EP Legal Firm specialises in providing legal services to oil and gas explorers and operators as well as offshore industries in Vietnam. EP Legal Firm is known as the top-tier provider of legal services in Vietnam. To give a broader overview of the company to readers, Vietnam Business Forum has been granted an exclusive interview with Nguyen Trung Nam, Managing Partner of EP Legal Firm.
Could you introduce EP Legal Vietnam’s practice areas and its major achievements?
Established in 2009, EPLegal is effectively assisting the operations of various oil and gas companies, including PetroVietnam Finance Corporation, PetroVietnam Transportation Corporation, PTSC Mechanical & Construction Ltd, and other subsidiaries of the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), as well as companies in other industrial and banking sectors, such as Gemadept and Citibank.
Our core services involve oil and gas related activities, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial and banking services, maritime insurance, shipping and corporate services. Most recently, we have provided legal consulting services facilitating the finance arrangement for US$250 million for Chim Sao FPSO Project at Block 12W offshore Vietnam.
In addition, we also assist in some research projects sponsored and/or organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). In particular, EPLegal was delighted to be part of the CISG Studying Group of International Trade Policy Advisory Committee (attached to Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry - VCCI) in developing the “Proposal for Vietnam acceding to the Convention of International Sale of Goods (CISG)” which will be submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Trade in June 2010.
Would you mind revealing EP Legal’s strengths, or operating differences in providing legal services, in comparison with other legal firms in Vietnam?
The number of international and local law firms operating in Vietnam has dramatically increased over the past 5 years. International law firms normally have strong expertise in common law such as English law and Singaporean law, and offer international standard services. On the other hand, most local law firms are familiar with Vietnamese procedural and substantial laws. They are, however, performing their services with unprofessional attitudes and poor quality. Moreover, most of these international and local law firms protect the interests of their clients after losses or damages have already incurred.
EPLegal not only provides legal consultancy services but also create legal advantages for clients. Our philosophy is grounded on personal service to valued clients, and a disciplined approach to advancing clients’ interests in a balanced way to produce the quickest and most effective and safe solutions. We understand both international and national laws. We optimize the legal interests of our clients. We assess and mitigate any risk exposure. In other words, we define the legal edge for clients.
On the occasion the World Economic Forum, to be held in Vietnam for the first time, what message would you like to deliver?
We highly appreciate the significance of this forum, in terms of introducing the Vietnam business environment to the world and improving access to external resources for Vietnamese economic development. I hope Vietnam's economy will witness sustainable development in the coming years and Vietnam will continue to be one of the most favourable destinations for both foreign and local investors. From a legal firm’s perspective, I believe one important condition for this wish-list is a favourable and transparent legal framework which meets the general standards of international practice. This is the platform of opportunity on which foreign investors can cooperate with Vietnam for mutual development.
Legal scholars and practitioners will take active roles in this process by offering evaluation of existing laws and recommendations for legal reforms. EP Legal and I personally are very happy to join these efforts as a responsible law firm and citizen.
I wish all the best to the coming World Economic Forum in Vietnam!
Reported by Doan Tien
Vietnamese
