Has Chinas accession to the World Trade Organization had an impact on the firms Chinese offices?
Xiao: Yes, but it is the case that prior to China’s accession to the WTO Herbert Smith was already engaged in a considerable variety and volume of China-related transactions. Since accession, the pace has picked up, and it is moving in both directions. There are more multinationals involved in foreign direct investment projects now, there is an increase in Western-style mergers and acquisitions work, and there is a great deal of outgoing investment activity on the part of PRC companies. Editor: What about the resolution of disputes? Do your attorneys have recourse to Chinese courts in, say, the interpretation or enforcement of contract provisions? Johnson: In Hong Kong we have the ability to advise on local law and to appear before the local courts. Elsewhere, in common with all international law firms operating in China, we cannot advise on PRC law or appear before the local courts. We will work with a local firm, typically, where we have a client engaged in a dispute proceeding throu
