Shanghai-based HaoLiWen has taken the first step to international expansion. The firm has opened its first overseas branch in Ireland's capital city Dublin. Partner Shelly Xiong will be the resident partner in the Dublin office, where she will oversee the firm's European practice.
"The Dublin office will serve as a platform for the firm to tap into the European market. The new office is set to facilitate European companies' investment and business in China, and work closely with local European firms to provide legal services and support to Chinese companies that are increasingly venturing into Europe," said senior partner Zhao Deming.
HaoLiWen's existing European clients are mainly from sectors such as clean energy, pharmaceutical, automobile, manufacturing, chemicals, insurance and financial services. Currently, the firm is helping three Chinese companies investing and setting up joint ventures in Ireland.
Zhao pointed out that Ireland is an attractive location for Chinese companies' Europe headquarters and sales representative offices, as it's an English-speaking country and has low corporate tax rate and a friendly environment. "Ireland is an attractive gateway for Chinese companies to enter the European market," said Zhao.
Established in 2003 in Shanghai, HaoLiWen focuses on M&A, cross-border investment, IP, customs affairs and human resources. The firm also has a liaison office in Chicago run by partner John Huang.
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