New book examines legal realities of doing business in Asia

Oct 27, 2003

What are the legal realities for Australian companies when they do business in Asia? Does legislation count for much, or is the practice very different from the letter of the law?

The role of law took a back seat as Asian economies embraced development in the boom years of the 1980s and 1990s, and it was only after the Asian Crisis on 1997 that analysts began to focus on a lack of regulation and transparency as a major factor triggering the crisis.

Noted Asia expert Professor Christoph Antons has edited a new book Law and Development in East and Southeast Asia which examines the role of commercial law in Asian economic development and the efforts at law reform since the crisis. Drawing on the expertise of a range of international experts, the book asks about the 'Asian model' and what has become of it since 1998.

This book is essential reading for Australian companies currently in Asia or considering investing there, and people who want to understand more about the nations that are so important to Australia's future.

Professor Antons is Professor of Comparative Law and Director of the Centre for Asia Pacific Transformation Studies (CAPSTRANS) at the University of Wollongong. He has carried out extensive research in ASEAN countries, Japan and Australia and held fellowships at a number of international Institutes. Contributors to the book include experts from Asia, Australia and Europe.

The book has been published by the International Institute for Asian Studies (AIIS) in The Netherlands, in the Routledge-Cuzson-IIAS Asian Studies Series.

Media invitation to today's launch:

The media is invited to attend the launch and cocktail celebration of Professor Anton's new book. Professor Anton will be available for interviews at the launch.

WHERE: Sydney Business School, Level 14, 175 Liverpool St, SYDNEY.

WHEN: Monday, 27 October, 2003 from 3pm - 5pm.

The function will also include the launch of The Handbook of Human Resource Management Policies and Practices in Asia-Pacific Economies (Vol.1 ∓ Vol.2), by Associate Professor Michael Zanko and Matt Ngui from UOW's School of Management, Marketing and Employment Relations. CAPSTRANS Advisory Board chair Brian Finn will officially launch both publications

GETTING THERE: The Sydney Business School on Liverpool St is directly across the road from Museum Station. There are limited casual pay parking spaces located at the rear of the building (enter via Clarke St). The nearest large casual pay parking station is a short walk away in Goulburn St (between Elizabeth and Castlereagh Sts).

For more information, contact Bernie Goldie at the University of Wollongong Media Unit on 42215942.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128