Investigative Intelligence
July 29, 2013
Anti-counterfeit and illicit trade – lessons from the front lines
Multiple roles: a modern divide?
July 29, 2013
Having to perform multiple roles on a regular basis can be more than a little overwhelming for in-house counsel. At times, it can also blur the ethical and legal edges and impact upon important issues like privilege. Sascha Hindmarch, former General Counsel at the University of South Australia takes us behind the key-hole for a look at some of the dilemmas encountered by in-house counsel.
Wisdom imparted
July 29, 2013
Muhammad Tariq, Senior Legal Counsel at TECOM Investments shares with us his experience working in-house after closing the chapter on his days as an M&A private practitioner at Al Tamimi & Company. Leaving his former position somewhat reluctantly at first, he is now comfortably juggling the many roles the in-house move has demanded of him and offers up his advice for managing the position with efficiency, humility and decorum.
Risky business – insurance in the Middle East
July 29, 2013
The insurance industry is adapting to meet the needs of businesses as they expand across the Middle East. This article briefly considers …
Ramadan and working hours in Qatar
July 29, 2013
This year, in the State of Qatar, the Holy Month of Ramadan is expected to start on or around the July 9th, 2013 depending on the …
New rules for Indonesia’s banking industry
July 29, 2013
Bank Indonesia, the central bank, has issued a flurry of recent regulations aimed at strengthening the country’s banking system and …
New circular for advertising food products
July 29, 2013
Since the issuance of the Law on Advertising 2012 there has been some controversy as to whether the advertising of food products …
Deal of the month: The Philippines pushes the boundaries on its biggest IPO yet
July 18, 2013
Breaking new gr…
A brief look at Suspension of Debt Payment Obligations
July 10, 2013
As part of its groundbreaking restructuring, Indonesian shipping company PT Arpeni Pratama Ocean Line Tbk in early 2012 completed …
Marginal fields – Investment opportunities in oil & gas
July 10, 2013
Prior to 1974, the Malaysian oil and gas industry was based on the concession system under the Petroleum Mining Act 1966. Due to the energy …
Marginal fields – Investment opportunities in oil & gas
July 10, 2013
Prior to 1974, the Malaysian oil and gas industry was based on the concession system under the Petroleum Mining Act 1966. Due to the energy …
Qatar launches National Road Safety Strategy
July 10, 2013
On January 13th, 2013 the Minister of State for Interior Affairs, HE Sheikh Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairman of the National Road …
Growing opportunities in the Saudi healthcare sector
July 10, 2013
Judging by the attendance of healthcare providers at the Arab Health trade fair in Dubai in February 2013 it is clear that there is keen …
International arbitration in Korea – award enforcement
July 10, 2013
International arbitration is on the rise in the Republic of Korea. As more and more global companies with business in Korea are …
New rules for food safety assurance
July 10, 2013
Food poisoning happens nearly every day in Vietnam, and there have been some serious cases with large numbers of poisoned persons …
What’s in store for Indonesia’s franchise sector?
July 10, 2013
Indonesia’s franchise sector has experienced rapid growth in the past decade, riding the wave of the country’s economic expansion and …
Real estate investment trust development in Malaysia
July 10, 2013
Real estate investment trust (REITs) have been receiving greater attention as an instrument of investment in the Malaysian capital market over …
Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority: New rules
July 10, 2013
The QFC Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) is the independent regulatory body of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) with wide powers to supervise …
Construction in Saudi Arabia: Decennial liability
July 10, 2013
Saudi Arabia remains a beacon for construction projects, with an estimated US$600 billion in construction projects planned or underway …
Employee benefits under Korean Law
July 10, 2013
In Korea, the Labor Standards Act is the principal law governing matters relating to employer-employee relationships. It generally …
Interim remedies for the Vietnamese economy
July 10, 2013
The Ministry of Finance issued Circular No. 16/2013/TT-BTC, dated February 8th, 2013, guiding implementation of Resolution No. 02/NQ-CP …
Energy & Natural Resources
July 8, 2013
In this month’s edition of ASIAN-MENA COUNSEL, we bring you an in-depth Special Report on Energy & Natural Resources. Phoenix Legal enlighten us on the steps taken by the Indian government to tap its oil and gas reserves and they also shed light on how foreign investment is changing the country’s landscape. K&L Gates explain how the growing appetite of Asian investors for Russia’s oil and gas has led to a heightened interest in the Eastern Siberian region. Also look out for our latest In-House Insight and a new column featuring a Q&A with Managing Partner David Tang from K&L Gates.
Anti-Trust & Competition Special Report
July 8, 2013
In this issue, we bring you a comprehensive overview on anti-trust and competition law authored by Ian Forrester QC, whilst Perdana Saputro of Melli Darsa highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Indonesia’s competition regime. Chew Phye Keat of Raja Darryl & Loh contemplates the effectiveness of the Malaysian Competition Act 2012 and Dr. Tuan of LCT Lawyers gives us a fascinating look through the key-hole into the regulatory world of Vietnam’s anti-trust framework. ASIAN-MENA COUNSEL also speaks to Vivian Mak, Director and Head of Litigation, APAC, The Royal Bank of Scotland and through her eyes we see the changing tapestry of a litigator’s role at the Bank, in our In-House Insight feature.
Labour & Employment Update
July 8, 2013
Our cover story takes you through the merits and loopholes of employment legislation in various jurisdictions across the Asia and MENA regions. In addition, Bae Kim & Lee navigate the Korean employment maze and home in on dismissal issues whilst Al Tamimi provide us with an absorbing update on the state of play of employment in the UAE. We are also excited to showcase the results from our External Counsel of the Year survey – where in-house counsel were asked to weigh in on who they believed to be exceptional external counsel in their own jurisdictions. We bring you the results and more here.
Cross-Border M&A
July 8, 2013
Last year’s strong M&A activity in Asia has continued in the first half of 2011. In our Special Report, senior lawyers practising in the field share their insights into the factors driving activity, from Asia’s thirst for overseas acquisitions to foreign companies trying to gain a foothold in emerging markets. Find out why Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami could stimulate outbound investment, and how the UAE’s distinct business culture can present challenges for the unwary investor. Features articles contributed by Hogan Lovells, K&L Gates, Melli Darsa & Co, Phoenix Legal, Tilleke & Gibbins, DFDL Mekong and Indochine Counsel.
Representing Corporate Asia & Middle East Survey 2011
July 8, 2013
In our landmark issue, we present the results of our annual Representing Corporate Asia and Middle East Survey, the most far-reaching and objective survey of in-house counsel and buyers of legal services along the New Silk Road. We uncover the issues which affect the working relationship between in-house counsel and private practitioners and announce the winners of our Firms of the Year 2011. Spotlighting some of the winning practice groups in each jurisdiction, we examine how they maintain their competitive edge and how they manage to outpace their rivals in a mercurial market.
Telecoms, Media & Technology Update
July 8, 2013
Poised to become a US$225 billion industry by 2020, the Indian information technology (IT) sector has been a significant growth catalyst for the country’s economy.Our Special Report on the telecoms, media and technology sectors outlines some recent key developments in the country’s rapidly changing regulatory framework. We also turn the spotlight on China’s efforts to open up its audiovisual imports market and ask whether they are enough to benefit foreign investors. With editorial contributions from Khaitan & Co and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.