Pudong New Area in Shanghai is bolstering its efforts to support Chinese enterprises in expanding abroad by encouraging more high-quality Chinese and foreign law firms to establish joint operations.

As part of the measures for expanding services in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, 11 joint operation offices have been established, with three new approvals granted since February this year.

Under the joint operation model, Chinese and foreign law firms collaborate to provide clients with comprehensive legal services spanning both domestic and foreign laws, or jointly handle cross-border and international legal affairs. This approach allows Chinese clients' needs and intentions to be more fully expressed and understood, while also addressing the complexities of cross-border legal issues.

High-profile firms like Clifford Chance have joined forces to enhance their service capabilities. These alliances not only help Chinese enterprises navigate overseas business risks but also leverage the global networks of foreign firms to provide high-end services such as international arbitration, overseas listings, and cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

Pudong will continue to promote this model, aiming to attract more professional law firms and enhance its role as a core hub for Shanghai's international legal services center.