Top jurisdictions for investing in Asia

[WoodyCampbell]

Asia has a very rich cultural heritage that has been carefully nurtured through centuries of history. Today Asia is very attractive to international investors due to the fact that it has several large economic areas as well as several special areas with a thriving economy and favorable tax systems.
Below is our top list of jurisdictions for international investing in Asia.

Hong Kong

Modern Hong Kong can offer a free market economy that relies heavily on international trade, the financial sector, the extent of export / import, including a fairly large proportion of re-exports. Hong Kong does not impose tariffs on imported items. Also, there are only four groups of goods subject to excise duty: high alcohol beverages, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl-based alcohol. Currently, Hong Kong does not have any import / export quotas for anything. The Hong Kong government continues to peg the local currency (Hong Kong dollar) tightly to the US dollar, in support of an agreement signed in 1983.

The local government is actively developing the Special Administrative Region (SAR) to make it a desirable destination for mainland China Renminbi to achieve their internationalization in the business community. Residents are allowed to open savings accounts in RMB currency; In addition, Hong Kong public and Chinese government bonds were issued in RMB currency; as well as currently in the private and public sectors, RMB agreements are permitted. The Hong Kong government is working really hard right now to increase the additional use of RMB in Hong Kong's financial markets and is looking for an opportunity to increase the RMB ratio significantly.

Macau

Since establishing its local casino industry hotspot in 2001, Macau has attracted tens of billions of dollars in international investment, completely transforming the area into one of the largest global gambling hotspots. The Macau gambling and tourism industries have been heavily influenced by China's decision to relax travel restrictions on Chinese nationals looking for an opportunity to visit Macau. In 2016, Macau gambling taxes estimated over 76% of total household revenue.
Macau's economy suffered quite a bit in 2009. It was a consequence of a global economic crisis, but the rapid economic growth continued somewhere until 2013. In 2015, Macau was home to approximately 31 million tourists, with an urban population of 646,800. About 68% came from mainland China. The services offered, mainly gambling, have boosted Macau's economic performance several times. Recently, however, the anti-corruption campaign carried out by the Chinese government has suffered slightly for the Macau gaming industry.

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.