Government agencies and regional institutions are highly complex, with intertwining concerns and conflicting interests, pulling in difficult-to-discern directions. Adding to the complexities, whether on a broad-based policy or a specific issue, are conflicting, overlapping and/or aligned business and other interests. 

The administrative, regulatory, legislative and judicial regimes, and different domestic sensitivities and considerations can have critical implications for businesses. However, it can be quite exhausting and bewildering for businesses to try to figure out the inner workings of institutional bureaucracy. And yet, you must understand and navigate such government complexities in order to map out corporate strategies and responsive operational plans for the immediate, medium-term and long-term. You should also be able to establish a coherent message and an effective communication program.

Knowing who you should engage with, how to frame the issue, what approaches to take, who are your allies and your opposition, and what international rules can be leveraged upon, such insights can ensure that you are heard effectively.

- Is your issue linked, stand in conflict to and/or augment another issue?

- What positions are the different authorities taking and what are their concerns/interests?

- Which are the groups that share your same concern/interest and how can you build a coalition bringing together these groups?

- Which are the groups that hold opposing positions and how can you counter them?

- What are the international rules and how can they be leveraged?

Bryan Cave International Consulting (“BCIC”) believes that, in order for an advocacy program to succeed, the approach should be to identify and pull together different elements that would balance and contribute towards a successful outcome. Our belief is grounded in the fundamental understanding that an issue:

- Exists within global trade/regulatory frameworks, under which the rules of international engagement are established and played out.

- Exists within the context of a country’s political, regulatory, economic and social environment, with different interests and concerns pulling in different directions.

- Exists within the business environment, with competing interests vying for attention and supremacy, and complementary interests which can be used to build a coalition.

- Will usually have an impact on other areas/issues, and vice versa.

We offer advice and consulting in the complex matters of regulatory affairs, public policy and legislation. Many of our consultants are former officials in their respective governments and the regional institution, with true understanding of the inner workings and the perspective to guide you in engaging the relevant authorities. We also track and identify trends, and work to remain ahead of the curve in anticipating policy, legislative and regulatory developments that will affect your business in the future. Our team of economists and consultants identifies and examines implications for the government and various stakeholders, so that you can anticipate and respond to questions, especially on sensitive issues. Former trade negotiators on BCIC’s team have unique first-hand insight and practical experience on the interpretation and application of trade agreements, which only seasoned trade negotiators and practitioners can offer.

Our consultants have represented clients on a variety of Customs, international trade and regulatory issues at policy, legislative and operational levels. We develop comprehensive strategies and detailed implementation programs, leveraging on substantive knowledge of the political, legislative and policy-making environment, with access to established national and regional relationships.  

Our parent firm, Bryan Cave LLP, has a team of lawyers and consulting professionals who specializes in providing advice and counsel to companies, institutions and individuals facing regulatory, legislative or other Washington policy challenges. The team comprises U.S. senators of both parties, a mayor of New York City, assistant U.S. attorneys, chief counsels of congressional committees, local government practitioners and general counsels, assistant secretaries and bureau chiefs of cabinet departments and state and federal agencies. They are seasoned issue campaign veterans, adept at developing comprehensive strategies and tactics, building political support and forging coalitions to advance client objectives.