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Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP (GDLSK), one of the premier international trade boutique law firms in the United States, announced today the opening of its new office in Hong Kong. This is the firm's first full-service office outside the United States.
Specialising in Customs and international trade matters, the firm regards its Hong Kong investment as a strategically important step for its continuing long-term business development in the region.
The Resident Partner, Andrew Schroth, said, "For more than 30 years, our firm has represented companies in Hong Kong, mainland China and throughout Asia in customs, anti-dumping and related trade proceedings. The establishment of our Hong Kong office is an indication of our commitment to continue to serve our clients as effectively as possible and to support their growth within the region."
Mr Schroth explained that the firm's attorneys provide legal advice on all issues related to the import of products into the US and other markets. Its attorneys assist Chinese and Asian-based industries and companies with anti-dumping and other trade actions and issues. It is anticipated that the HK office will be particularly effective in providing pre-emptive advice to regional businesses to lessen exposure to anti-dumping duties.
Mr Schroth suggested that in order to cope with the anticipated increase in demand for its services in the region, the firm may have to expand its current staff in Hong Kong.
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin warmly welcomed the opening of GDLSK's Hong Kong office. He said, "Hong Kong has historically played a role as the key window for managing trade between Mainland and the rest of the world, including the US. This has naturally attracted trading companies, logistics and transportation providers, as well as professional services providers such as law firms, to set up presence here to serve clients' need in the region.
"The addition of GDLSK, a prominent US law firm, will certainly strengthen Hong Kong's position as the hub of world-class professional services. It will also enhance Hong Kong's overall attractiveness to overseas companies that will look to firms like GDLSK for advice and assistance," said Mr Galpin.
Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP is one of the US's largest law firms devoted exclusively to international trade and Customs matters in the United States. The firm represents a wide variety of clients, ranging from privately-held corporations to Fortune 100 companies engaged in the manufacture and distribution of textiles, consumer electronics, computer and telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive products, steel, apparel, and other consumer and industrial products. The firm's clients include domestic and foreign manufacturers, importers, trading companies, Customs brokers, trade associations and foreign trade associations.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with promoting and facilitating investment into the city by providing foreign companies with a wide range of services free of charge and support needed to establish a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:46
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