Doing business in, or investing in, Australia may require an understanding of the goods and services tax regime (sometimes referred to as consumption tax, value added tax or goods and services tax). Here is a brief guide on GST in Australia for foreign businesses that may be about to do business, or invest, in Australia.
Read the full article by Ajay Ravi, McInnes Wilson Lawyers
Globalaw, a leading network of approximately 80 independent law firms in over 60 countries, announces that the Globalaw Foundation presented a donation of $5,000 USD to Pro Bono SG during the 2026 Globalaw APAC Regional Meeting in Singapore.
The charity arm of The Law Society of Singapore, Pro Bono SG enables access to justice for the vulnerable and disadvantaged through legal awareness, advice, and advocacy. In FY24/25, the organization’s initiatives and programming served more than 16,000 individuals and organisations with a volunteer base of over 1,000.
“Pro Bono SG reflects the Globalaw Foundation’s mission of expanding access to justice by filling the gap for individuals and organisations that fall outside traditional legal aid resources,” said Peter J. Brown, Globalaw President and Partner at Edwards, Kenny & Bray. “We are proud to support their important work to protect and empower those who need it most.”
Donating to local charities is a fundamental component of Globalaw’s event programming. Representatives from selected nonprofits are also invited to meet and network with Globalaw member firms, helping them raise awareness of their organisations and build ongoing connections and engagement.
About The Globalaw Foundation
The Globalaw Foundation supports community organizations focused on helping young people access legal education and increasing access to justice for those who would otherwise be denied it for financial or other reasons. The foundation is funded through donations from Globalaw member firms and funds raised at Globalaw events. Visit www.globalaw.net for more information.
About Globalaw
Founded in 1994, Globalaw is a global Band 1 Chambers-ranked leading network of approximately 80 independent law firms and 4,000 lawyers in over 60 countries. Our mission is to foster seamless legal collaboration among member firms and assist them in delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to their clients worldwide. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, global reach, and innovative approach to legal services. Visit www.globalaw.net to learn more.
Costa Rica has established itself as an attractive destination for foreign investment thanks to its political stability, qualified human capital, and a solid legal framework that provides security to investors. According to the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), 89% of employment related to free trade zones comes from companies with foreign capital, highlighting the direct impact of international investment on local job creation. This model not only promotes economic development but also strengthens Costa Rica’s competitiveness.
Between 1990 and 2024, the number of companies operating under the free trade zone regime increased from 56 to 626, demonstrating significant sector expansion. During this period, free trade zone companies generated a cumulative economic value of USD 13.893 billion, representing 15% of Costa Rica’s national GDP. In comparison, in 1990 their contribution amounted to only USD 215 million (1% of GDP), underscoring the growing strategic importance of free trade zones for the Costa Rican economy.
“Between 1990 and 2024, the number of companies under the free trade zone regime increased from 56 to 626, demonstrating significant sector expansion.”
A Success Model in Continuous Development
Since its introduction in the 1990s, Costa Rica’s free trade zone regime has evolved from an export-oriented industrial system into an advanced ecosystem for innovation, services, and high-tech manufacturing. According to the PROCOMER study “Free Trade Zone: 35 Years Building Value for Costa Rica”, the country has experienced sustained growth under this system.
Innovation and Technological Security
Over the past three decades, high-tech sectors within free trade zones have experienced exponential growth, bringing new regulatory challenges. Maintaining a balance between openness, innovation, and technological sovereignty requires close cooperation between the public and private sectors to safeguard national security without undermining international competitiveness.
This approach ensures that technological development and foreign investment continue contributing sustainably to economic growth.
Legal Framework and Tax Incentives
The Free Trade Zone Regime Law in Costa Rica establishes several categories of companies eligible for incentives, including manufacturing and export-oriented companies, service providers, research institutes, healthcare and audiovisual companies, as well as enterprises that promote economic development outside the Greater Metropolitan Area of San José.
The legal framework aims to attract new investment, foster technological innovation, and strengthen regional competitiveness—under modalities that ensure real job creation and modernization of production processes.
For national manufacturing companies operating under this regime, legislation allows access to tax exemptions and benefits regardless of export levels. According to Article 20, subsection d) of Law No. 7210 (Free Trade Zone Regime Law), companies are exempt for a period of ten years from the start of operations from capital taxes, net worth taxes, property taxes, and real estate transfer taxes.
In other words, incentives are not tied to export performance but to the strategic or territorial importance of the investment.
However, if goods produced under the free trade zone regime are sold in the domestic market, all corresponding taxes must be paid, applying the same customs procedures as imports from abroad.
In this context, the law introduces a key customs principle: tariffs apply only to imported raw materials used in production, not to the total value of the final product. This differentiated treatment—regulated under Article 21, subsection a) of the Free Trade Zone Law—ensures that tariffs reflect only the imported portion of the production process, in line with Costa Rica’s international obligations, and promotes a balanced, competitive, and transparent investment policy.
“Tax incentives are not linked to export performance, but to the strategic or territorial importance of the investment.”
Internal Competitiveness: Structural Challenges
According to the Costa Rican Free Trade Zone Association (AZOFRAS), in order to maintain growth within the regime, the country must address key national competitiveness factors, including:
Free trade zones represent a central pillar of Costa Rica’s economic model. Their future depends on the country’s ability to anticipate risks, adapt to global changes, and strengthen cooperation between government, business, and society. They represent more than a special tax system; they embody a development vision based on innovation, stability, and openness.
