Payment Options and Foreign Exchange Control in China

European small and medium-sized enterprises exporting goods and services to China often face challenges related to payment options, conditions, and procedures. Key concerns include evaluating the financial credibility of buyers and minimising risks associated with delayed or non-payment. Many SMEs are unfamiliar with local banking products, the fragmentation of China’s banking system, and its role within the global financial network. 

To address these challenges and provide EU SMEs with reliable guidance on international trade payments from China, the EU SME Centre is organising a webinar on payment options and foreign exchange in China. This webinar will explore the key elements covered in our recently published guidelines on this topic. 

First, the webinar will delve deeper into foreign exchange control procedures and timeframes to expect for settlements to be completed. Even if most of the obligations related to payment lie with the importer or buyer in China, SMEs can benefit from a whole-rounded picture of the payment process in China to keep track of potential challenges. 

Next, the webinar will cover how payments in renminbi (RMB) can be used in the trade in goods and services in and out of China, and options now available in line with Beijing’s push to internationalise its currency. We will cover the different transaction costs, facilitated payments processes with fewer intermediaries, and hedging against the volatility of currencies. In addition, the webinar will discuss payment options involving accounts located outside mainland China, even for companies registered within the region. Finally, the presentation will include practical case studies related to foreign exchange and cross-border payments. 

Keynote speaker

Simone Restaino

Business Advisor, RsA Asia

Simone Restaino is a Business Advisor at RsA Asia, a consulting firm based in Shanghai that supports international companies with cross-border investment, corporate structuring, and tax advisory across Asia.
He assists European businesses operating in or entering the Chinese market, with a focus on regulatory compliance, international taxation, and business transformation. His work combines corporate, financial, and strategic aspects, helping companies navigate the complexities of doing business in China.