Partner Qun Gu from Shanghai is Vinge’s first Chinese adviser in Sweden. She has 14 years’ experience working with Scandinavian companies in China, 11 years of which have been spent working for Vinge. Qun Gu has spent the last few months at the Stockholm office as part of Vinge’s strategic focus on China-related mandates.
Local service
Having a Chinese adviser in Stockholm makes it easier for Vinge to communicate with Chinese clients and offer them a fast and valuable service in Scandinavia. In the past, most of the work related to Scandinavian companies which have invested in China although more recently Vinge has seen a turning of the tide with increased focus on Chinese investments in Scandinavia.
“In my experience, command of the language is a significant advantage. Chinese entrepreneurs are not really that comfortable speaking English. Another advantage is that Vinge understands Chinese culture and the business culture within Chinese companies,” says Qun Gu. The language is not a problem for her as she learnt Swedish when she lived in Sweden and studied law at Stockholm University.
“I am also going to be working with Swedish companies that are interested in investing in China or co-operate with Chinese companies. I can communicate with both sides,” says Qun Gu who previously worked in-house at Norsk Hydro and as a judge in China.
“This is an exciting and unique strategy which we hope will give Vinge a competitive advantage as regards Chinese law and generate new business,” says Katarina Nilsson, Vinge’s Chief Representative in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
There are several other lawyers in addition to Qun Gu who specialise in China-related mandates in Sweden.
Apps - legal quick guide
Vinge has recently launched two apps, one for iPhone which contains advice predominantly directed to Swedish companies wanting to do business in China and another app for Android which provides advice to Chinese nationals and other nationalities contemplating doing business in Sweden. Both apps are free and can be downloaded via the App Store and Android Market. Vinge China (iPhone) is in English and Business in Sweden (Android) is in both English and Chinese.
