SINGAPORE, Feb. 25, 2013
/PRNewswire/—Duane Morris & Selvam LLP is
pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with
Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency
dedicated to enhancing the country’s position as a global business
center. The parties will collaborate on a wide array of mutually
beneficial business opportunities. The agreement was signed today
and will continue at least through 2015.
In accordance with the agreement, Duane Morris LLP (“DM”
, in conjunction with
its U.S.-based public affairs unit, Duane Morris Government
Strategies LLC (“DMGS”, and its Singapore
joint law venture, Duane Morris & Selvam LLP (“DMS”, will seek to engage
clients and contacts in the United States and Latin America to
explore business and expansion opportunities in Singapore. DM,
DMS and DMGS will be
among the EDB’s key partners to draw American
and Latin American corporations to Singapore and the region.
The EDB is the lead government agency for
planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore’s global
economic position. The agency creates value-added solutions for
domestic investors and companies to ensure and safeguard
sustainable economic growth with vibrant business and favorable job
opportunities. It 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.
Eduardo Ramos-Gomez, managing partner of Duane Morris’ Asian
offices and a former Mexican ambassador to Singapore, spearheaded
the collaboration. He has practiced international and corporate law
for more than 30 years, advising multinational and foreign
companies in Asia, North America, Europe and Latin America on
cross-border direct foreign investment, project development and
project finance. His practice encompasses a broad range of
international investments; mergers and acquisitions; securities;
financing; joint ventures; licensing; venture capital formation and
investments; privatization; infrastructure projects; and other
corporate transactions in the United States, Latin America and
Asia.
“This agreement is a boon for our clients looking to forge new
connections and establish operations in Asia,” said John Soroko,
Chairman of Duane Morris. “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.”
“Singapore is a vibrant city that has developed rapidly into a
hub for business and innovation,” said Ramos-Gomez. “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.”
“This move to partner with Duane Morris is timely as it further
strengthens Singapore’s position as a premier global and regional
legal services hub,” said Quek Swee Kuan, Deputy Managing Director
of EDB. “Through this strategic alliance, we
look forward to working with large and mid-size business
corporations in the United States and Latin America to establish a
presence in Asia. Singapore presents to these companies a unique
offering as a springboard for them to internationalize.”
Singapore boasts a free-market economy with one of the highest
per capita gross domestic products in the world. The country has
seen rapid growth in the past decade, due in large part to
government efforts to establish the country as a Southeast Asian
financial center. Though its economy is primarily services-based,
it counts machinery and equipment, including electronics and
telecommunications; pharmaceuticals and other chemicals; and
refined petroleum products among its chief exports. It also boasts
strong international trading links—the Port of Singapore is one of
the world’s busiest in terms of tonnage handled.
About Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP, a global law firm with
more than 700 attorneys in offices across the United States and
around the world, is asked by a broad array of clients to provide
innovative solutions to today’s legal and business challenges.
About Duane Morris & Selvam LLP
Duane Morris & Selvam LLP is the joint
law venture consisting of international law firm Duane Morris
LLP and Singapore-based Selvam LLC, with its headquarters in Singapore. It serves
clients throughout Asia, as well as companies based in the Americas
and Europe that are conducting business in Asia and Asian entities
and individuals doing business in the Americas and the United
Kingdom. Duane Morris & Selvam’s attorneys represent publicly
listed companies, investment banks, individuals and numerous large
and small private companies from around the world. Duane Morris
& Selvam LLP’s practice capabilities span
mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, corporate finance, banking and
securities, financial services, international joint ventures,
commercial real estate, Islamic finance, intellectual property,
litigation, shipping and arbitration. Its joint venture parent
firm, Selvam LLC, is regularly ranked among
Singapore’s top corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions law
practices by Chambers & Partners, Leading Lawyers and the
International Financial Law Review 1000.
About Duane Morris Government Strategies LLC
Duane Morris Government Strategies LLC
(DMGS) supports the growth of organizations, companies, communities
and economies through a suite of innovative government and business
consulting services. DMGS has a national
presence with professionals in locations around the country,
including Washington, D.C.; Pennsylvania; New Jersey; and Ohio.
SOURCE Duane Morris LLP