A LAWYERS’ association was founded Wednesday in Qianhai, aiming at providing overseas legal services to Chinese enterprises.

    The Global Chinese Lawyers’ Association, which was initiated by legal practitioners both at home and abroad, was unveiled at Wednesday’s Global Investment Forum held against the backdrop of the Belt and Road Initiative.

    Gao Shu, president of Shenzhen Lawyers Association, said at the forum that by the end of September, investments made by Shenzhen companies that have registered overseas reached US$80 billion. To meet the needs of those companies, a total of 19 outbound branches of Shenzhen law firms were set up, but that number is still far from meeting the demand. Thus, a larger organization that can help local lawyers know more about the global legal environment is needed.

    The forum was co-hosted by the Shenzhen committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the association.

    As more Chinese enterprises have been encouraged to go global, the need for professional legal services has become urgent. The association was formed to meet the huge demand and also to provide consultation for foreign investors. (Tan Yifan)