中亚五国的税收环境及税收风险

Core Insights - Central Asian countries are actively promoting economic diversification strategies, resulting in distinct industrial structures, with Chinese enterprises focusing on investments in energy, infrastructure, agricultural processing, manufacturing, and services [1] Tax Environment Overview - The tax environment for Chinese enterprises in Central Asian countries is complex, with variations in tax types, rates, and incentives across nations [2] - Kazakhstan has a VAT rate of 12%, with certain exports and international transport services exempted; Uzbekistan also has a 12% VAT rate with specific exemptions [2] - Corporate income tax rates vary, with Kazakhstan at 20%, Uzbekistan at 15%, and Kyrgyzstan at 10% for certain sectors [2] Common Tax Risks - Tax reforms and lack of clarity create uncertainty; Kazakhstan's new tax law will take effect on January 1, 2026, and transfer pricing rules will also be updated [3] - There is a risk of differing interpretations of tax laws by tax authorities, leading to uncertainty in enforcement [3][4] Permanent Establishment Risks - Chinese enterprises involved in infrastructure and engineering projects face scrutiny regarding whether they create a permanent establishment in the host country, which could lead to local tax obligations [5] - In Kazakhstan, local entities are considered tax agents responsible for withholding taxes on payments to unregistered foreign suppliers [5] Utilizing Tax Treaties - China has signed tax treaties with Central Asian countries, allowing for reduced withholding tax rates on dividends, interest, and royalties under certain conditions [6] - Kazakhstan has strict scrutiny for treaty benefits, particularly regarding the "beneficial owner" concept, while Uzbekistan has recently introduced this concept [6] Transfer Pricing Risks - Transfer pricing practices vary significantly across Central Asian countries, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan having more developed frameworks compared to others [7] - Kazakhstan has stringent compliance checks, especially for transactions in the oil, gas, and mining sectors [7] Customs Duties and Tax Recommendations - Customs duties differ significantly among Central Asian countries, with Kazakhstan's average most-favored-nation tariff rate at 5.6% for 2024 [9] - Companies are advised to assess compliance costs and utilize tax incentives effectively when planning cross-border transactions [9]