Asia has very rich cultural heritage, which was diligently carried out through centuries of history. Today Asia is quite attractive for international investors due to the fact that it has several big economics as well as several special area jurisdictions with blooming economy and favourable tax regimes.
Below is out top list of jurisdictions for international investments in Asia.
Hong Kong
Modern Hong Kong can offer a free market economy, which heavily relies on international trade, financial sector, amount of export / import, including quite large portion of re-exports. Hong Kong imposes zero tariffs on imported items. Also there are only four groups of goods subjected to excise taxation: strong alcohol beverages, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl-based alcohol. Currently Hong Kong has no quotas on importing / exporting anything. Hong Kong government keeps on linking local currency (Hong Kong Dollar) tightly to the US dollar, thus, suporting an arrangement concluded back in year 1983.
The local government is actively developing the Special Administrative Region (SAR) to make it a desirable destination for mainland China renminbi, in order to achieve it’s internationalization in business world. Local residents are permitted to create savings accounts in RMB currency; Also, corporate and Chinese government bonds in RMB currency have been publicly issued in Hong Kong; as well as currently in private and public sector RMB agreement settlement is permitted. The Hong Kong administration is currently trying really hard to add up additional application of RMB in Hong Kong financial markets and is looking for an opportunity to greatly increase the RMB quota.
Macau
From the moment of setting up its local casino industry hotspot back in year 2001, Macau has managed to attract several tens of billions of dollars as international investment, entirely transforming the area into one of the largest global gambling hotspots. Macau’s gambling and tourism industries were heavily impacted by China’s decision to relieve travel restrictions for Chinese nationals looking for an opportunity to visit Macau. Back in year 2016, Macau’s gambling taxes estimated over 76% of overall budget income.
Macau’s economy suffered quite a lot back in year 2009. It was a result of a global economic crisis, but rapid economic growth have continued somewhere by year 2013. Back in 2015, with an urban population of 646,800 people Macau hosted roughly 31 million tourists. Approximately 68% came from mainland China. Provided services, mostly gambling — have boosted Macau’s economic performance several times. However, lately, anti-corruption campaign performed by mainland China’s government has gotten Macau’s gaming industry to slightly suffer.
Singapore
Singapore is currently having a prosperous, well-developed free-market-oriented economy. Singapore government has hardly worked on and achieved an open and nearly 100% corruption-free government and business environment as well as strong economy, and quite high competitive (even by the Western standards) per capita GDP. Employment rates are extremely high, while the Singapore budget mostly relies on exports, specifically of consumer goods and electronics, IT & software, medical technology and devices, pharmaceuticals as well as on lively business, banking and financial industries.
Singapore is a famous destination for many international investors and entrepreneurs, especially in certain industries. According to financial analytics data it will continue to develop and evolve into Pacific Asia’s major business and high-tech hotspot. Singapore is a proud member of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement. It is also a part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement. Back in year 2015, Singapore has established, along with the rest of the ASEAN participants, the ASEAN Economic Community.
China
Starting back in the late 70s, China has been working on it’s economy and market, rapidly going from internal government controlled closed market, to more liberal, open government planned system with profoundly internal market-oriented economy, leading to an increase of China’s impact on the global market. By year 2010, China has turned into the largest global exporter. Changes and reforms have started with slowly abandoning collectively planned agriculture, developing to introduce free-market pricing, decentralizing taxation, granting more autonomy for government-owned companies, expansions of the private sector, fast development of stock markets and introduction of a modern banking system as well as China’s access to international trade and investment.
China did undergo a number of reforms lately. During last few decades, Chinese government has renewed its support for government-owned companies in industries, which are strategic for country’s security and development. Such decision was made specifically to boost certain industries and make them more competitive on a global market. Such change of economy and the following benefits have dramatically impacted to a China’s GDP making more than ten times increase since year 1978.
Taiwan
Modern Taiwan has a prosperous free-market economy with overall decreasing government control over international investment and trade industries. Strategic production industries, such as production of electronics, machinery and petrochemicals, have given the major boost and factors necessary for rapid growth of economy. However, such factors as Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, extremely low birth rate, and quickly aging population are several major long-term challenges that Taiwan’s government needs to face and solve.