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.
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: Guangdong released the 2023 edition Foreign Investment Guidebook
Recently, Guangdong released the latest edition of Invest Guangdong, an annual foreign investment guidebook, presenting a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment and inviting global investors to share business opportunities.
China News: China and what to do? De-couple, de-risk, or what?
In the last couple of months, the news from and or about China was not very favourable. Too many voices, and too many opinions but no clear picture as to how to keep the business with China going. As a matter of fact, de-coupling from China is no option! But what does China want from us? To provide a clearer picture and some guidance the European Chamber of Commerce in China has released its European Business in China Position Paper 2023/2024 (Position Paper 2023/2024), shedding light on the perplexing messages emanating from Chinese authorities. This contradictory messaging has left European businesses uncertain about the nature of China's desired relationship with them.
The coronavirus crisis has proved a catalyst for digital transformation through financial technology - or fintech. As Hong Kong recovers from the Covid 19 pandemic, the city's tech sector is boosting confidence in the economy's "new normal" and helping businesses and individuals embrace new ways of doing business.
Hong Kong News: Measures to support individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19
The Hong Kong government has put together a massive aid package to cushion the impact of the crisis on businesses and individuals. A core element is the support of salary payments from companies to retain jobs.
