China News: EU Chamber of Commerce in China’s 2026 Business Sentiment Survey
The EU Chamber of Commerce in China’s 2026 Business Sentiment Survey highlights a “turning point” in sentiment among European companies operating in China. While challenges remain, the survey points to a slight increase in optimism and the first decline in the proportion of companies reporting a deteriorating business environment—for the first time in five years.
Published
on 13.07.2026
📢 Important Update: New EU Customs Regulations
Effective July 1, 2026, new EU customs regulations are in place for all shipments entering Europe.
HK News: Updated Guidelines for Visa Extensions in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has introduced updated regulations for visa extension applications, requiring applicants to manage their timelines more proactively to maintain residency status.
A Driving Force for the Future: How the Greater Bay Area Leads China's 15th Five-Year Plan
As China embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), all eyes are on the southern coast. The Greater Bay Area (GBA) has been officially established as the country’s primary engine for “high-quality development.” Its mission: to bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing and a future defined by technological self-reliance.
This cluster of eleven cities is no longer merely a regional initiative—it is a global “powerhouse” designed to compete with locations such as Silicon Valley or the Tokyo Bay Area.
Hong Kong's economy is on the upswing: GDP growth reaches a near five-year high
Hong Kong's economy rebounded strongly in the first quarter of 2026, posting its strongest growth in nearly half a decade. According to the latest Hong Kong GDP Report, the city’s real GDP rose by 5.9% year-over-year. This significantly exceeded market expectations, pointing to a robust recovery driven primarily by domestic demand and a technology-intensive investment cycle.
China News: China Sets 2026 Growth Target at 4.5% to 5%
In a significant shift toward economic reorientation, China has set its official GDP growth target for 2026 at a range of 4.5% to 5%. The target, announced by Premier Li Qiang during the opening of the annual “Two Sessions” on March 5, 2026, signals Beijing’s shift away from rigid, rapid expansion in favour of high-quality development and economic resilience.
The European Chamber of Commerce Analyzes China’s New 15th Five-Year Plan: A Mix of Opportunity and Caution
Following the adoption of the 15th Five-Year Plan (15FYP) at the 2026 National People’s Congress, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China has released its official statement on the road map that will shape the country’s economic landscape through 2030.
While the Chamber welcomes the plan’s focus on market opening and “national treatment” for foreign companies, it remains sceptical of China’s increased shift toward total self-sufficiency.
Hong Kong News: Updates to HKs Technology Talent Admission Scheme to attract global I&T talent
Hong Kong has announced major updates to its Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) to strengthen its position as a global innovation and technology (I&T) hub. The enhancements aim to streamline the process for overseas and Mainland tech professionals to work in Hong Kong, supporting the city’s growing tech ecosystem. Key Updates to T… » read more
China News: European Chamber publishes the 2024 Business Confidence Survey
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, in partnership with Roland Berger, released its European Business in China Business Confidence Survey 2024 (BCS). The annual survey shows that despite the re-opening of China’s borders in early 2023, business confidence in the market continued on a downward trend.
Hong Kong News: Hong Kong Unveils 2025 Public Holidays with Five Long Weekends
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has officially published the list of public holidays for the year 2025. In total, there will be 17 days of public holidays, with only two falling on Saturdays – the day after Good Friday and Tuen Ng Festival.
Hong Kong News: Hong Kong Government Implements Annual Review of Statutory Minimum Wage
The Hong Kong government has officially accepted the recommendations put forth by the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) regarding the review process for the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) in the city.
Under the new guidelines, the SMW rate will be reviewed on an annual basis, ensuring that adjustments are made regularly. The MWC has proposed a formula for conducting these reviews, taking into account two key indicators: inflation and the economic growth factor.
China News: China's public holiday calendar for 2024 released
Employees can anticipate an extended Chinese New Year holiday of up to eight days. The State Council of the People's Republic of China has published the public holidays calendar for 2024.
China News: Health Declarations No Longer Required for Travel to and from Mainland China
Effective today, November 1, 2023 (Wednesday), individuals travelling to or from Mainland China will no longer be obligated to complete the Mainland China health declaration form, as officially announced by China Customs. This decision marks the removal of all travel restrictions related to COVID-19.
HK News: The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in various operational areas is expected to become mainstream among Hong Kong enterprises next year.
Currently, only 30% of enterprises in Hong Kong have integrated AI tools into their operation processes, such as marketing and customer services, based on data from HKPC Digital Transformation.