Global Law and Business

India - Hemang Parekh

In Episode #10, we discuss India with Hemang Parekh, a partner and transaction lawyer in Mumbai with DSK Legal. We cover:

• Recent notable developments in India’s business sectors.

• Why India is a good alternative to China from both a manufacturing base perspective and for financial investments.

• How India is benefiting from the US-China trade war.

• India’s relationship with China compared to the rest of its trading partners.

• The status and prospects of the India – U.S. relationship, including India benefiting from the U.S. seeking to relocate medical supply chains away from China.

Hong Kong - Erik Mitbrodt

In Episode #9, we discussed the latest developments in Hong Kong with Erik Mitbrodt, a Canadian attorney, former resident of the city, and an alumnus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. We cover:

• Erik, Jonathan, and Fred's connections to Hong Kong

• What the new national security law imposed by China will mean for Hong Kong

• The Chinese authorities' perspective on Hong Kong and the need for the new law

• What Erik and our hosts miss the most about Hong Kong (and what they miss least)

Public–Private Partnerships - David Baxter

In Episode #8, we are joined by David Baxter, an international public–private partnerships (PPP) consultant. We cover:

• Why PPPs are an important way of doing projects that benefit both developing and developed nations.

• The increased frequency of PPPs around the world.

• Past PPP success and failures, as well as promising PPP projects in the future.

• What is being planned with regard to public health-focused PPP projects in light of Covid-19.

Uruguay - Dr. Rodolfo Perdomo Rodas

In Episode #7, we are joined from Montevideo by attorney Dr. Rodolfo Perdomo, of Perdomo Abogados, to discuss Uruguay’s cannabis industry. We cover:

• Former President José “Pepe” Mujica’s critical role in making Uruguay the first country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis.

• The current legal framework for cannabis in Uruguay—and why there is no going back for the country when it comes to cannabis.

• Uruguay’s aspirations to become a world hub for cannabis research and production, and its new related legislation.

• Why Uruguay is a welcoming and attractive destination for foreign investors, and not just those in the cannabis sector.

• At one important thing you should know about Uruguay, aside from cannabis! (Hint: 1930 and 1950).

European Union - Shannon Brandao

In Episode #6, we discuss current developments in the EU with Shannon Brandao, an international politics and law specialist and American attorney based in Belgium. We cover:

• The current status of Brexit, including how the European continent views and is preparing to cope with its effects.

• Latest developments in EU-US relations.

• Latest developments in EU-China relations.

Artificial Intelligence - Dr. Valerie Hudson

In Episode #5, we discuss artificial intelligence (AI) with Dr. Valerie Hudson, University Distinguished Professor and George H.W. Bush Chair, Professor of International Affairs at Texas A&M University. We cover:

• Why today is a significant turning point for AI in human society.

• How the Covid-19 pandemic intensifies concerns about data collection and AI applications.

• What world business and government leaders should be considering when crafting AI policies, laws, and regulations.

Southeast Asia - Geetha Kandiah

In Episode #4, we discuss intellectual property rights (IPR) in Southeast Asia with Geetha Kandiah, director at KASS, one of the leading IP firms in the region. We cover:

• The composition of Southeast Asia and its diverse legal traditions.

• The state of IPR protection in Southeast Asia: increasing harmonization with international standards, but persistent challenges.

• Singaporean Daren Tang’s election to head the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

• Why international brands entering Southeast Asian markets often choose to buy their own trademarks.

• The impact of local languages on brand protection strategies.

• Suitable dispute resolution mechanisms for the region.

• Protecting against sales of counterfeits on e-commerce platforms.

East Africa - John Brittell

In episode #3 we are joined by John Brittell, Managing Partner of Amani Partners.

 

We cover:

• East Africa as an economic unit that represents Africa’s fourth strongest GDP behind Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt.

• The key industries and sectors to consider when doing business in East Africa.

• Cultural differences to keep in mind when doing business in East Africa.

• East Africa’s main trading partners, including China’s increasing presence and the Chinese community’s response to COVID-19 relief efforts.

• An insider's viewpoint on doing business with typical domestic companies in East Africa.

• The local regulatory environment and how it impacts business.

• Resources for foreign companies that want to establish a presence in East Africa.

Puerto Rico - Dr. José Raúl Perales

In episode #2 we are joined by Dr. José Raúl Perales, Deputy Director of the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation as we discuss Puerto Rico. We cover:

• Puerto Rico’s political status as an unincorporated U.S. territory, and how that impacts the island’s international role.

• Puerto Rico’s storied role as a manufacturing platform for U.S. companies, especially for the pharma sector.

• How concerns over supply-chain security and overdependence on China may give Puerto Rico an opportunity to attract some manufacturing back.

• Industry-specific opportunities in Puerto Rico, for example, business services such as phytosanitary certification for Latin American companies.

• Possible obstacles Puerto Rico might face as it tries to become a manufacturing powerhouse once again, such as energy and transport concerns.

• How Puerto Rico could form win-win partnerships with other U.S. jurisdiction, such as joint branding of “Made in the USA” products.

Brazil - Rodrigo Guedes Nunes

In episode #1 we are joined by Rodrigo Guedes Nunes, international business attorney and Vice President at Kaivo Biotech as we discuss Brazil. We cover:

• How Brazil is dealing with the COVID-19 crisis and the expected short- and long-term economic effects (teaser: Brazilian businesses are just starting to take it seriously);

• What Brazilians think about their largest trading partner, China, and their second-largest trading partner, the U.S. (teaser: China is an important trading partner, but Brazilians generally have more affinity for the U.S. than China);

• Why the next several months will provide a unique and unprecedented opportunity for M&A activity for U.S. companies that want to invest in Brazil (teaser: many Brazilian companies with good products and customer bases will need outside capital and partners to survive post-COVID-19);

• How Brazilian legislation provides opportunities for foreign investment and how to deal with bureaucracy (teaser: good rule of law, but you need good local advisers to facilitate your plans); and

• What is Brazil’s current business environment (teaser: Brazil is open for business and is very pro-Western ideals and developing relationships).