverse and dynamic economic drivers. Located at the heart of the Asia-Pacific region and strategically nested across several major trade routes, ASEAN is […]
Modi Returns While India’s FDI Falls
The people of India voted the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi back to power with a thumping mandate in the general elections which concluded this month. The reforms and other initiatives of the current Government are expected to continue and pending legislations such as data privacy […]
Asia’s economy remains the world’s growth engine, accounting for 62% of global GDP growth
According to a recent interview with BNP Paribas Economist Christine Peltier, “although confronting new challenges, Asia’s economy is still the world’s growth engine, accounting for 62% of global GDP growth.” Peltier highlighted the following developments: Emerging Asia (excluding Japan) grew by 6.2% in 2018, unchanged from the previous […]
UK Chancellor cites the importance of British law firms to Belt and Road’s development
Speaking in Beijing at The Second Belt and Road Forum For International Cooperation on April 26, 2019, UK Chancellor Phillip Hammond re-committed the UK to “to helping to realise the potential of the BRI – and to doing so in a way that works for all whose lives […]
What opportunities exist for foreign investors in the Maldives?
As the Maldives Mission to the European Union details on its’ website: “Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) has always played a crucial role in the economic development of the Maldives. The Government acknowledges the importance of foreign investment and continues to recognize its importance for economic development […]
India Forges Ahead with Double FDI Inflows & Make in India Week
The first two months of 2016 have seen some significant developments for India’s foreign investment scenario. It received a boost from a global report declaring a huge jump in foreign investment inflows. Going with the positive flow, the Government organized the ‘Make in India Week’ to […]
American companies poured $32.3 billion into Southeast Asia from 2012 to 2014
This week in California US and ASEAN political leaders gathered for the US-ASEAN Leaders Summit 2016. Among the topics discussed were the expanding trade and investment relationship between the US and ASEAN region economies. Reporting on the event, Joe Cochrane detailed in the New York Times that […]
Sweeping Changes to India’s FDI Policy
Liberalisation of India’s economy has always been on the cards in Modi Government’s agenda from the start. However, it chose the time of heavy electoral losses in the state of Bihar to announce the goodies for foreign investors. The sweeping changes to the FDI policy were […]
India Tops Global FDI Chart, Attracts Largest Investment & Boosts ‘Make In India’
India’s capability as a top foreign investment destination hit a new high as it emerged as the leader in FDI for Greenfield investment. Two high-profile deals were also signed to stamp India’s prominence in this space. India Top Global FDI Destination For Greenfield Investments. India is […]
India Foreign Investment Hits and Tax Reform Misses
The Government of India has complied with its announcements made in the annual union finance budget to set up composite caps for foreign investment. However there was a setback to its tax reforms when the GST Bill could not be passed. Composite Caps for Foreign Investment. The Government […]
Facilitating investment in Japan – an interview with Tokyo-based lawyer Hiroaki Tsuda
As the Japan Times reported last year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration developed an updated growth strategy calling for a doubling of the “outstanding amount of foreign direct investment in Japan to ¥35 trillion by 2020, with the government taking necessary policy steps and the […]
India Addresses Implementation Issues In New Company Law
The Government of India has woken up to India’s poor ranking on the Doing Business Report and is taking active steps to get into the roots of the problem. A few more measures were announced in this regard, the most significant of them, being the long […]
Expanding business via Hong Kong the focus of Toronto and Chicago events
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will stage its large-scale promotion, “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” in Toronto, Canada, and Chicago, the United States in June 2015. What is “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” all about? How does it benefit companies in Hong Kong and […]
India: Retrospective Tax on Foreign Investment a Step Backward
In the past month the Indian Government took action towards facilitating foreign investment as was promised in the annual Union budget. However, all the beneficial steps were overshadowed by the controversial levy of Minimum Alternate Tax on capital gains by Foreign Institutional Investors. There were welcome […]
South Korea considers reversing course on legal market liberalization
In 2011 and 2012 respectively, the European Union (EU) and the United States entered into bilateral Free-Trade Agreements (FTA’s) with South Korea. The aim of those agreements was to increase bilateral trade and investment between Korea, the EU and the US. The agreements span a wide […]
India’s Regulatory Reforms: Commitment to Foreign Investment
The ‘Make In India’ campaign is going full throttle with the Government initiating key changes to its foreign direct investment policy. The finance budget providing further fillip with a slew of regulatory reforms. Further, there is fresh hope for the entry of foreign law firms. Regulatory […]
Hong Kong legal market at epicenter of booming investment into China
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into China will double over the next six years, according to a new report from international law firm King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) (@kwmlaw). As the report outlines, foreign direct investment in China will reach 1.3 Trillion GBP by 2020. And as […]
Asia-Pacific remains Australia’s largest regional export market
The growing importance of the Asia-Pacific Region for international law firms is confirm again in a new study. The Law Council of Australia conduct this study. The study — with the title Fourth Legal and Related Services Export Survey‘. And Australia-based legal business development professional Richard Smith […]
PwC poised for success in the Japanese legal market
“PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has launched a legal services arm in Japan” – as Elizabeth Broomhall (@ELBroomhall) reported last week in Legal Week. “The big four accounting firm began providing legal advice in Tokyo [in November] debuting with one partner offering local law advice and focusing on corporate and […]
Japan and Turkey seizing the potential for growth
Diplomatic and trade relationships between Japan and Turkey have continuously developed since the 19th century. Despite these longstanding links, the economic relationship between the two states did not evolve sufficiently until late twentieth century. In the 1980’s, a consortium involving Japanese firms constructed the Fatih Sultan […]
Chinese law firms a focus of Israel’s 2nd Foreign Law Firms conference
Chinese law firms and China-Israel bi-lateral trade and investment will be a major focus of Israel’s 2nd Foreign Law Firms conference. The conference will be on Dec 9th in Tel Aviv. Organized by the Tel-Aviv District of the Israel Bar Association led by Adv. Efi Nave […]
Asia-Pacific region foreign investment rules relaxed
A liberalization of foreign investment regulation is taking place across the Asia-Pacific region, according to a recent study conducted by international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. The study, entitled Asia-Pacific M&A Review, “considers performance in 2013 and looks forward to prospects for 2014 across Australia, China, Hong […]
US law firms likely to continue to follow clients to Asia
Anthony Lin, writing in The Asian Lawyer last week, outlined the prospects for American law firms in Asia for the foreseeable future. Lin’s predicts that the Asian marketplace will continue to grow, continue to attract US business, and hence continue to attract American law firms that […]
Ecuador and Latin America offer much to Asia’s investors
Latin America has become the most attractive and lucrative growing market for Asia Foreign investment and business opportunity in the world. It is also the second most important trade partner with China and Asia. However, a $4.8 trillion economy, US $26 Billion in China’s investment projects […]
NSW proves to be attractive to overseas investors
The New South Wales Government has been attracting overseas investment under the Significant Investor Visa (SIV). The government of NSW requires visa applicants to invest at least 30% of it in NSW Waratah Bonds. Which they can then use to support key infrastructure projects across the […]