The recent merger of law firms Koo and Partners of Hong Kong and Paul Hastings of the US highlights the potential offered by tie-ups between Hong Kong and overseas professionals in tapping the fast-opening services sector in the Chinese mainland. (full story)

Small and medium-sized service companies around the globe may see opportunities in China – but it is also easy to be intimidated by its size, culture and the complexities of the mainland's still-developing business environment. Even practical matters such as making phone calls, finding people who speak foreign languages and simply getting around could appear daunting from the other side of the world. (full story)