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Global Expansion Handbook

Manufacturing Investment

Set up production capacity abroad

Definition

Building or acquiring production facilities abroad, involving investment approval, land, environment, labour and bonded customs arrangements.

Suited for

  • Supply-chain diversification
  • Proximity to markets or materials
  • Using rules of origin and trade agreements

Common legal structures

  • Foreign-invested enterprise
  • Industrial park / free zone enterprise

Preparation

  • Site and park comparison
  • Investment approval and incentive applications
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Labour and expatriate permits

Limitations

  • Foreign land ownership is often restricted
  • Local content requirements in some sectors

Tax notes

  • Incentives usually carry conditions and clawbacks
  • Duty relief on imported equipment
  • Origin determination

Key risks

  • Construction and approval delays
  • Labour relations
  • Environmental compliance
  • Trade remedy measures

Steps

  1. 1Feasibility study
  2. 2Site selection
  3. 3Investment registration and incentives
  4. 4Set up company
  5. 5Land and construction permits
  6. 6Environmental and production permits
  7. 7Hiring and start-up