Core Viewpoint - The independent financial advisor, China International Capital Corporation (CICC), has conducted a compliance review regarding the hiring of third-party institutions for the asset acquisition project by Wuhan Three Towns Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd., confirming that all actions are in accordance with the relevant regulations on integrity and risk prevention in investment banking [2][5][6]. Summary by Sections Third-Party Hiring Compliance - CICC plans to hire Beijing Tongshang Law Firm as the legal advisor and has already engaged Zhongshun Yatai Accounting Firm as the accounting advisor for the project to mitigate legal and financial risks [2][4]. - Beijing Tongshang Law Firm was established on May 16, 1992, and holds a valid license for securities legal services [3]. - Zhongshun Yatai Accounting Firm was founded on January 18, 2013, and is also qualified to engage in securities-related services [3]. Legal and Accounting Services - The legal services provided by Tongshang include assisting in legal due diligence, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and compiling project-related work papers [4]. - The accounting services from Zhongshun Yatai involve similar support in collecting and organizing project documentation [4][5]. Internal Review Procedures - CICC has established a standardized contract for hiring legal and accounting services, ensuring clarity in service content, fee arrangements, and mutual rights and obligations [6]. - The project team evaluates potential firms based on qualifications, experience, resources, reputation, and fee standards before finalizing the hiring process [6]. Conclusion of Compliance Review - CICC concludes that the hiring of Tongshang and Zhongshun Yatai is compliant with regulations, and there are no other direct or indirect third-party hires beyond those mentioned [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - The China Asset Appraisal Association (CAAA) has released the "Implementation Opinions on Anti-Unfair Competition Behavior" to protect public interests and the legitimate rights of appraisal institutions, encourage fair competition, prevent "involution" competition, and promote high-quality development in the asset appraisal industry [1]. Summary by Sections Anti-Competition Standards - The "Implementation Opinions" define standards for low-price competition, stating that if an appraisal institution's bid is below 50% of the average bid of all compliant institutions, competitors can report this behavior [2][3]. Mutual Supervision - Appraisal institutions are encouraged to supervise each other to resist unfair competition and maintain a fair competitive environment. They can report suspected unfair competition to various authorities, including the CAAA and local associations, providing evidence for investigation [4]. Legal Recourse - Institutions that believe their rights have been harmed by unfair competition can file lawsuits in people's courts [5]. Evidence for Reporting - Institutions can provide evidence of low-cost bidding through various means, including bid prices, cost accounting, and historical charges. Specific thresholds for reporting include bids below 50% of the average bid and below 45% of the maximum project price [6][7]. Industry Self-Regulation - The CAAA and local associations are tasked with strengthening industry self-regulation, guiding appraisal institutions to compete legally, and establishing monitoring mechanisms for bidding behavior. They will focus on investigating reported unfair competition and may impose penalties for non-compliance [8]. Market Overview - As of June 2024, there are 272 securities appraisal institutions in China, a decrease of 9 from the previous year. The majority are located in major cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, accounting for 61.8% of the total [9]. Workforce and Revenue - By the end of 2023, there were 9,282 asset appraisers, a 4.2% increase year-on-year. The total revenue for securities appraisal institutions reached 11.27 billion yuan, a 3.0% increase, with asset appraisal income making up 75.4% of total revenue [10][11]. Report Generation - In 2023, 213 securities appraisal institutions issued 12,069 asset appraisal reports, a 26.8% increase from the previous year, with 91.4% of these reports issued for listed companies [12]. Regulatory Updates - By the end of 2024, the Ministry of Finance and the China Securities Regulatory Commission will revise the "Filing Measures for Securities Service Business by Asset Appraisal Institutions," tightening filing requirements and enhancing ongoing supervision [13].

Group 1 - The provincial finance department has issued and publicized a checklist of administrative inspection items related to enterprises, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the use of power [1][2] - The checklist is based on the principle of "no inspection without basis" and covers six major areas, including government procurement supervision, accounting information quality supervision, and asset evaluation industry supervision [1] - The finance department will conduct inspections to ensure the fairness, transparency, and compliance of government procurement activities, as well as the authenticity and compliance of accounting practices [1][2] Group 2 - Inspections will also focus on the quality of practice, risk management, and internal controls of accounting firms and asset evaluation institutions to promote the rational allocation and effective utilization of state-owned assets [2] - The checklist aims to standardize the inspection management of the provincial finance department and guide the standardized construction of administrative inspections at all levels of finance departments in the province [2] - The finance department plans to comprehensively advance and strictly regulate administrative law enforcement related to enterprises, enhancing the level of law enforcement [2]

Group 1 - The article discusses the distinction between zero VAT rates and exemptions, providing clarity on VAT policies for companies operating internationally [1][3]. - Companies renting tangible assets located abroad are exempt from VAT [3]. - Services provided to foreign entities that are consumed entirely outside of China, such as asset appraisal and telecommunications, are also exempt from VAT [3]. Group 2 - Advertising services provided to foreign entities, where the advertising is placed entirely outside of China, are exempt from VAT [3].