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China’s regulatory regime for foreign investment has continued to evolve.

Incremental changes since the 2014 supplement to the China investment guide include a loosening of foreign exchange rules, relaxation of registered capital requirements, and an expansion of the taxation regime for the indirect sale of equity and assets in China.

Bigger changes can be expected in the future with the introduction of the Foreign Investment Law which will likely replace the currently separate laws governing wholly foreign-owned enterprises, Sino foreign equity joint ventures and cooperative joint ventures.

We are pleased to present this sixth edition of the Herbert Smith Freehills China investment guide, which covers both incremental changes and the anticipated Foreign Investment Law. As with previous editions we draw upon our many years of experience in China to present an overview of China’s regulatory regime for foreign direct investment and M&A. Except in passing, this guide does not address sector-specific requirements (of which there are many) for investing in China.

This sixth edition of the Herbert Smith Freehills China investment guide is a useful tool in planning new, and managing existing, investments in China. Quality legal advice in relation to each specific investment is essential.

For a copy of the guide please email asia.publications@hsf.com

Key contacts

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Matthew Emsley

Managing Partner, China, Hong Kong

Matthew Emsley
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Justin D'Agostino

Chief Executive Officer and Partner, Hong Kong

Justin D'Agostino
Mainland China Hong Kong Mergers and Acquisitions Corporate Matthew Emsley Justin D'Agostino