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For more information, contact:
Lexincorp Central American Law Firm, San José
When a law firm consistently wins over 95% of its cases, people take notice.
Ulysses, an independent law firm based in Kyiv, Ukraine, operates at the intersection of global legal systems to help national and multinational clients reach their goals in high-stakes disputes, public policy issues and complex transactions.
Known for precision, agility, and strategic depth, Ulysses lawyers skillfully apply both domestic and international law, as well as dispute-resolution mechanisms, to deliver effective outcomes.
Bold Thinking, Client-First Strategy
Ulysses defines itself through bold, results-driven representation.
Its ethos? “We win disputes. We close deals.”
Clients turn to Ulysses when the stakes are high politically, commercially, or reputationally. Many choose the firm because their legal issues cross borders or involve complex regulatory challenges.
Ulysses’ client relationships showcase its client-first approach. Whether helping a global corporation navigate a multibillion-dollar M&A deal or representing an investor in a dispute involving international banking regulations, Ulysses is known for relentlessly pursuing outcomes that serve the client’s best interests.
Globally Recognized Dispute & Transaction Expertise
Ulysses’ Disputes practice is built around cases that often influence public policy or international relations, including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, complex litigation, investor-state disputes, and public international law.
The firm’s transactions and regulatory practice supports major commercial activities, including corporate and M&A, banking and finance, regulatory, and taxation for companies like Porsche Ukraine, EnergoGroup, and DPWorld.
The firm’s excellence has been recognized by leading authorities such as Chambers & Partners, IFLR1000, The Legal 500, WWL, and Liga Zakon.
A Leader in International Law
Ulysses is a leading expert in public international law and treaty-based disputes, garnering recognition in national and international media. Perhaps the strongest testament to the firm’s capabilities is its track record in investor-state matters:
Ulysses has negotiated and finalized 75% of publicly known investor–state settlements with Ukraine. These cases often involve delicate diplomatic issues, requiring a combination of legal knowledge, strategic negotiation skills, and a nuanced understanding of governmental processes.
The firm’s cross-border practice supports clients in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and other jurisdictions, advising on financial transactions, navigating regulatory frameworks, or structuring innovative banking services in Ukraine. Its team continuously monitors regulatory shifts, ensures compliance, and helps clients build internal policies and product standards that meet both domestic and international requirements.
Expanding International Capabilities Through Globalaw
Ulysses’ experience in multijurisdictional matters made its 2022 entry into Globalaw a natural step. The firm’s capabilities align seamlessly with the network’s mission: connecting top independent firms to help clients operate effectively across borders.
Through Globalaw, Ulysses has strengthened its ability to serve corporations, public policy stakeholders, and international entities whose matters often span multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks. It allows Ulysses to support clients with deep local knowledge and coordinated global insight.
For more information, visit ulysses.law.
Ireland has established itself as one of the world’s most attractive jurisdictions for companies seeking legal certainty, efficiency, and internationally recognised dispute resolution mechanisms. Its combination of a common law foundation, EU membership, specialist courts, and growing technological capability makes it a compelling choice for international business.
A Stable, Predictable Common Law System
Ireland’s common law framework provides reliability through the doctrine of precedent, giving businesses clarity and reducing legal ambiguity. As an English-speaking jurisdiction, Ireland also offers seamless communication and a familiar legal environment for global companies.
An EU Member with Strong Cross-Border Enforceability
As part of the European Union, Ireland benefits from the supremacy of EU law and automatic EU-wide recognition of Irish judgments, with limited exceptions. The country is also a party to key international agreements, including the Lugano and Hague Conventions, thereby enhancing enforceability beyond the EU.
Efficient Courts and Cost-Competitive Litigation
Ireland offers a competitive cost regime compared with jurisdictions such as the UK and the US. The “costs follow the event” principle allows successful parties to recover fees, helping manage financial exposure.
The court structure supports efficient dispute resolution, with the High Court handling major commercial matters and the Circuit and District Courts managing lower-value disputes.
A Commercial Court Built for Speed and Complexity
Ireland’s Commercial Court is highly regarded for its expertise, strict case management, and fast-track procedures. Complex and high-value business disputes are fast-tracked, and more than 60% of cases conclude within a year. Specialist lists—such as Intellectual Property & Technology and Planning & Environment—ensure cases receive expert judicial attention.
A Modern, Streamlined Appeals Process
The Court of Appeal usually hears appeals within 3–5 months, supported by weekly case management sessions held in person and remotely. The Supreme Court focuses on cases of major public importance, processing applications quickly and listing accepted appeals without delay.
A Global Centre for Arbitration and Mediation
Ireland is a leading destination for alternative dispute resolution.
• Arbitration benefits from confidentiality, finality, the UNCITRAL Model Law, and Ireland’s status as a New York Convention signatory.
• Mediation enjoys success rates of 80% and statutory support via the Mediation Act 2017. Courts can also encourage mediation even after litigation begins.
Other ADR mechanisms, such as conciliation and adjudication, offer additional flexibility.
Innovation Driven Courts and Industry Expertise
Ireland is investing heavily in digital transformation. Legal professionals and judges possess deep expertise in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, financial services, and technology—reflecting Ireland’s role as a global business hub.
A Supportive Restructuring Environment
Ireland’s insolvency and restructuring framework is creditor-friendly and flexible, with processes such as Examinership and the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP) helping businesses navigate financial difficulty efficiently.
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For more information, contact:
Partner & Head of CKT’s Healthcare and Litigation Departments
