Publication
Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide
In our APAC Climate Guide, experts across the region share their insights as they help clients to navigate the transition. We look at the incentives encouraging clean energy, how carbon markets are expanding, the growth of sustainable finance and the role of the private sector. We also look at focus areas in each jurisdiction, from wind power in Japan to electric vehicles in China.
05 February 2025
Insight
Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide - China
Already the world's largest producer of solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles, China is expanding to new industries and export opportunities. With its strong manufacturing base and increasing focus on R&D, China can innovate in areas like energy storage, smart grids and carbon capture technologies.
11 December 2024
Insight
A Second Trump Administration May Bring Stronger Intellectual Property Rights in the U.S.
It is widely expected that under a second Trump administration the United States government will intensify its trade war with China in the forms of increased tariffs and other obstacles to international trade. Perhaps not as well appreciated is the possible impact on U.S. policy in the field of intellectual property. Specifically, a stronger patent system under the new administration could make the U.S. an attractive forum for Chinese companies to enforce their intellectual property rights against their competitors.intellectual property-intellectual property dispute resolution
23 November 2024
Insight
Foreign Investment: China Loosens Rules on Foreign Strategic Investment in Listed Companies
On November 1, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the State Taxation Administration, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange jointly issued the Measures for the Administration of Strategic Investment in Listed Companies by Foreign Investors (the “New Measures”), which will take effect on December 2, 2024. The New Measures replace the Measures for the Administration of Strategic Investment in Listed Companies by Foreign Investors issued on December 31, 2005 and amended on October 25, 2015 (the “Old Measures”).
19 November 2024
Insight
Japanese involvement in large M&A transactions: will the trend continue?
In October, the newly elected Prime Minister of Japan met with Prime Minister Albanese at ASEAN related summit meetings in Laos.
12 November 2024
Insight
Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide - Japan
In the first chapter of our Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide, we look to Japan. Our regional experts share their insights on the significant challenges and opportunities as Japan aims for a net-zero economy.
12 November 2024
Insight
Japanese M&A - Can the wave continue?
In this M&A in the City Podcast from KWM, Will Heath is joined by Nicola Charlston, fresh from chairing an M&A committee meeting of the International Bar Association in Tokyo.
12 November 2024
Insight
Update on Strategic Investment in Listed Co by Foreign Investors
We have previously summarised the key pathways for foreign investors to acquire A-shares of Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges (see previous alert: China removes quotas for foreign institutional investors under the QFII and RQFII schemes ). As noted in that alert, a key available pathway which has long existed is the ability to purchase A-shares of listed companies by way of “strategic investment”. This regime has historically been aimed at investments of at least 10% in a listed company, and subject to other stringent requirements, which has limited its suitability to a specific set of material transactions. Since the regime commenced in 2005, foreign investors have completed a total of approximately 600 transactions with A-share listed companies through the strategic investor pathway.
Earlier this month, the PRC Government finalised significant amendments designed to relax these requirements and make strategic investment a more attractive option for a broader range of foreign investors. Notably, for the first time foreign investors will be permitted (with regulatory approval) to acquire A-shares through the strategic investment pathway using equity in overseas unlisted companies as consideration. Further detail on the changes, and revised eligibility requirements, is set out below. The changes take effect from December 2, 2024.securities and capital markets-m and a of listed companies
07 November 2024
Insight
Unlocking green energy in Vietnam: How Corporate PPAs are a game changer
The Vietnamese government has introduced Corporate PPAs in response to business demand to buy green energy directly from the source.
06 November 2024
Insight
Offshore Wind – a Game Changer for net-zero?
Offshore wind-powered electricity generation offers efficient and unobtrusive renewable energy, capable of delivering scale without the land use debates characteristic of the onshore industry.
04 November 2024
Insight
China: School of Hard Knocks for UK Education Providers
It was only a few years ago that hordes of British schools descended upon China. Chinese parents valued a British education both on its own account but also as the United Kingdom became a leading destination for Chinese studying at universities overseas. The promise of influencing an inexhaustible supply of eager students who would become future leaders coupled with streams of gold was intoxicating. corporate mergers and acquisitions-foreign direct investment fdi
01 November 2024
Featured Insight
Blue Finance – Unlocking the Power of the Blue Economy
As the world prepares for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), a relatively overlooked area is set to increase in prominence and importance: the health and sustainable use of our oceans. Safeguarding the eco-systems of our seas will demand significant investments. It’s critical for businesses to understand the associated climate risks.
31 October 2024
Insight
The world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit: reflections, takeaways and updates on Australia’s nature positive reforms
From 8 to 10 October 2024, the Australian and New South Wales governments co-hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit (Summit) in Sydney, which KWM attended.
15 October 2024
Insight
Uranium, the energy transition & the nuclear fuel global supply chain
In 2023, the Sapporo 5 (a strategic partnership between the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom) agreed to collaborate to develop a secure and resilient global nuclear supply chain.
16 September 2024
Featured Insight
A (net zero) Future Made in Australia: what to expect and how the tax system plays a key role
As the world transforms to net zero emissions and undergoes the most significant changes since the industrial revolution, the Federal Government’s decarbonisation plan aims to make Australia an indispensable part of the global economy.
13 September 2024
Insight
Consumer Energy Resources: AI and automation
Consumer energy resources (CERs) are consumer-owned devices that generate, store, or manage electricity.
05 September 2024
Insight
Can the data centre goldrush go green? Malaysia’s Johor shows we can move fast, but more is needed
Johor sits at the southern tip of Malaysia, minutes away from neighbouring Singapore. Lesser known than the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and less developed than its most populous state of Selangor, Johor – and its capital Johor Bahru – are rapidly rising in prominence.
29 August 2024
Publication
KWM releases Navigating Renewable Energy Projects: Hot Topics, Judicial Case Studies, and Cross-Border Investment Practices
In recent years, the introduction of “dual carbon” goals and the gradual refinement of market mechanisms have transformed the development pattern of China’s renewable energy industry, shifting from reliance on policy subsidies to a new phase driven by innovation.
28 August 2024
Insight
The rise of carbon trading between governments: Can businesses benefit from Intergovernmental Carbon Credits under Article 6.2?
We talk a lot about global carbon trading markets – yet relatively little about the mechanism by which countries trade emissions reductions. That mechanism - Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) – is a strategic tool for nations to not only comply with their climate commitments but also to leverage their carbon sink resources effectively.
26 August 2024
