Stephenson Harwood has continued its push into Asia with an association with Myanmar law firm U Tin Yu & Associates, with the news coming as Simmons & Simmons receives the go-ahead to launch in Singapore.

The exclusive association, which will be managed by Stephenson Harwood Singapore consultant Peter Church and corporate partner Matthew Gorman, is thought to be the first of its kind involving a UK law firm.

U Tin Yu, which has three lawyers led by managing partner U Tin Yu, specialises in corporate and commercial work as well as litigation, real estate, intellectual property and employment.

Stephenson Harwood chief executive Sharon White said: "U Tin Yu & Associates has a respected and established local presence in Myanmar, and this new association enables both firms to broaden their client offering. We are seeing an increased interest in Myanmar from our clients and I am glad that we are now able to offer local knowledge and expertise from within the country."

Name partner U Tin Yu added: "As Myanmar opens its doors to the outside world we will require assistance in offering tailored legal advice to foreign companies who will have little or no experience in the country."

The move follows Baker & McKenzie's foray into the local market, with the firm operating a Myanmar centre in Bangkok, as well as Duane Morris & Selvam, which has a Myanmar team on the ground. Other firms recently announcing plans to enter the market include Singapore firm Rajah & Tann, Malaysia's ZICOlaw and Hong Kong outfit Charltons.

Last November saw the introduction of a new foreign investment law, allowing foreigners 100% ownership of their businesses, approved by President Thein Sein. It also allows long land leases and options for tax relief.

The association comes shortly after the firm ramped up its Asia presence with a formal association in Singapore and the launch of an office in Beijing. The firm struck an agreement with Singapore's Virtus Law shortly afyer officially opening a representative office in Beijing.

The firm's Singapore office also last week converted to a limited liability partnership structure.

Meanwhile, Simmons has secured approval to operate in Singapore from the Attorney General's Chambers, marking the firm's launch of its first office in Southeast Asia.

The base, which will be staffed by four partners and a team of associates, will focus on cross-border transactional and disputes work in the asset management, energy & infrastructure, financial institutions, life sciences and TMT sectors.

The office in the Marina Bay Financial Centre will be shared with the firm's Japanese ally TMI Associates.

In March the firm hired banking partner Dan Marjanovic from Norton Rose to help launch the office when it gained regulatory approval. The other three partners, Alexander Shepherd, Jason Valoti and Peter Wright, are relocating from Dubai, Hong Kong and London respectively.

Simmons also has Asia bases in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Related: Emerging Myanmar market draws attention as global law firms eye up latest Asian hope.