By Gina Passarella
Of the Legal Staff
Duane Morris has continued to grow its presence in Singapore through its joint law venture in the country, Duane Morris & Selvam.
Now that venture will partner with Singapore’s Economic Development Board to link the law firm’s clients in the United States and Latin America with business opportunities in Singapore, Duane Morris said Thursday. The agreement was signed today and is expected to last through 2015.
The goal of the Economic Development Board is to enhance Singapore’s position as a global business center. The country has received attention from a number of U.S. law firms looking to open operations in the region.
Under the agreement, Duane Morris, in conjunction with its U.S.-based public affairs unit, Duane Morris Government Strategies, and the Singapore joint law venture, will seek to engage clients and contacts in the United States and Latin America to explore business and expansion opportunities in Singapore.
The EDB focuses on extending the city’s offerings to businesses, fostering local and foreign investment, encouraging expansion into new markets and providing feedback to other government agencies to ensure that infrastructure and public services remain efficient and cost-competitive, Duane Morris said.
“This agreement is a boon for our clients looking to forge new connections and establish operations in Asia,” Duane Morris Chairman John Soroko said in a statement. “Leveraging our existing and future contacts on both sides of the Pacific, and bolstered by this agreement, Duane Morris will act as a bridge for investment and growth. We are pleased to collaborate with the EDB toward our common goals, and look forward to a strong and productive relationship.”
Eduardo Ramos-Gómez, managing partner of Duane Morris’ Asian offices and a former Mexican ambassador to Singapore, led the firm’s collaboration with the EDB.
“Singapore is a vibrant city that has developed rapidly into a hub for business and innovation,” Ramos-Gómez said in a statement. “It’s easy to see why. Our highly educated workforce, business-friendly climate, well-developed legal system and proximity to markets throughout Asia and the Middle East create a particularly attractive target for new investment. We hope to provide our clients with the means to succeed and indeed thrive in Singapore. Our agreement with the EDB is an ideal way to do just that.”
Gina Passarella is the senior reporter for The Legal. She can be contacted by email at gpassarella@alm.com or phone at 215-557-2494. Follow her on Twitter at @GPassarellaTLI.
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