DFDL Legal & Tax celebrates its 20th anniversary
DFDL Legal & Tax celebrates its 20th anniversary
Founded in a modest shop house in Vientiane in 1994 as the first international law firm in the Lao PDR, DFDL Legal & Tax has since expanded to 12 offices in eight countries with more than 130 local and foreign legal professionals and over 300 staff. In celebration of its anniversary, DFDL in the Lao PDR hosted a reception at the ASEM Villa Clubhouse on Tuesday September 30.
Guests included senior government officials, DFDL’s valued clients and representatives from embassies, international organisations and the business community. The reception gave DFDL the opportunity to thank the many people past and present who have contributed to the firm’s success.
DFDL’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Vientiane and throughout the region provide an opportune moment to reflect on the firm’s modest beginnings in the Lao PDR 20 years ago.
“DFDL is a wonderful regional success story, not only for our firm, but also for Laos,” said the Managing Director of DFDL Lao PDR, Rupert Haw. “I am sure we are one of the few businesses which started in Laos and have gone on to have such a significant presence in Asean and beyond. I am truly proud of our Lao roots.”
DFDL now has offices in Bangkok, Dhaka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Nay PyiDaw, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Yangon and Vientiane. DFDL distinguishes itself by emphasising the importance of legal compliance as a key element of managing risk in emerging markets.
A strong culture of compliance reduces legal risk, establishes sound commercial fundamentals for further investment and ultimately demonstrates that the process of opening an economy to international investment can be a positive experience for the host country.
In the Lao PDR, DFDL relies on the support and guidance of its Lao lawyers who are members of the Lao Bar Association. The firm advises foreign investors and international organisations on all aspects of commercial, tax, financing, corporate, employment and real estate matters.
The firm’s 14 Lao and foreign advisers combine their international experience with in-depth knowledge of the local environment. The firm has advised on key projects since the office opened, including large hydro-electricity and mining projects as well as the first thermal power project in the Lao PDR.
vientiane times
