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The first Dutch registered foreign law firm in Hong Kong, Bloemers De Neree Advocates, today (November 29) officially announced its new office here. The firm sees Hong Kong as a strategic two-way platform to serve European clients doing business in China, as well as Chinese investors looking for investment opportunities in Europe.
Established by Thijs Bloemers, Ralph de Neree and Alexander de Neree, Bloemers provides legal and financial advice to entrepreneurs who are doing business in China or wish to enter the Chinese market. It also advises European companies and individuals based in China about the financial opportunities available in the Mainland and Hong Kong.
Senior partner with Bloemers De Neree Advocates, Mr Alexander de Neree, said that for European investors, China presented many great business opportunities. "However, doing business in China also means facing uncertainties and taking risks, including the different business etiquette, the language barrier and the uncertain outcome of negotiations and effectiveness of legal agreements. It is important for the investors to seek practical guidance from legal professionals with market knowledge and experience," Mr De Neree said.
"Hong Kong is the service centre for Asia. For providing high level legal services that often require complex financing – and when things go wrong, a strong legal system – Hong Kong is the best place from which to work."
According to Mr De Neree, the new Hong Kong office had created many new opportunities for the firm. "We are expanding our services with a real estate law office in Amsterdam to provide legal advice for Chinese investors interested in that field. And at the same time, through our Hong Kong office, we will be able to advise the clients in the Netherlands on structuring real estate investments by Dutch companies in China."
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, congratulated the firm on its opening.
"We are delighted to welcome the first Dutch law firm in Hong Kong," Mr Galpin said. "The presence of foreign law firms in Hong Kong has strengthened our professional services sector, one of the key offerings of Hong Kong to overseas investors. These law firms are also important partners of Hong Kong. By serving clients in their home markets, they facilitate foreign trade and investments with Hong Kong, or through Hong Kong with the Mainland. We wish Bloemers De Neree Advocates every success."
Located in Bank of America Tower, Bloemers De Neree Advocates provides services in English, Dutch and German. For more information about the firm, please visit the website at www.bldn.com.hk.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward investment into the city by providing all the support needed to establish a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Issued at HKT 10:01
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