James & Wells Announce Corporate Membership With Nz Asian Leaders

James & Wells’ partnership with New Zealand Asian Leaders signals the firm’s continued commitment to supporting New Zealand business ventures with the Asian region, by further strengthening their connections with the rapidly evolving market. Johnathan Chen, head of the James & Wells Asia Division, has also been invited to become a member of the organisation, whose fellow members include top Asian leaders, professionals, CEOs and entrepreneurs in New Zealand. He says that New Zealand businesses underestimate the cultural barriers, and need to appreciate that there is no blanket approach to doing business in China, as the culture differs from region to region.

Johnathan’s membership will allow him to connect with key Asian leaders with solid political and business backgrounds for networking opportunities that will provide valuable relationships for those James & Wells clients interested in the Asian market. Success in Asia often depends on working with people who understand the intricacies of both cultures. As a fluent speaker of Mandarin, and with the sort of appreciation of how to do business in China that only comes from being raised in that environment, Johnathan is well placed to assist James & Wells’ clients who want to do deals in the Greater China region.

Johnathan spends a large portion of his time in China and Taiwan, representing James & Wells’ New Zealand clients in commercial matters. Through his many trips, and having worked in a large Beijing IP law firm, Johnathan has gained inside knowledge of Chinese intellectual property and business issues. Since NZAL’s inception late last year, the organisation has attracted top Asian-New Zealanders who are established or emerging leaders.

Mai Chen, Managing Partner of Chen Palmer, is the founder and inaugural Chair of the professional organisation, whose overarching goal is to maximise the country’s business interface with Asia and to increase Asian leadership in senior management and governance roles, with New Zealand’s accelerated interface in the Asian market. For further information on James & Wells and their role in this important emerging market, please visit their website at http://www.jaws.co.nz .