An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2021
Doing Business in India 2021 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in India. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates in January 2021, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Indian market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to keep up to date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.
An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2021
Doing Business in China 2021 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates in January 2021, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Chinese market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to keep up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.
Doing Business in China 2021 covers:
- Establishing and Running a Business
- Tax, Audit, and Accounting
- Human Resources and Payroll
An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2021
An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2021 will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Vietnam.
2020 is a year, businesses are likely to forget due to the pandemic that disrupted global supply chains resulting in significant businesses losses. Nevertheless, Vietnam was one of the few countries that achieved net positive growth of 2.91 percent in 2020. This is one of the reasons why foreign investors remain keen on doing business in the country.
Vietnam Approves Labor Code for 2021
- Vietnam’s National Assembly approved a new Labor Code which took effect in January 2021.
- The amended code offers greater protection for employees and is viewed as better aligned with international best practices.
- The government released Decree 145 guiding the implementation of the labor code, which will take effect on February 1, 2021.
- Businesses should review their labor practices and ensure they are compliant as per amendments in the labor code.
Vietnam approved an amended Labor Code, which came into effect in January 2021. The amendment to the labor regulations are a step towards aligning with international labor standards particularly as Vietnam integrates into the world economy as noted by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Poland: New year – important new changes in consumer protection and labour law
Poland: Some entrepreneurs are protected by consumer protection, the minimum wage is rising, and specific task contracts must be notified.
Entrepreneurs will be partly covered by consumer protection - with the new year, natural persons conducting business will in some cases be treated in the same way as consumers.
The food, beverage and tobacco manufacturing industry in Nigeria
africon did a market analysis for a European food ingredient manufacturing company interested in understanding the industry in Nigeria. The project aim was to understand potentials in various market segments and to ultimately determine scale and scope of opportunities...
Remote Work in 2021: Tips for HR Managers in India
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, a majority of Indian professionals have shown interest in opting for a more permanent remote work plan. Initially motivated by health and workplace safety concerns, now technology tools and flexible work arrangements have convinced many professionals about the positive aspects of working in an all-digital environment.
Going into 2021, with the status of the COVID-19 vaccine in India still unclear and roll-out likely to last the year, human resource managers must be better prepared to navigate extended remote work arrangements and increasing staff interest in continuing telecommuting even when the pandemic subsides.
Emirates are the most attractive location
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search
What are the characteristics of the labour markets in the GCC region?
In many countries in the region there are significantly more expatriates than natives - in the UAE, foreigners account for more than 80 percent of the population. When filling executive positions, domestic and foreign companies routinely rely on foreign candidates - Europeans, people from Arab countries beyond the GCC or South Asia. Dubai and Abu Dhabi host the largest European business community and, accordingly, potential candidates who have experience in the Gulf region.
Pick candidates that are socially flexible
Aouni Kawas, Founder and Managing Director, Kawas Consulting
What specific issues should European companies consider when recruiting for management positions in the GCC countries?
The culture in this region of the world is totally different. A manager who fits in Europe doesn’t necessarily fit in the GCC area. Etiquette and manners differ enormously. For example, when going to a business meeting, it is common to talk about family, personal interests and personal life before or after talking about business, while in Europe, this is usually not the case.
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search speaks at the online event organised by AHK Russia
CT Executive Search Updates
On the 9th of December, 2020 AHK Russia organised an online workshop titled - Intercultural Training: Negotiation and Sales in Russia.
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search spoke about the development and implementation of sales strategies in Russia, as well as how best to manage sales staff. He also gave a practical example of how a consulting company can go about promoting its services on the Russian market.
“Russia remains an important investment destination for German businesses. An in-depth knowledge of the Russian business culture is extremely important if a company is looking to successfully set up operations here. It goes without saying that membership in AHK Russia is a very good strategic move for any German company looking to stay up to date on recent developments on the market.” – Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search
Diversification has progressed to different degrees
Oliver Oehms, CEO, German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK)
How is the German economy represented in the Gulf region today? Which industries are particularly active?
The German economy is well represented in the Gulf region. Nevertheless, great differences can be observed within the region - for example, when comparing the German activities in Kuwait with those in Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still one of the most important locations. Many German companies (from SMEs to MNCs) establish their regional headquarters in the Emirate of Dubai, from where they monitor and control operations throughout the Gulf region, and in many instances, the African continent, as well as South and sometimes, Central Asia.
DOING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA - OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND FINDING THE RIGHT TALENT
CT Executive Search Update
On the 29th of October, 2020 CT Executive Search and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria) held a joint event titled - Doing Business In Nigeria - Opportunities, Challenges And Finding The Right Talent.
Following a brief overview of the business opportunities and advantages of investing in Nigeria, Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search then spoke about Nigeria’s labour market shedding more light on the prospects for expatriates in terms of executive search, and the status quo with regards to the availability of local talent.
TERMINATION WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO PRIVATE INTERNET USE
An IT service provider terminated the employment relationship with an employee without notice. The reason was a working time fraud. The employee had been given a laptop to perform his work. During working hours, the employee used his business e-mail account and the Internet very extensively for private purposes. In addition to the employment agreement, the parties had concluded a separate agreement.
Dismissing an Employee in a Senior Role: Some Insights Based on Case Studies
This article takes a look at two case studies and addresses some commonly asked questions regarding the dismissal of an employee holding a senior position or important role in the company.
The focus is on addressing questions about the company’s intention and the legal basis of such a dismissal.
