David Livdahl, Jenny Sheng and Chunbin Xu of Paul Hastings take us through the old requirements imposed on qualified foreign institutional investors (QFII’s) and enlighten us as to how the new measures will have the effect of relaxing protocols for foreign investors.

Carrie Yang and Amanda Li of Clyde & Co contemplate how the insurance market will change in China once the government implements strict liability for food safety.

In our last issue, (Volume 10 Issue 3) we brought you an overview of the key changes to the CIETAC Rules 2012 in “Moving the CIETAC goal posts…for the better.” Here, Harry Liu and Yue Qiu of King & Wood Mallesons guide us through the major differences between the CIETAC Beijing Rules and the CIETAC Shanghai Rules, enlightening us as to how these distinctions have a bearing on choice of venue for the parties involved.

Recent efforts to encourage foreign direct investment in Renminbi (RMB) represent one of several systematic steps taken by the Chinese government in its long march towards full convertibility and internationalisation of the RMB. But just how broad is the ability of foreign investors to use RMB to undertake direct investment in China? Zheng Yu of Gide Loyrette Nouel canvasses recent regulatory developments and examines the sectors where restrictions on foreign investment in RMB may apply.

China is encouraging foreign investment into the pharmaceutical distribution industry by lifting previously entrenched barriers in ‘restricted’ categories in the field. Given that the government is additionally taking steps to reduce drug prices down the distribution chain, foreign manufacturers are electing to cut out the middleman and establish their own distribution business with a view to maxing out on profits. Jack Wang and Ma Ya of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer take us through the government’s efforts to boost foreign investment and consolidate the drug distribution industry in the PRC.

Defying the GFC and strategically driving growth in virtually every sector, the world’s gaze remains fixed on China to continue its upwards trajectory. Frances Woo and Tiffany Chan of Appleby chart investment trends into Africa as well as the mushrooming consumer industry in the PRC.

Lesli Ligorner and Mitchell Mosvick of Paul Hastings shine a light on the steps taken by the Chinese government to improve the lives of working mothers. Extended maternity leave benefits, greater protections for new mothers and additional entitlements based on individual circumstances have paved the way for a more balanced lifestyle and a significant move in the right direction in terms of social progress. And this could just be the tip of the iceberg….

Last year’s strong M&A activity in Asia has continued in the first half of 2011. In our Special Report, senior lawyers practising in the field share their insights into the factors driving activity, from Asia’s thirst for overseas acquisitions to foreign companies trying to gain a foothold in emerging markets. Find out why Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami could stimulate outbound investment, and how the UAE’s distinct business culture can present challenges for the unwary investor. Features articles contributed by Hogan Lovells, K&L Gates, Melli Darsa & Co, Phoenix Legal, Tilleke & Gibbins, DFDL Mekong and Indochine Counsel.

Investing in Mongolia: Opportunities and risks

Matthias Schroeder, former head of Beiten Burkhardt’s Asia desk in Munich, explains the concept of “guanxi” and how to stay the right side of the PRC’s increasingly stringent corruption laws when conducting business there

Organisations in Asia, as with elsewhere in the world, cannot function effectively without a well-organised and responsive workforce. Labour disturbances can, therefore, quickly throw a company’s operations into turmoil. In our Special Report on Employment this month, we hear why it is imperative for organisations to prepare for potential employment disputes at the earliest possible moment, and how companies in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and Thailand can keep their internal engines running smoothly.

Hand-in-hand: corruption and private sector fraud in China

Adrian Emch of Hogan Lovells’ Beijing office explains why a recent decision on cartel behaviour may herald a new era in the enforcement of the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law.

Reverse mergers have become an popular way for Chinese companies to access US equity markets, but they are coming under increasing scrutiny from regulators, writes Peter Stone of Paul Hastings.

Leaving behind a long-standing career as a private practitioner, James Jamison, moved in-house and joined Deloitte as General Counsel in 2011. Taking up the role against the background of a rapidly changing regulatory landscape which has seen China assert its national sovereignty in response to demands from US regulators, he describes his entry in-house as a ‘baptism of fire.’ 18 months in, his quest continues. He strives to find workable solutions and manage delicate situations with level-headedness and diplomacy with the help of a supportive legal network. Here Jamison tells us more about his day to day at one of the Big 4 accounting firms.