Doing Business In
We asked our member firms around the globe to complete a short Q&A to help WLG colleagues and others learn more about them, how to successfully do business in their countries, key investment sectors, and what business opportunities are hot in the market right now. We will continue to update this page with additional countries and new information.
Argentina
Alfaro Abogados
Knowledge, experience, and expediency—the three words that describe member firm Alfaro-Abogados (Argentina). When it comes to foreign investment in Argentina, Alfaro-Abogados knows the importance of understanding political and #economic scenarios to anticipate changes in the legal framework and determine the impact of those changes on the business cycle. This is why their firm offers Political and Legal Risk Analysis services. It is part of their firm's culture to provide clients with insightful forecasts of the region's environment. This tool is key to investments or transactions in any country. Learn more about Alfaro-Abogados, how to successfully do business in Argentina, and what advantages and pitfalls you need to know about before doing business there.
Australia
MinterEllison
Australia is a prosperous and stable nation, offering abundant opportunities for foreign investment across diverse industries. Australia's proximity to major markets like China, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea makes it a crucial hub for trade and investment, particularly in mining, agriculture, and finance. MinterEllison, WLG member firm for the country, keeps ESG near the top of its priority list and is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030. Read on to learn more about carrying out business in Australia.
Brazil
TozziniFreire Advogados
Cayman Islands
Campbells
As the Cayman Islands continue to position themselves as leaders in FinTech and Blockchain, member firm Campbells has naturally seen significant growth in these practice areas. Learn more about the firm and what opportunities this jurisdiction holds in Doing Business in the Cayman Islands.
Chile
Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr
Member firm for Chile, Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr, shared valuable insights into doing business in their country— "For a long time, Chile has been an attractive destination for foreign investment despite its relatively small domestic market. The country has a solid legal system, low corruption rate, diversified economy, general respect for private property rights, market-oriented policies, and stable financial rating…The country is one of the most industrialized countries in Latin America. In general, foreign investors may access all activities freely and invest in different industries such as infrastructure, energy, tourism, and particularly in mining, a sector which remains an essential actor in the country's economy." Learn more about Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr and doing business in Chile.
China
Zhong Lun Law Firm
In a recent Q&A member firm Zhong Lun shared their best practices for doing business in China—"In China, Zhongyong, (Chinese: "Centre” and "Unchangeable” or "Doctrine of the Mean”) is a highly valued Confucian philosophical concept. In practice, zhongyong means countless things: moderation, rectitude, objectivity, sincerity, honesty, truthfulness, propriety, equilibrium, and lack of prejudice. In business dealings, Zhongyong requires partners to adopt a more balanced approach with regard to the details of certainty and the vagueness of trust. When foreign investors can appreciate and master the art of Zhongyong, they will be able to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or even destruction of a good relationship, and thus enjoy a smoother collaboration with their Chinese partner." Learn more about Zhong Lun, how to successfully do business in China, and what advantages and pitfalls you need to know about before doing business there.
Colombia
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
Member firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría shared valuable insights into the current business climate in Colombia—"There are several factors that impacted the economy of our country: the devastating effects of the pandemic and related prolonged business closures, the failed fiscal reform, and the impossibility of tackling the fiscal deficit as well as the loss of Colombia's investment grade. Nevertheless, the Government has taken important measures to support the economy and contain the effects of the pandemic and the social outbreak. Now, with the vaccination program progressing well and a new fiscal reform proposal that it seems will be approved quickly by the Congress of the Republic, the Government will most likely focus on the recovery of the economy and employment. We hope that the perception of stability and confidence will improve." Learn more.
Dominican Republic
Pellerano Nadal
Collaborative, practical, and client-oriented—the three words that describe member firm Pellerano Nadal (Dominican Republic). The firm’s primary industry focus is on mining and they are actively participating in actualizing the country’s mining law. Pellerano Nadal is also focusing on the aviation industry where they represent multiple airlines and participate in governmental meetings to assist the development of regulations to provide positive experiences to airlines and passengers. Learn more about Pellerano Nadal, how to successfully do business in the Dominican Republic, and what advantages and pitfalls you need to know about before doing business there.
