We advise British and International companies on Chinese Law and Chinese trade customs for their business ventures with China. In November 2005 we entered into a Joint Venture with the Beijing-based Tang Law Group to open a joint office in Beijing. This has reinforced the firm’s increasing capability and presence in the region and our London team works closely with our counterparts in Beijing.

We have been acting for our Chinese clients since the 1990’s and have witnessed the tremendous growth of the Chinese economy and the importance of China as a key commercial, trade and insurance centre. For more than 10 years our China practice has advised our clients on the business opportunities and challenges offered by China’s rapidly evolving markets.

With our Chinese Law Department, we ensure a smooth interaction with our Chinese clients and offer them an efficient service overcoming any issues of language and time zones.

We also act for a large number of Chinese state-owned companies in their London and ICC international arbitrations. We have handled their legal matters in maritime, construction and international trade. Notably, we acted for the Chinese government in the only three arbitrations in London that they have ever been involved in.

Some of our well known Chinese clients include:

• Chinese National Petroleum Companies
• China Petroleum Technology and Development Corporation
• China Petroleum Engineering Construction Corporation
• Minmetals

In 1994, Mr Zaiwalla facilitated a political mediation between 10 Downing Street and the Chinese Government relating to the handing over of Hong Kong.

Mr Zaiwalla has also accompanied Mr Michael Heseltine (the former Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Board of Trade) on two of his ministerial visits to China; he also accompanied the Lord Mayor’s official visit to China and his official team visit to Beijing, Shenzen, Forshan and Shanghai in September 2010.