With the earthquake, tsunami, and a stagnant economy, Japan faced a particularly difficult year in 2011. Despite the setbacks, Japanese companies forged ahead by expanding their business operations in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Vietnam. While investment in Southeast Asia is not a new endeavor for Japanese companies, this wave of expansion is different from previous years, according to a report in the January 2012 issue of Asian Legal Business.

Tilleke & Gibbins Partners Cynthia M. Pornavalai and Thomas J. Treutler were interviewed for the article, and they provided their insights on what is motivating the current wave of Japanese investment and the benefits offered by Thailand and Vietnam. Torajiro Ohashi, Senior Counselor at Tilleke & Gibbins, was also singled out in the article for his expertise in Japanese-Thai business relations.

Asian Legal Business is a leading provider of print and online legal news and information for legal professionals in China, North and Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East. For more information, please visit the Asian Legal Business website.