Egypt
Al Tamimi & Company (Member Firm for UAE)
According to Al Tamimi & Company (member firm for UAE) "Egypt's efforts to attract foreign direct investment are evident in various mega projects, including industrial and logistics zones, new administrative capital development, agricultural land reclamation, petrochemical plants, transportation network upgrades, and mineral resource extraction. The diverse sectors, including agriculture, technology, energy, industry, and international partnerships, collectively drive Egypt's economy and contribute to its growth and resilience." Learn more about doing business in Egypt.
Finland
Castrén & Snellman
Finland’s political stability, low corruption levels, and transparent legal system create a secure business environment. The country is also a global leader in green technology, health and welfare, and data and technology, thanks to its innovative approach and expertise in these fields. Culturally, Finns are very punctual and direct. Learn more through Doing Business in Finland from member firm, Castrén & Snellman.
France
Soulier Avocats
Member firm Soulier Avocats shared valuable insight into the current business climate and economy in France—"As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, France has just launched a national Recovery and Resilience Plan as part of NextGenerationEU, i.e., the European Union’s plan for emerging stronger from the COVID-19 crisis. France’s Recovery and Resilience Plan focuses on three key priorities – environment, competitiveness, and social and territorial cohesion – and includes large-scale investment projects in more environment-friendly production and consumption, such as the retrofitting of buildings and the development of green mobility and technology, as well as support for innovation in strategic sectors such as health and digital technology, including artificial intelligence." Learn more.
Germany
Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing, one of WLG's two member firms for Germany, calls the country's stable economy, strategic location, skilled workforce, innovative drive, and supportive infrastructure the main advantages to doing business there. There is ample opportunity for foreign investment in the automotive industry. As the birthplace of the automobile, Germany is now leading the transition to electric and autonomous vehicles. However, be mindful as, "German business culture values punctuality, directness, and formality. Misunderstanding these nuances can lead to lost opportunities." Learn more about doing business in Germany.
Ghana
ENS (Member Firm for South Africa)
While Ghana's government welcomes foreign private investment, the investment legislation prescribes local participation requirements for certain sectors to limit foreign domination in the economy. From a cultural perspective, Ghanaian people enjoy getting to know their business associates personally before beginning formal business proceedings. Read ENS' Doing Business In Ghana to learn more.
Greece
Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners
Greece's geographical position as a gateway between the East and West renders the country highly attractive for investments in transport to take advantage of these increasing trade flows in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Culturally, personal relationships play a large role in Greek business culture, and verbal agreements are considered more binding and are usually adhered to on the basis of trust. Explore the full picture of doing business in Greece through the perspective of member firm, Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners, in their guide chapter.
India
AZB & Partners
Member firm AZB & Partners shared some valuable insight into the current business climate in India—The Indian Government has undertaken several measures to strengthen the economy through a combination of short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures and as part of its recent budget has introduced programs to address various economy-related challenges by raising FDI limits across key sectors, launching the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme that offers incentives on incremental sales for products manufactured in India and expanding the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) project to attract investment in India.
Vaish Associates
When it comes to the business climate in India, member firm Vaish describes an economic upturn in this recent Q&A—"The business climate in India is currently the best it has ever been. India has had a stable government since 2014, which has steadfastly focused on improving the ease of doing business in India, which steps have propelled India to 63rd place amongst 190 countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings of 2020 in contrast to India’s 142nd place in 2014. India has improved its rank in 7 out of 10 indicators and has moved closer to international best practices." Learn more about Vaish, how to successfully do business in India, and what advantages and pitfalls you need to know about before doing business there.
Indonesia
Makarim & Taira S.
Indonesia is going green! From developments in natural resources sectors, primarily driven by the government's goal of transitioning to electric vehicles and reducing carbon emissions, to solar energy initiatives, hydropower projects, and adopting carbon capture and storage in oil and gas projects, the country has a robust environmental focus at present. Makarim & Taira S. paints a picture of the country's opportunities, as well as other considerations, such as natural disasters, in Doing Business in Indonesia.
Ireland
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP
Membership of the European Union and Eurozone, ample opportunities for foreign investment in the technology and life sciences sectors, pro-business outlook: favoring green lights over red tape, and more make doing business in Ireland attractive. Learn about further business opportunities, the resilient economy supported by multinationals, and the outlook of member firm Mason Hayes & Curran through their chapter, Doing Business in Ireland.
