Pinsent Masons announces approval for opening of new office in China

Pinsent Masons will open an office in Shenzhen within the commerce hub of the Qianhai Free Trade Zone. Shenzhen is a highly innovative and entrepreneurial city of 18 million located in the south of China that has often been described as “China’s Silicon Valley”. The Qianhai Free Trade Zone is positioned to be China’s gateway for the belt and road initiative and a global innovation hub for finance, logistics, technology and legal services. 

Work is now underway to open the Shenzhen office in 2025.

The new office adds to our 41-year presence in China, with offices in Hong Kong (opened in 1983), Shanghai (2002) and Beijing (2006). 

Partner and Head of Asia Pacific, James Morgan-Payler, said the new office is part of a focused growth plan for the firm in Asia Pacific, which follows a number of recent hires in Australia and Singapore. 

‘Our new office in Shenzhen reinforces our commitment to the Chinese market and its importance to the global economy,’ James said. 

‘Our China practice will continue to focus on China-outbound investment and M&A into the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. We will also continue to support international corporations in their China inbound activities such as foreign direct investments and joint ventures in China.’ 

Partner and Head of China, Kanyi Lui, said China is a key player in economic development in Asia Pacific and across the world. 

‘In just four decades China has transformed into one of the world’s leading players in energy, infrastructure, technology and innovation globally, and these are areas of real focus for Pinsent Masons, especially in Asia Pacific,’ Kanyi said. 

‘This move is a commitment to continuing to assist our clients, which include many of the largest and most innovative Chinese companies and entrepreneurs, wherever their business may take them.’