Guests at the firm’s ‘Understanding China’s Economic Drivers and Practices’ event heard from Chinese lawyers Chris Zhang and Teresa Yang, who are currently on ALG’s Chinese Lawyer Programme.

ALG established the programme in 2011 in conjunction with a number of the top independent business law firms, corporates and universities in China.

Over 70 Chinese lawyers have spent up to six months with the firm through the unique programme, and ALG lawyers have similarly gained experience working on secondment in the offices of Chinese law firms for periods of up to four months.

The recent seminar followed a ‘Doing Business in China’ workshop hosted by NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with ALG as one of the Chamber’s International Champions, together with Grant Thornton and Queen’s University Belfast.

Sarah Dugdale, associate at A&L Goodbody, explained: “China is long-established as a prime market for Northern Irish exporters. In order to succeed in the Chinese market, firms are required to align themselves with the many cultural, economic and legislative nuances there.

“Today’s event at our Belfast office was about helping local firms to understand the many considerations that come with doing business in China and the real-time factors that continue to influence the business environment there, such as its current investment plans and policies.”

Partner Mark Thompson continued: “Our Chinese lawyers provided invaluable practical advice on everything from market entry for early exporters through to growing market share in China and negotiating the complex investment and policy regime there.

“We have a deep understanding of China’s legal and business environment, underpinned by our practical experience and knowledge of doing business in China. We support Chinese companies looking at business or investment opportunities in Ireland, north and south, as well as assisting local clients in relation to their business interests in China.”