VDB Loi doubles Myanmar presence with new operating office in Nay Pyi Taw
January 9, 2014Press Release
For immediate release
Yangon, 9 January 2014
VDB Loi, a leading Myanmar law and advisory firm, has doubled its bet on the country by becoming the first foreign law firm with a fully operating office in the capital Nay Pyi Taw. The firm has been present in Yangon since 2012, where it employs approximately 30 lawyers and advisors. Ramping up its existing Nay Pyi Taw office from a small support hub to a fully operational office, and in the process, moving it to a new facility, fits with its strategy of meeting clients’ needs for prompt and regular access to Government decision makers.
Managing Partner Jean Loi explains: “We have two dozen Ministries to follow, some of which we need to talk to on a daily basis. There is just nothing like actual face-to-face, personal contact. You need to be in Yangon for your clients, but you need to be in Nay Pyi Taw to get the client’s project done. Time is essential on any deal, and we believe that we can speed up the process considerably by having a fully operating office here in the capital, where so many decisions are made.”
Edwin Vanderbruggen, the firm’s partner in charge of Myanmar said: “Our clients need constant support in the capital, particularly at the outset of their project. We are very pleased that we were able to secure premises that are extremely central and spacious. The new office will house several teams, including those focusing on MIC permits, import licenses, FDA approvals and operating licenses. We will also be running our advisory and technical assistance work for the Myanmar Government out of the capital.”
VDB Loi is well-known for its experience in telecommunications, assisting five out of 12 prequalified bidders in the recent license tender, as well as tower companies and network providers. As local counsel to Ooredoo, the firm provides a full range of services, including assisting with the investment and operating licenses. Another core area of expertise is resources, where the team’s focus for the past year has been mostly on oil and gas. The firm assisted three of the “supermajors” with deepwater plays, and advised Woodside on its two farm-in transactions. The firm’s infrastructure and energy engagements, such as the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, cover mostly bilateral government projects, while its team also assists private developers with major mixed-use real estate projects.
For more information, contact:
Edwin Vanderbruggen, partner in charge of Myanmar