Expert Analysis

A rapidly evolving domestic and international economic climate is pushing both the Chinese government and enterprises to accelerate their innovation efforts. To revitalise the country through science and technology, more tax policies have been introduced to support R&D-oriented enterprises. Bin Yang, Benjamin Lu and Liang Wu outline these exciting new developments.

In 2019, multinational enterprises (MNEs) should be alert for the following anticipated China tax developments.

China is consolidating and enhancing its transfer pricing regime. The State Administration of Taxation is strengthening its monitoring of multinational enterprises’ TP arrangements and has committed to the international cooperation agenda. Cheng Chi, Patrick Lu, Choon Beng Teoh and Kelly Liao discuss the impact on taxpayers.

José Maria Cabral Sacadura and Vicente Pirrone of Cuatrecasas analyse the Sofina line of CJEU case law and assess when Portuguese withholding tax rules entitle foreign loss‑making companies to reimbursement

Olebogeng Ramatlhodi, Africa indirect tax leader, Deloitte Africa

Interview with Marjolijn van der Wal, partner, indirect tax, Deloitte Netherlands

Antonio Ruiz and Alejandra Arguedas of EY Central America, Panama and Dominican Republic explain how tax, geopolitical factors, and trade agreements shape foreign investment in Central America, offering guidance for companies navigating the region

David Hamzah Damian of DDTC Consulting examines recent procedural changes in Indonesia’s tax disputes process and the Supreme Court’s stance on tax evidence, highlighting key implications for taxpayers facing audits, objections, and appeals

Eddie Morris, Josep Serrano Torres, and Jen Breeze of Deloitte compare transfer pricing controversies in the pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, highlighting how DEMPE functions, regulation, and intangibles drive both common themes and sector-specific challenges

Monika Bieri and Daniel Schönenberger of Tax Partner use a Swiss lens to examine how workforce mobility is reshaping transfer pricing models, and why the location of key decision‑makers is becoming a critical tax risk

Patrik Sedlar and William Berntö of Svalner Atlas Advisors draw on case law to question whether the Swedish Tax Agency’s stance on recharacterising intra‑group intangible property licensing arrangements conflicts with the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines

Nicolas Duboille and Mathis Rossignol of Sumerson explain how France’s new withholding tax mechanism reshapes access to treaty relief and creates significant cash-flow and compliance implications