As of 2025, the CPEC Legal Corridor is now fully functional, providing much-needed support to Chinese businesses operating in Pakistan. This initiative aims to address the numerous challenges these companies face, including systemic inefficiencies, bureaucratic hurdles, and fraudulent activities.
Legal disputes, litigation, and court proceedings have posed significant difficulties for many Chinese enterprises in Pakistan, often leaving them entangled in complex legal challenges. Despite these obstacles, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of Zoao Law Firm, founded by renowned Chinese lawyer Cheng Deyong. The firm is dedicated to resolving legal matters for Chinese companies in Pakistan.
Recently, Zoao Law Firm played a crucial role in securing the recovery of $57,280 for Henan Rongxing Carbon Products Limited, reinforcing its commitment to ethical and effective legal solutions. The firm’s expertise in both legal and commercial affairs earned it recognition from Henan Rongxing Carbon Products Limited for its exceptional service.
Pakistan and China share a deep-rooted and enduring friendship, one that has withstood shifting geopolitical, economic, and strategic dynamics. However, the legal systems of both countries differ significantly in terms of theory, application, and implementation. These disparities create challenges for Chinese businesses navigating Pakistan’s legal environment and vice versa for Pakistani companies operating in China.
As Managing Director of Zoao Law Firm, Cheng Deyong has spent the past five years working diligently to provide tailored legal solutions for Chinese public and private enterprises. However, a key obstacle remains: Pakistani law does not permit him to personally represent clients in court, as there is no formalized legal partnership between the two nations that would allow Chinese lawyers to obtain solicitor licenses in Pakistan.
Given this limitation, leaders from both countries should consider establishing a structured Pak-China legal framework to facilitate smoother business operations. Fortunately, Zoao Law Firm has already pioneered this effort, emerging as a dedicated legal support system for Chinese businesses engaged in both CPEC and non-CPEC projects across Pakistan.
Despite being unable to appear in court himself, Cheng Deyong has not been deterred. Instead, he has built a team of Pakistani lawyers and established offices in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi to address the legal challenges faced by Chinese companies. Under difficult circumstances, Zoao Law Firm has successfully handled and resolved over 100 cases of varying complexity for its Chinese clients in Pakistani courts.
Recognized as the only law firm authorized by the Chinese Government, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and Chinese Consulates in Lahore and Karachi, Zoao Law Firm has taken a significant step toward shaping the Pak-China legal corridor. The firm has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s leading think tank, the Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR). This agreement marks the beginning of a new era of legal cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Legal diplomacy presents a unique opportunity to address the legal challenges faced by Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Implementing structured legal reforms can further enhance Pak-China relations, offering a more seamless business environment for both nations. From Pakistan’s perspective, engaging in legal diplomacy could help policymakers refine domestic legal frameworks and policies, ultimately fostering a more conducive environment for international investment and collaboration.
