TORONTO - Bennett Jones LLP is among a small group of international law firms that has been selected to provide key legal services relating to international trade and investment for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).
MOFCOM initiated a public procurement process in 2013 to ensure the quality and value of the services it receives in various areas of trade and investment law.
Bennett Jones is among a small roster of qualified law firms that will be called on to advise the Government of China on World Trade Organization dispute settlement cases and disputes under other trade agreements; on investment treaty negotiations and investment disputes; and on trade remedies investigations. It is one of just three law firms worldwide, and the only Canadian firm, to be chosen for all three roles.
"We are honoured to be chosen", says Matthew Kronby, a Partner in Bennett Jones' International Trade and Investment Law Group and former head of international trade law for the Government of Canada. "Our success in this process reflects the impressive breadth of our Group's expertise and our capabilities in trade and investment litigation."
"Bennett Jones has a long and extensive history of providing services to the Government of China and Chinese clients", says Jesse Goldman, a Partner in Bennett Jones' International Trade and Investment Law Group, its Tax Group and its China Practice Group. "We have represented China and Chinese companies in trade remedies matters, in acquisitions across Canada and in addressing a wide range of regulatory and intellectual property issues including in the telecom, consumer goods and energy sectors."
Mr. Goldman and Mr. Kronby note that the MOFCOM process is a sign of China's growing engagement in the trade and investment sphere. It is playing an increasingly active role in WTO dispute settlement and has announced its willingness to pursue ambitious investment treaty negotiations with the European Union and the United States after concluding a bilateral investment treaty with Canada last year.
Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms, and home to more than 380 lawyers and business advisors across nine offices. With exceptional experience in complex cross-border and international transactions, Bennett Jones is well-equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and to connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.
Members of Bennett Jones' International Trade and Investment group have proven expertise in all aspects of international trade and investment law, including customs and trade remedies matters, WTO dispute settlement and investment treaty arbitration, export controls and sanctions and anti-corruption compliance. Our practice is also fully integrated with the firm's extensive cross-border commercial, transactional, tax, banking and dispute settlement services.