As cross-border business activity between China and ASEAN continues to accelerate, companies are increasingly seeking reliable insights to navigate international expansion.

On our visit to China in June 2025, we engaged with over 100 enterprises and industry associations in Weifang, Shandong, through a seminar focused on global expansion and outbound investment strategies.

Held under the theme “???? • ????” (Professional Empowerment: Helping Enterprises Go Abroad), the session reflected a growing trend: Chinese enterprises are actively exploring opportunities in ASEAN to diversify growth and strengthen global positioning.

The seminar was officially opened by Ma Yong, Vice Mayor of Weifang, who highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in driving sustainable economic development and international partnerships.

Navigating Cross-Border Investment Between China and ASEAN

From our experience across the Asia-Pacific region, successful cross-border expansion requires more than identifying market opportunities—it demands a structured understanding of risk, regulation, and long-term strategy.

During the session, AU Partners shared perspectives on the realities of entering international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. While these regions offer strong growth potential, businesses must navigate:

  • Diverse regulatory environments

  • Evolving tax frameworks and incentives

  • Political and policy uncertainties

  • Operational and compliance complexities

For companies pursuing cross-border business between China and ASEAN, a localized and well-informed approach is critical to minimizing risk and maximizing return on investment.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in ASEAN: Opportunities and Challenges

A key highlight of the seminar was delivered by Mikail Jaman—Managing Partner of AU Partners (KAP Agus Ubaidillah & Rekan)—who presented an in-depth overview of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) landscape across ASEAN.

The discussion covered essential factors influencing investment decisions, including:

  • Country-specific regulations and market entry requirements

  • Tax incentives and investment policies

  • Profit repatriation considerations

  • Sector-specific growth opportunities

ASEAN continues to position itself as a strategic destination for Chinese outbound investment. However, the region is far from uniform—each country presents distinct regulatory frameworks and business environments.

This reinforces the need for tailored strategies when approaching international expansion in Southeast Asia.

Understanding the U.S. IPO Pathway for Chinese Companies

Beyond regional expansion, the seminar also addressed global capital market opportunities, particularly the U.S. IPO process.

Insights were shared by Tang Lin, who provided practical guidance based on extensive experience supporting companies through international listings.

Key takeaways included:

  • Regulatory expectations and listing requirements

  • Preparation strategies for overseas IPOs

  • Common challenges faced by first-time issuers

  • The importance of governance and financial readiness

For Chinese enterprises considering global expansion, accessing international capital markets remains a powerful strategy—but one that requires careful planning and expert guidance.

Strengthening International Collaboration

Beyond knowledge-sharing, the seminar served as a valuable platform for building connections between Chinese enterprises and international advisors.

At AU Partners, we see increasing demand for cross-border collaboration—particularly among companies seeking to expand into ASEAN and other global markets.

The strong participation in Weifang reflects a broader shift: businesses are no longer exploring international markets passively—they are actively preparing to compete on a global scale.

Looking Ahead: Building Sustainable Global Expansion Strategies

As global business environments become more interconnected, cross-border success will depend on a company’s ability to navigate complexity, manage risk, and build the right partnerships.

At AU Partners, we believe that international expansion is most effective when supported by clear strategy, local expertise, and a deep understanding of regional dynamics.

Engagements like this not only facilitate knowledge exchange but also play a critical role in supporting businesses as they take confident steps toward global growth.

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