Indian law firm AZB & Partners has launched a Taiwan desk, citing the “growing significance of Taiwan as a trading partner of India.” The desk will be led by head of the firm’s Chennai office, Aarthi Sivanandh.

“AZB has established a Taiwan desk dedicated to support and provide legal services to Indian businesses seeking to conduct business in Taiwan and to Taiwanese clients seeking to enter strategic collaborations, technical and other business arrangements in India,” the 600-lawyer firm said in a statement.

“Taiwan actively promotes the ‘New Southbound Policy,’ assisting businesses in diversifying overseas and considers India a crucial partner and India has sought to cultivate extensive ties with Taiwan as part of its ‘Look East’ policy, in trade and investment,” the firm added.

AZB’s objectives for the Taiwan desk include building regional partnerships with law firms to understand laws and regulations, creating a resource network by participating in industry forums and associations, and navigating cultural complexities for easier people-to-people exchange.

Sivanandh, who set up AZB’s Chennai office last year, believes a successful approach strategy for stakeholders in the India Taiwan corridor needs to be accompanied by sound legal counsel who are sensitive to the push and pull of doing business in the Global South.

“Southern India accounts for approximately 60% of business from Taiwan across various industries, including electronics, technology, petrochemicals, steel, shipping, footwear manufacturing, automotive components and construction. A dedicated Taiwan desk at AZB will specifically cater to the demands of clients in these sectors,” Sivanandh added.