Czech employment-related rescue program Antivirus A and B is being extended
The spread of coronavirus across the Czech Republic has not slowed down – quite to the contrary. The government is responding by extending (and making tweaks to) its compensation package for employers known as the Antivirus program.
In connection with the continuing pandemic of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 which, in the form of the disease known as COVID-19, not only attacks the health and wellbeing of individuals but also the purses of employers, the Czech government has decided to extend the time period during which expenses may be claimed under its Antivirus program (which comes in two flavors – A and B), and to make certain adjustments to the terms of eligibility.
Strategies for Managing Enterprise Downsizing and Salary Reduction
Allan Xu and Chenchen Liu, Dezan Shira & Associates
This article discusses the legal options and risks involved for HR managers when strategizing their company’s enterprise downsizing and salary reduction plans in China in the wake of COVID-19.
As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, many enterprises are facing financial and operational hiccups due to the economic fallout. Many companies have been forced to rethink their human resource management, to ensure the survival and long-term sustainable development of the enterprise.
Adjusting the internal organization structure and compensation system may effectively optimize human resource (HR) allocation, conserve cash flow, and demonstrate a sound stewardship of a corporate entity.
China: A Labour Market Update
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search
What is the situation like on the Chinese labour market?
According to government information, the unemployment rate was 5.7% in June 2020.Thus, higher than the figure recorded in 2019 -3.6%. However, this means that overall, the Chinese unemployment rate is still at a low level by international comparison this year, despite the corona turbulence.
At the same time the 2020 graduates have major problems on the job market - almost one in five of them had not yet found a job by mid of the year.
Overall, the lockdown was tough
Alexandre J. Gruß, Strategy Manager China, Eichenauer GmbH & Co. KG.
How is Eichenauer positioned in China? How important is China for your company?
The company first stretched out feelers to China in 2005. At that time, a joint venture with a dealer was established, then a plant for the production of convectors near Guangzhou was put into operation.
Ultimately, the question arose: should the existing location be expanded or a new plant be built elsewhere? I joined Eichenauer in 2014 to answer this question. To do this, I checked a number of alternative locations. After extensive research, and meetings with government and administrative bodies, we founded a WFOE (wholly foreign-owned enterprise), in Huai’an (Jiangsu Province), in 2015.
Executive Search in Nigeria
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search
What does the Nigerian labour market look like? What are the prospects for expatriates in terms of executive search? Is preference given to local talent, and what are the executive positions currently in high demand? These are the questions that Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search addressed in his presentation during the online event organised by AHK Nigeria and CT Executives Search. Details here.
Online event: Focus on the Middle East: Investment opportunities, HR, and legal aspects of doing business
Online event organised by CT Executive Search and MENA Legal
Why invest in the Middle East? What challenges should you expect as an investor, and how best do you address them?
Join us on Tuesday, 17 November as we take a close look at the prospects of doing business in the Middle East.
Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2020
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Dubai time (GMT+4)|12:00 noon – 1:30 pm Berlin time (CET)
This is an online event organized by the MENA Legal and CT Executive Search.
Speakers from German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce, GTAI, MENA Legal, CT Executive Search
The practical aspects of doing business in Nigeria - The Julius Berger story
Alexander Bauer, Regional Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc
With over 50 years of experience in Nigeria, how did Julius Berger Nigeria Plc become Nigeria’s leading construction company and one of the country’s largest private employers? What are some of their landmark achievements in construction? And what's the company's outlook for 2021?
Find out in the brief presented by Alexander Bauer, Regional Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the online event organised by AHK Nigeria and CT Executive Search.
The practical aspects of doing business in Nigeria The BASF story
Dr. Jean-Marc Ricca, Managing Director, Country Cluster West Africa, BASF West Africa Limited
How did BASF successfully set up operations in Nigeria? What were some of the hurdles faced, and how did they overcome it?
Find out in the brief presented by Dr. Jean-Marc Ricca, Managing Director, Country Cluster West Africa, BASF West Africa Limited at the online event organised by AHK Nigeria and CT Executive Search.
THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF DOING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA
Dr. Alexander Brexendorff, Founder of B&A and Managing Partner of MENA LEGAL, Tiwalola Osazuwa, Senior Associate, ǼLEX
- LEGAL STRUCTURES
- POST-INCORPORATION REGISTRATIONS & PERMITS
- EXCHANGE CONTROL
What legal hurdles do you need to overcome to successfully set up a business in Nigeria?
Investing in Nigeria
PwC has projected Nigeria among the top world economies in 2050 ahead of Italy, Canada, South Korea, Spain, Netherlands, Australia, and others.
- Income tax relief for a period of three years and which can be extended for a period of one year and thereafter another one year or for one period of two years – Pioneer Status Incentives.
- Zero Import Duty: Zero percent import duty tariffs (custom, excise and value added) for import of agricultural equipment and agro-processing equipment.
- Exemption of interest from tax on loans granted to agricultural activities.
- Avoidance of double taxation agreement which eliminates double taxation with respect on income and capital gains.
These are just some of the reasons to invest in Nigeria. So what sectors should you be considering as an investor? Read the CT Executive brief to find out more.
Indonesia Issues Latest COVID-19 Immigration Measures
- On October 1, 2020, Indonesia issued Reg 26/2020, which relaxes certain criteria for foreign visitors to be able to enter Indonesia.
- Under Reg 26/2020, visit visa holders and limited stay visa holders are now allowed to enter Indonesia, provided they adhere to strict health measures such as presenting a negative COVID-19 certificate.
- Foreign visitors must also have sufficient health insurance coverage as well as funding (at least US$10,000) to stay in the country.
