Vinson & Elkins LLP (V&E) announced the opening of an office in Hong Kong, its seventh international office, to meet the increasing demand from clients for its services in Asia.

The V&E partner who coordinates the firm’s International Practice, Jay Cuclis, has relocated from the United States to head the new office in Hong Kong.

Mr. Cuclis said that the Hong Kong office would work closely with the firm’s existing Asian offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo, as well as the firm’s other international offices in London, Moscow and Dubai.

“Hong Kong remains one of the key gateways to China and our new office there will allow us to more effectively represent international clients investing in China as well as to service Chinese clients investing in other markets,” said Mr. Cuclis. “In addition, our presence in Hong Kong will increase the firm’s capabilities to assist clients on transactions throughout East Asia, as well as in other international markets such as Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.”

V&E, one of the world’s leading energy law firms, has long recognized the increasing importance of Asia and, in particular, China, in international trade and investment, according to Managing Partner of V&E Joe Dilg.

“Hong Kong is one of the key financial centers of the world,” said Mr. Dilg. “Having a vibrant office there not only enhances our capabilities and depth in the rapidly growing Asian market, it is also synergistic with our growth plans in New York and London. Jay’s broad international expertise and his prior experience in our London and Moscow offices make him the perfect choice to build a successful office in Hong Kong.”

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong Mike Rowse warmly welcomed V&E to Hong Kong.

“We are delighted to see international law firms like V&E continue to choose Hong Kong as a strategic location to capitalize on the fast-growing Asian market,” said Mr. Rowse. “Our high concentration of international and Mainland companies, rule of law and unique position as one of the key international arbitration centers have created an ideal business environment for world-class legal services providers. The addition of V&E to our legal services sector will certainly strengthen our existing offering to companies operating in our city and in the region.”

Head of V&E’s China Practice, Xiao Yong, said V&E’s expansion into Hong Kong is a strong indication of the firm’s commitment to the China practice and will further strengthen their capabilities throughout China and the Asia-Pacific region.