Every year on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar is Chinese Valentine’s Day “七夕节(Qīxījié).” This year the date is Monday 28th August. As is the custom elsewhere in the world, this is a day devoted to romance.
We have all been hearing about Why China and the scale of the opportunities which are massive. But how can you navigate the market and be confident there is demand for your project or service, ensure marketing is tailored to the culture and importantly get the right introductions to support your business growth objectives.
Immigration New Zealand has made a smart move to discourage applicants from placing investments entirely in bonds. From 22 May 2017, where 50% of the investor visa funds are invested in “growth oriented” investments, the amount that is required for the Investor 2 visa is discounted by NZD 500,000.
Australia is an attractive market for foreign investors, particularly when in comes to owning property including land. However, with escalating property prices in Sydney and Melbourne, the Australian and State Governments have made it more restrictive for foreign residents to purchase residential property in Australia.
Australia has a vast amount of land and whilst not all is suitable for farming has become attractive to foreign investors particularly with the need for increased production with global population growth.
Agriculture business
Proposed direct interests in an agribusiness generally require Foreign Investment Review Board Approval (FIRB) where the value of the investment is more than $55 million.
However, where the purchaser is from a country where Australia holds a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) there is no limit. Current FTA countries include New Zealand, Canada, Chilie, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the US.
Agricultural businesses include forestry and fishing as well as processing for meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, fruits and vegetables, grains and sugar.
Agricultural land
This is land that can be used for a primary production business.
All proposed investments in agricultural land by foreigners must be notified to the Australian Taxation Office Register of Foreign Ownership. Approval is required where the cumulative value exceeds $15 million, again except FTA partners.