China Advisory

From our offices in Sydney and Melbourne, we provide advice to clients pursuing trade and investment opportunities in Australia and China, and assist inbound Chinese clients seeking to trade with, and invest, in Australia.

In 1987, Hunt & Hunt became one of the first foreign law firms to enter the Chinese market. Since then, our experience, community ties and relationships have continued to strengthen and grow. We have close connections with lawyers in China, including former Hunt & Hunt Consultant Hongliang Liu, who still works as a Consultant for Hunt & Hunt and is based in Shanghai.

We have a clear understanding of the Chinese business environment and can help with the commercial and legal aspects of doing business in China. We have assisted investors from China in working through government processes, conducting due diligence on projects and advising on investment policies and procedures.

Our expertise includes:

  • drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts and other documents in English and Chinese
  • asset protection and planning for Chinese high net worth individuals in Australia
  • acquisition and management of leases for large retail centres
  • legal due diligence for land subdivision projects
  • commercial/civil disputes
  • customs and dumping issues
  • compulsory acquisition and planning issues
  • property acquisition and applications for mixed use planning permits
  • protection and licensing of intellectual property in Australia and overseas, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating technology licensing or transfer agreements
  • taxation and other financial issues, including fundraising.

Helping Australia and China do business together

Our Chinese market experience is also of use to our Australian clients. We regularly advise our clients based in Australia looking to set up business operations in China.

We have acted for Chinese clients in Australia on a range of issues including joint ventures, property transactions and dispute resolution.

China disputes and arbitration

Hunt & Hunt regularly assists on resolving commercial disputes in China involving litigation and arbitration. We have appeared as Counsel on a number of occasions in CIETAC Arbitrations in Beijing particularly in relation to trade disputes.

China joint ventures

We help Chinese businesses select and establish business partners, trading entities and joint ventures in Australia, as well as help establish equity and cooperative joint ventures, WOFEs and representative offices in China. We have assisted investors from China in joint ventures across a variety of industries including mining and resources, agriculture, health, aged care and property.

More than just legal advice

Our team provides government and commercial introductory services to help you explore Chinese trade and business opportunities. We conduct market research and feasibility studies, including the development of market entry strategies. We also provide English and Chinese language translation services in-house or by referral to external translators.

Forging stronger business ties with China

Our lawyers regularly participate in outbound business delegations to promote Australia’s capabilities to the Chinese business community. Our partners attend trade missions to China, sponsored by the Australian federal and state governments. We also regularly host visiting Chinese delegations.

We have worked closely with the Australian Government on issues relating to the Agreement, particularly the services sector.

Hunt & Hunt is also a major sponsor and supporter of the Export Council of Australia  is a member of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC). Partner Jim Harrowell AM is a past New South Wales President of the ACBC and the ACBC National Board.  Jim Harrowell AM  has also served as the the New South Wales Special Envoy for China and in this role provided advice and assistance to the Premier of NSW, the Minister for Trade and various NSW Department and Agencies on engaging with China to develop two-way trade and investment. In 2006, Jim Harrowell was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his contribution forging and nurturing legal and business links with China.

Australian universities in China

We've helped several Australian universities enter the Chinese market, including the University of New South Wales, Wollongong University, NSW TAFE, University of Ballarat, RMIT Training, Edith Cowan University, Macquarie University, the University of South Australia and the University of Tasmania.

International Focus

As Australia's only member of Interlaw, an independent global network of high quality, commercial law firms, our advice knows no geographical boundaries.  Through Interlaw, we provide clients with seamless, integrated legal services at home, and abroad.

Our China Advisor compliments Hunt & Hunt's Malaysia Advisory practice, ensuring we provide a seamless, commercially focused service wherever you choose to do business.