Rajah & Tann Sets Up Shenzhen Office To Tap Into Southeast Asia-China Investments
Rajah & Tann Sets Up Shenzhen Office To Tap Into Southeast Asia-China Investments
Singapore's firm Rajah & Tann has secured approval from China’s Ministry of Justice to open a new representative office in Shenzhen, slated to commence operations in the fourth quarter of this year.
This new office marks Rajah & Tann's second branch in Mainland China, following its establishment in Shanghai 21 years ago. Leading the Shenzhen office will be international arbitration Partner Hew Kian Heong, who joined the firm earlier this year, alongside Loh Yong Hui and David Isidore Tan from the Singapore-based Greater China practice.
Hew has previously indicated to Bloomberg that the Shenzhen office will initially comprise 10 lawyers focusing on international arbitration and corporate matters, particularly in the construction and TMT sectors.
In a statement, Rajah & Tann highlighted that this expansion aligns with the rapid integration of cities in China’s Greater Bay Area and the increasing Chinese investments in Southeast Asia.
“These developments are expected to fuel economic growth and drive demand for cross-border legal services in the Pearl River delta in the coming years,” the firm said.
The Shenzhen office is strategically located in Qianhai, home to the Shenzhen-Hong Kong International Legal Zone. Known for its favorable tax policies, robust infrastructure, and strong IP and trademark protections, Qianhai has attracted banks, IT companies, logistic firms, and professional services providers in recent years.
Patrick Ang, managing partner of Rajah & Tann, emphasized that the firm's expertise in alternative dispute resolution aligns well with Qianhai's aspirations to become an international arbitration center. He noted, “The increasing trade and investments between China and Southeast Asia have led clients to seek regional firms with extensive cross-jurisdictional capabilities like Rajah & Tann.”
Currently, seven foreign law firms have established representative offices in Shenzhen, with five opting for Qianhai as their location of choice.
