International business between Asia and Europe

International entrepreneurship offers opportunities, but also brings challenges. Organisations active between Asian and European markets are faced with differences in laws and regulations, business culture, decision-making and communication. What is considered self-evident in the Netherlands may be interpreted differently in Asia. Conversely, European directness and transparency can lead to incorrect expectations among Asian stakeholders.

Our Asian Desk acts as a bridge between Asian, European and Dutch organisations. We support both European companies that want to invest or expand in Asia and Asian enterprises that are active or wish to become active in the Netherlands and Europe. In doing so, we combine expertise in the areas of taxation, transactions, compliance and international structures with practical guidance on communication, collaboration and decision-making.

How do we help you?

Doing business between Asia and Europe requires more than just technical knowledge. Successful international collaboration arises when cultural differences, business expectations and regulations are aligned. Thanks to our international experience and global network, we can translate complex cross-border issues into workable solutions that suit your organisation and ambitions.

In addition to the global Grant Thornton network, we work closely with a broad network of external parties, including embassies and organisations such as the NFIA. This enables us to support clients beyond our own organisation in their international growth and collaboration.

What does it deliver?

With our support, you gain greater insight into local regulations, culture and business practices. This allows you to manage risks more effectively, identify opportunities more quickly and collaborate more efficiently across borders. The result: smoother international processes, stronger business relationships and a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Benefits

  • Less risk in international business
  • More control over compliance and taxation
  • Better collaboration across borders
  • Faster and more effective decision-making
  • A single international point of contact
  • Access to specialist expertise in Europe and Asia

Do you have a question?

Would you like to know more about how we can support you? Please contact one of our specialists.

Our specialists

Yulai Xu

Director international tax
Amsterdam  Office
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Chloe Lin

Junior Manager Tax
Rotterdam  Office
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    Why choose for Grant Thornton?

    Grant Thornton Netherlands is a member of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL), one of the world's largest networks (#7) of independent accounting and advisory firms, with 76,000 professionals in 156 markets. From eight Dutch offices, more than 700 professionals support our clients with advice and guidance in the fields of accountancy, tax, and (financial) advisory. We deliver world-class expertise in a way that seamlessly aligns with each client's unique situation. We operate from a solid foundation with a flexible and results-driven mindset.

    Duurzaamheid in het mkb

    Frequently asked questions and answers

    Cultural differences are among the most underestimated risks of international business. While European organisations often value direct communication and quick decision-making, relationship building, hierarchy and trust play a greater role in many Asian cultures.

    A successful collaboration therefore starts with an understanding of each other’s expectations and ways of working. This applies to negotiations, communication, decision-making and stakeholder management. Small differences in style can have major consequences for the progress of a collaboration or transaction.

    The Asian Desk of Grant Thornton helps organisations bridge these differences. Our specialists combine tax, legal and business expertise with an understanding of cultural dynamics within both European and Asian markets. This enables organisations to prevent misunderstandings, strengthen relationships and collaborate more effectively across borders.

    An international expansion involves more than just commercial opportunities. Organisations are faced with different tax systems, legal obligations, compliance requirements, labour legislation and local market practices. In addition, issues relating to governance, business structures, supply chains and financing often play an important role.

    Many risks do not arise from the market itself, but from insufficient preparation for local requirements and differences between jurisdictions. A proper analysis in advance helps to prevent unexpected costs, delays and compliance risks.

    Grant Thornton supports organisations in mapping the tax, legal and strategic impact of international growth. Thanks to our combination of local knowledge and an international network, we help entrepreneurs, investors and multinationals to make well-considered choices and create a solid foundation for sustainable international expansion.

    When doing business between Europe and Asia, decisions often have consequences in multiple countries at the same time. A decision regarding an investment, business structure or acquisition can have tax, legal and operational implications in different jurisdictions. It is therefore important to look beyond local regulations alone.

    An international network ensures that knowledge from different markets is brought together and that local specialists can collaborate on one integrated solution. This creates more coherence, identifies risks earlier and means that organisations do not have to coordinate multiple advisers themselves.

    Through the global Grant Thornton network, clients have access to specialists in both Europe and Asia. This makes it possible to assess complex international issues from multiple perspectives, while working with a single trusted advisory partner. For organisations that are growing or investing internationally, this provides more overview, speed and certainty.