Call for Expert: Payment Options and Foreign Exchange Controls in China

The EU SME Centre is looking for an expert in China’s financial sector to write an update of our guidelines on payment options and foreign exchange control. This publication is designed to support European SMEs in navigating the complexities of payment options, foreign exchange controls, and related regulations when trading with China.

Content to update

The updated guideline should be comprehensive, practical, and structured to address the key concerns of European small and medium-sized enterprises. The suggested outline includes:

Executive summary
1.Overview of the regulatory framework governing foreign exchange transactions
1.2 Receiving Payments for Exporting Goods to China
1.3 Receiving Payments for Exporting Services to China
2. Payment in RMB
3. Receiving payments from accounts outside of China
4. Mitigating risks – tips on safe payment options for European SMEs

The author is welcome to suggest additional ideas to update the guidelines.

Timeline

A first draft of the updated guideline must be submitted to the EU SME Centre by Friday 14 March 2025. The EU SME Centre will revert within two weeks with feedback and requests. The final version is expected to be published by the end of March 2025.

Following the publication of the guideline, a launch webinar will be organised by the EU SME Centre during which the expert(s) will introduce the content of the article. No logistics/organisational efforts will be needed from the expert(s).

Application process

Interested applicants should email the EU SME Centre’s Business Advisor Weronika Gryglaszewska at weronika.gryglaszewska@eusmecentre.org.cn, including:

• A short proposal, including a brief outline of the proposed updates to the guideline (maximum 1 page) 
• A description of previous experience in the sector 
• A quotation of workdays and fees required 

Each application will be evaluated based on the three bullet points above and the selection will be made on the basis of best quality-price ratio. After the evaluation, the EU SME Centre will revert to you regarding your proposal. 

Application deadline

Friday 21 February 2025.

About the EU SME Centre

The EU SME Centre (www.eusmecentre.org.cn) is an EU-funded initiative that provides a comprehensive range of hands-on support services to European SMEs, getting them ready to do business in China. Collaborating with external experts worldwide, the Centre converts valuable knowledge and experience into practical business tools and services easily accessible online. From first-line advice to in-depth technical solutions, we offer services through: 

• Knowledge Centre: Containing over 200 comprehensive market reports, guidelines and case studies available to download from our website.
• Advice Centre: Saving your time, money and providing reassurance that you have the right information to support your business decisions.
• Training Centre: Offering training programmes both face-to-face and online to plug the knowledge gaps of SMEs entering the Chinese market.
• SME Advocacy Platform: Providing a coherent, consistent and consolidated voice for European small businesses in China.