On September 10, 2026, a themed seminar titled “Corporate Overseas Compliance Restructuring and Practical Guidelines under Order No. 837: Legal and Compliance Transformation throughout the Full Process of Overseas Investment”, hosted by Beijing Highking Law Firm, was successfully held. As a consultancy firm with extensive experience in the legal services sector, UWIN Consultancy was represented by its founder, Ms. Wu Chong, who was invited to attend the event and moderate the roundtable discussion, joining leading industry professionals to explore new directions for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas.
The event focused on emerging compliance trends for Chinese companies pursuing overseas expansion following the implementation of the Provisions on the Administration of Overseas Investment (State Council Order No. 837). It brought together dozens of professionals from investment institutions, listed companies, family offices, banks, and professional services firms.
The event was moderated by Mr. Xi Zhanpeng, the Executive Director and attorney at Highking Law Firm. In his opening remarks, Mr. Xi emphasized that Chinese enterprises’ overseas expansion has entered a new stage characterized by more sophisticated compliance management and a greater emphasis on proactive risk prevention. He noted that a robust compliance framework has become a core competitive advantage for companies seeking to establish and expand their global presence.
Mr. Xi Zhanpeng, the Executive Director and attorney at Highking Law Firm
Expert Insights: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective on Overseas Compliance and Practical Implementation
During the keynote sessions, several seasoned experts shared highly practical insights and guidance on overseas expansion and compliance from a range of perspectives.
Wang Zuolin, the Founding Partner and attorney at Highking Law Firm, provided a systematic interpretation of State Council Order No. 837. He noted that the new regulations mark a new stage in China’s regulation of overseas investment under a unified administrative framework. He advised companies to make full use of the window before the detailed implementing rules take effect to review and strengthen their compliance practices. In particular, he recommended establishing “four lines of defense” covering approval and filing procedures, corporate structure reviews, technology exports, and security reviews, while elevating compliance management to a strategic issue at the board level.
Li Xin, the Director of the Service Trade Committee of the China Overseas Development Association, introduced the Committee’s comprehensive support system for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas. She suggested that companies first address “three fundamental questions” before embarking on overseas expansion and outlined four core service modules: compliance support, overseas expansion planning, diplomatic liaison, and tailored solutions. She also highlighted the practical effectiveness of combining official channels with targeted business connections to support companies in their international expansion.
Jeff Leong, Founder and attorney at Jeff Leong, Poon & Wong in Malaysia, shared extensive hands-on experience in cross-border business establishment and operations. He provided an in-depth analysis of Malaysia’s distinctive advantages as a gateway to ASEAN, as well as emerging opportunities presented by the Johor economic zone and the Forest City financial zone. Drawing on real-world cases, he emphasized the importance of assessing overseas projects from multiple perspectives, including economic and operational considerations, and identifying and mitigating potential risks at an early stage.
Cheng Hong, Business Director at Ruizhi Consulting, provided a systematic overview of the key requirements for registration under No. 837 and the complete process for Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) filing. Drawing on practical cases, she noted that regulators are currently placing particular emphasis on matters such as the authenticity of shareholding arrangements. She also stressed that obtaining an ODI filing certificate does not mark the end of the compliance process: companies must continue to fulfill all applicable ongoing compliance obligations in a timely manner.
Roundtable Discussion: Bridging Information Gaps and Supporting the Global Expansion of Chinese Enterprises
During the roundtable session, Ms. Wu Chong, Founder of UWIN Consultancy, served as moderator and engaged in an in-depth exchange of insights and perspectives with four panelists: Wang Zuolin, Li Xin, Jeff Leong, and Cheng Hong.
The discussion centered on key challenges facing Chinese enterprises in their global expansion, including mitigating compliance risks under State Council Order No. 837, navigating evolving compliance requirements in Southeast Asia, addressing information asymmetries in overseas markets, balancing compliance efficiency with business timelines, and managing overseas expansion costs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on their respective areas of expertise, the panelists provided participating companies with comprehensive, end-to-end guidance spanning policy insights and practical implementation.
As one of the key messages conveyed at the seminar emphasized, compliance is not a constraint on companies expanding overseas, but a foundation for steady and sustainable global growth. This shared understanding closely aligns with the principles that UWIN Consultancy has consistently advocated and continues to put into practice.
To better support Chinese enterprises in their global expansion, UWIN Consultancy is actively developing the UGP – UJEN Global Partners international alliance ecosystem. The initiative is dedicated to seamlessly connecting Chinese companies with leading legal, tax, and integrated corporate service resources worldwide, while building a cross-border professional services network that spans markets and jurisdictions.
From policy interpretation to on-the-ground implementation, UWIN Consultancy will continue to play its core role as a professional connector and strategic brand partner, working alongside Highking Law Firm and other outstanding partners across its ecosystem. Together, we aim to help more Chinese enterprises manage risks effectively and expand with confidence amid the wave of globalization, creating shared success on the global stage.
