Verbal Message from the Partners

Concord Law Firm (hereinafter referred to as "Concord") originated from the former Beijing Foreign Economic Law Office (hereinafter referred to as the "BFELO") established in January of 1983. Over the past decades, Concord has driven to expand its business and assembled a team, small in number but well-trained and professional senior lawyers, and has handled a great deal of domestic and foreign economic legal affairs and now become one of the largest law firms in China. In May 1995, complying with the reform of the lawyer system carried out by the Ministry of Justice of the People's Republic of China and coping with international practices, the BFELO was restructured into Concord, a partnership law firm. After the reorganization of its operation mechanism, Concord has made great progress in essence with the establishment of a sound scientific management and service system through professional division and collective cooperation under the direction of responsible partners.

Since its establishment, Concord has achieved not only remarkable social benefits but also economic benefits with its business income successively ranked one of the most profitable law firms in Beijing as well as in the whole country. In February of 1998, Concord won the title of "Outstanding Law Firm of Beijing Judicial System in 1997" appraised by the Beijing Judicial Administration. In April of 1998, Concord was given the title of "Outstanding Law Firm at the Ministry Level" upon the verification and approval by the Ministry of Justice of the PRC. In March of 2000, Concord was chosen as an "Advanced Collective Satisfied by the People" through public appraisal organized by the Beijing Judicial Administration. Chief Partner of Concord, Mr. Zhang Jianzhong was given the title of the "Ten Best Lawyers" of Beijing and "Model Person Satisfied by the People" by the Beijing Judicial Administration in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

"Gonghe" of Concord's Chinese name may be traced back to the reign title of Zhou Dynasty of 841 B.C. when the famous Duke of Zhou worked together with Zhao Gong to rule the nation. The name "Gonghe" indicates the exact beginning of chronological record of events in the Chinese history and symbolizes the ideal of a democratic legal system in ancient China. "Gonghe" is a more glorious idea --- the people under the heaven enjoy equal rights, help each other in peace and jointly create prosperity. Our law firm named as Concord also embodies in its goal, which is loyal to the law, protects our clients' lawful rights and interests, works together harmoniously, and strives to provide excellent and professional services so as to satisfy our clients' needs.

There is a very popular Chinese saying, namely, "favorable climate and geographical position are not as important as harmony with the people". The most valuable assets in Concord are our personnel resource of well-trained qualified lawyers and diverse client network. We are firmly convinced that legal co-operations established on the basis of harmony with each other and mutual trust shall certainly achieve success in satisfying our clients' needs. We are looking forward to working together with our clients to meet new challenges and achieve even greater successes in the new Century.