Beijing-headquartered Guantao has opened its first international location in Hong Kong, making a bullish start in the Year of the Ox. The new Hong Kong office is the firm's eighth branch office and is headed by partner Yan Pengpeng (pictured), who relocated from Beijing to manage the firm's development in Hong Kong.

In addition to the obvious reason behind any law firm expansion, namely a response to client need, Yan revealed the more strategic motive behind the Hong Kong opening. "The Hong Kong office will be a platform for strengthening our alliance with Ashurst and Jackson Woo & Associates. It provides a common ground enabling the three firms to collaborate closely and share resources with each other for the clients' benefit," said Yan.

Before the Hong Kong opening, Guantao already had an alliance with local Hong Kong firm Jackson Woo & Associates (JWA). Last November, when UK firm Ashurst opened its Hong Kong office and forged a formal association with JWA, Guantao also entered into a non-exclusive alliance with Ashurst.

The alliance offers greater access and connection to the global markets, particularly in Europe, for Guantao and its domestic clients, who are increasingly participating in overseas capital markets and making investment into foreign countries.

"While Hong Kong remains an important gateway for foreign investment into China, its role as China's bridge to the world has been increasing significantly. Chinese companies increasingly use Hong Kong as a springboard to go overseas," said Yan.

Since the opening of Guantao's Hong Kong office, 10 PRC firms have so far registered with the Law Society of Hong Kong as foreign law firms. Half of them are operating in association with a local Hong Kong firm.