Israel
Herzog Fox & Neeman
Member firm Herzog Fox & Neeman (Israel) shared new, exciting initiatives within their firm in a recent Q&A. The firm has two — Herzog Strategic, which offers strategic consulting in technology, innovation, and cybersecurity, and Cytactic, which provides cyber crisis management and readiness services.
Italy
Gianni & Origoni
Investing in Italy? Member firm Gianni & Origoni shared the top sectors for investment in the thriving Italian business climate—"Italy is currently the world’s eighth-largest economy, a member of the G7 group and a global leader in a range of industrial sectors including the textile, machinery, automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Strategically positioned within Europe and the Mediterranean region, Italy offers a wide range of opportunities for foreign investors, especially those interested in acquiring Italian technologies, brands, and distribution channels to secure a gateway to Europe." Learn more about Gianni & Origoni, how to successfully do business in Italy, and what advantages and pitfalls to be aware of.
Japan
City-Yuwa Partners
A government initiative to promote non-carbon generating renewable energy has provided ample opportunity for foreign investment in renewable energy projects in Japan. Member firm City-Yuwa Partners also share that the legal system is business-friendly in that the country does not have discovery or class-action lawsuits and, overall, is not litigious. If you plan to carry out business there, keep in mind that Japan is a monolingual country, and Japanese proficiency is necessary for success! Learn more about the firm and the country in Doing Business In Japan.
Kenya
ENS (Member Firm for South Africa)
AKenya boasts one of the most diversified and advanced economies in Africa, which rebounded rapidly from the COVID-19 pandemic. The country provides various tax and investment incentives to both local and foreign investors, including tax holidays, duty-free importations, and a 100% investment deduction on capital expenditures for eligible persons. Member firm ENS shares further details in Doing Business In Kenya.
Luxembourg
Arendt & Medernach
Arendt & Medernach talked about doing business in Luxembourg, local culture, CSR initiatives, and the firm’s workplace environment. Three words used to describe the firm’s culture are entrepreneurial, diverse, and inclusive. In Luxembourg, punctuality is valued and lateness is considered rude. Politeness and respect for hierarchy are appreciated and are key to successful business dealings. The country is known for multilingualism, a prominent feature of the economy which has enabled it to grow over the decades. Learn more about Arendt & Medernach, how to successfully do business in Luxembourg, and what key opportunities are hot in the market right now.
Malaysia
Shearn Delamore & Co.
With record-breaking levels of Foreign Direct Investment in 2023 and supportive economic frameworks in place from the government, Malaysia is a very competitive investment destination. Member firm, Shearn Delamore & Co., is ready to aid those who wish to enter their markets, having established focus committees for regulatory and anti-bribery/ anti-corruption compliance, ESG, and renewable energy, in line with the needs and development of the market. Read on to learn more about carrying out business in Malaysia.
Mexico
Santamarina y Steta, S.C.
Mexico has established legal, accounting, and regulatory systems consistent with international norms and has improved nine places since 2017 in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index. Paired with its competitive labor and manufacturing costs, this makes it a favourable country for foreign investment. Learn more about the advantages of doing business in Mexico from member firm Santamarina y Steta, S.C. in their chapter, Doing Business In Mexico.
New Zealand
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
MinterEllisonRuddWatts, member firm for New Zealand, calls itself future-focused.They are proud to lead the way in the country's financial services, FinTech, and renewable energy industries in particular, and were the first New Zealand firm to explore the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a joint venture in 2017. Learn more about the firm, New Zealand's economic and investment opportunities, and the country's connection with its indigenous Māori people in their chapter.
Paraguay
Gross Brown
We invited member firms to complete a short Q&A to help WLG colleagues and others learn more about them. Gross Brown talks about doing business in Paraguay, local culture, CSR initiatives, and the firm’s workplace environment. Three words used to describe the firm’s culture are leadership, innovation, and versatility. Learn more about Gross Brown, how to successfully do business in Paraguay, and what key opportunities are hot in the market right now.
South Africa
ENS
South Africa has a well-established democracy following its transition to democracy in 1994 and is a regional leader with a highly developed economy and advanced economic infrastructure. It is rich in natural resources, with a diverse economy that spans mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Member firm ENS dives into opportunities and pitfalls, key legislation, and more in Doing Business In South Africa.