1 August, 2014
On 31 July, Baker & McKenzie brought together lawyers from across its Asia Pacific offices with more than 100 business executives from leading multinational and Myanmar corporations, diplomatic and trade representatives and Myanmar officials at a reception to formally celebrate the opening of Baker & McKenzie’s Yangon office. Invitees discussed the practical steps they were taking to grasp the investment and business opportunities in Myanmar, as well as sharing insights on the changing regulatory environment. The Firm, as part of the US-ASEAN Business Council Mission, is also in discussion with Myanmar government officials about the country’s priorities and its plans for legal reform.
“We’ve learnt so much in the relatively short time since we opened in Myanmar. It’s been fantastic to engage with our clients and the broader business and professional community to discuss some of the successes we’ve had and common issues we’ve faced,” said Chris Hughes, Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie’s Yangon office. “The broad-based nature of the work we’re doing – across the finance, power, oil and gas, telecommunications and consumer goods sectors, on issues such as foreign investment and corporate setup, projects and transactions, and specialized advisory service relating to intellectual property, banking and finance, tax and trade – all indicates that the investment climate continues to be sustainable and positive for Myanmar’s development. We are certainly trying to play our part.”
As part of the US-ASEAN Business Council Mission to Myanmar, representatives from Baker & McKenzie – Asia Chairman Kien Keong Wong, and Australia Partner Chris Freeland – joined other senior business leaders to meet with Myanmar’s key leaders in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, including President U Thein Sein and other senior officials. They also met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Opposition leader.
Commenting on the work of the delegation, Kien Keong Wong, said, “The meeting has benefited us with greater insight and understanding of the current administration’s policy goals and priorities. As Myanmar continues its transition to a more open and transparent economy, we remain supportive and committed to our clients through investing in and training local talent to provide high-quality and reliable service. We will continue to assist our clients in making responsible investments in the country, helping them to put in place effective strategies and measures that meet legal requirements, their companies’ goals and CSR objectives, to help Myanmar on its road to sustainable economic development and employment creation. We will also endeavor to bring global best practices to Myanmar to benefit its professional services sector directly.”
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