September 2018
What question or industry issue are you looking forward to hearing about at the China Energy Assembly?
I would like to hear more discussions in relation to upstream investments and want to see how the industry players foresee the market trend considering the oil price is back up again. With respect to LNG supply shortage in China, it would be great if the market leaders would share their visions on how to solve the issues in the next few years.
You will be moderating China Energy Market panel at the Assembly. Tell us why this session is of interest to you.
Energy market plays an important role in the global economy development.
China energy market is always my area of focus.
What are your, and your company’s objectives for 2019?
We would anticipate more businesses and transactions in the China energy market, in particular increase in upstream investments.
In your tenure at Dechert LLP so far, what has been the greatest challenge you have faced?
The greatest challenge in the energy sector is probably the unpredictable fluctuation of oil price. Clients would find it difficult to make fair judgement, as energy transactions are often too political and sensitive.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
1) More stable transactions
2) Foreign capital inflow to China (especially for the gas industry)
3) Under one-belt-one-road policy, more opportunities for the energy companies and legal service providers
About Xiao Yong
Yong Xiao is the Partner of Dechert LLP, and practices in the area of corporate law, with a focus on the energy and natural resources, mining and metals, oil and gas sectors. Mr. Xiao has significant experience in China assisting clients with cross-border transactions.
Mr. Xiao represents multinational companies on PRC-related corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment, private equity, venture capital, regulatory, and general corporate matters. His practice also includes seeking approvals from high-level government agencies and conducting anti-monopoly filings. He has represented clients from various sectors and industries, including energy, financial services, manufacturing, franchising, healthcare, food and beverage, and technology.
Mr. Xiao also acts for Chinese companies, including a number of China’s largest state-owned businesses, on international mergers and acquisitions and foreign direct investments.
Mr. Xiao has been consistently recognized as a leading lawyer for energy and natural resources in China by Chambers Asia Pacific and Chambers Global, noting that he is “very knowledgeable about joint venture formation issues and governmental approvals”, and described him as a “prominent figure in the [energy] market, recognized for his abundant experience advising Chinese state-owned entities on overseas investments”. He is also recommended in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2017 and 2018, IFLR1000 2016 and 2017, and Who’s Who Legal 2016. Mr. Xiao has presented at events such as All Things China, a seminar presented by Dechert and Singapore Corporate Counsel Association, and China Energy Assembly: Enabling China’s Energy Transition.
Prior to joining Dechert, Mr. Xiao served as head of the China practice and partner in the energy transactions and projects group at Vinson & Elkins. His previous experience also includes working as the Assistant Chair of the Foreign Investment Law Division of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Trade and Cooperation (MOFTEC) of the People’s Republic of China.
肖勇律师是美国德杰律师事务所的合伙人，主要从事公司法领域的法律事务，尤其擅长能源和自然资源、采矿和金属以及石油和天然气方面的事务。肖律师拥有在中国协助客户处理跨境交易的丰富经验。
肖律师代表众多跨国公司处理与中国有关的公司法事宜，包括并购、外商直接投资、私募股权、风险资本、监管和一般公司法事宜。此外，他还协助客户获得高层政府部门审批和进行反垄断申报。肖律师为多个领域和行业的客户提供咨询，包括能源、金融服务、制造、特许经营、医疗保健、餐饮和科技。
肖律师还曾协助众多中国公司（包括许多最大型的国有企业）处理国际并购和外商直接投资事务。
肖律师一直被《钱伯斯·亚太》和《钱伯斯·全球》评为中国能源和自然资源领域的领先律师，称其“对合资公司设立和政府审批事务非常了解”，堪称“【能源】市场上的杰出人物，凭借为中国国企提供海外投资法律服务的丰富经验而备受认可。”此外，肖律师还是2017年和2018年《法律500强·亚太》、2016年和2017年《国际金融法律评论》以及2016年《Who’s Who Legal》的推荐律师。
在加入德杰之前，肖律师曾任美国文森·艾尔斯律师事务所的中国业务主管和能源交易和项目组的合伙人。他还曾在中华人民共和国对外贸易经济合作部（“外经贸部”，现称“商务部”）任条约法律司的外商投资法处副处长。
Xiao Yong will be moderating the ‘China Energy Market' panel at the China Energy Assembly, 10-11 October 2018, Beijing.