SNG & Partners, established in 1962 and headquartered in India, has officially launched a dedicated Japan desk, underscoring its commitment to fostering ties between the two countries.
Aside from fostering Indo-Japan bilateral relations, the move enhances SNG’s ability to deliver specialised consultancy, advisory and legal services to its Japanese clientele.
“With the firm’s vast knowledge of doing business in India, we hope to be the single point advisory and legal representation firm for not only the sogo soshas or other established Japanese companies in India but for the micro, small and medium Japanese enterprises who are looking towards India and vice versa,” said Ashish Kumar, partner and head of the Japan desk for the firm.
“Through the Japan desk the firm will also act as a window for Indian businesses wanting to expand their footprint in Japan.”
Rajesh Narain Gupta, managing partner of SNG, said: “I am sure SNG & Partners, along with the eminent board of advisers from Japan, shall be able to significantly contribute in the areas of fintech, health, banking and finance, cyber security, ESG, mergers & acquisitions and private equity.”
The Japan desk caters to Japanese companies seeking to invest and conduct business in India, as well as Indian companies looking to establish a presence in Japan.
“I am sure that clients will benefit from personalised attention, timely communication and strategic legal advice tailored to their specific needs. Both India and Japan have complementary economies committed to strengthening their economic ties,” said Amit Aggarwal, senior partner at SNG.
The Japan desk has an impressive board of advisers, comprising esteemed figures in diplomacy and business with a profound understanding of both the Japanese and Indian legal landscapes.
Kenji Hiramitsu, a former ambassador of Japan to India and a member of the board of advisers, said: “With SNG & Partners, we are looking to facilitate smoother handling of legal aspects in transactions involving businesses from both countries.”
The board of advisers comprises Hiramatsu, as senior adviser, along with Naoyoshi Noguchi, Kojiro Honda and Yoshio Watanabe.
Noguchi is the executive managing director of the Institute for International Trade and Investment in Japan and the former executive vice-president of the Japan External Trade Organisation.
Honda is a renowned entrepreneur who has founded multiple companies in Japan, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, while Watanabe is an experienced banker previously associated with ANZ Grindlays Bank and later with IHI Infrastructure Systems.
The Japan desk has a dedicated team of lawyers, interpreters and professionals, who all ensure clients receive tailor-made solutions aligned with the nuances of the Japanese and Indian business environments.
With expertise extending to cultural nuances, the team enhances communication, relationship-building and the overall client experience.
