Hong Kong Bridges Legal Services Between China And The Middle East, Highlights Secretary For Justice

Hong Kong has been recognized as a crucial link between China and other countries, providing valuable legal services and upholding the rule of law, according to Mr. Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Mr. Lam made these remarks during a forum in Dubai, titled "Hong Kong - The Common Law Gateway for UAE Businesses to China and Beyond," which aimed to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services.

At the forum, Mr. Lam emphasized that Hong Kong has been designated as the international centre for legal and dispute resolution services under various important national development plans in China. The event, organized by the Department of Justice, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, attracted more than 300 participants from various sectors in the UAE. Dignitaries including the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, Mr. Zhang Yiming, and the President and CEO of the Dubai Chamber, Mr. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, also delivered speeches at the forum.

During the event, Mr. Lam held a meeting with H.E Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Justice of the UAE. The two discussed mutual interests and explored opportunities for legal collaboration between the two regions. Mr. Lam highlighted the longstanding friendship between the UAE and China, dating back to the ancient Silk Road, and emphasized the significant role Hong Kong played in the construction of the modern Silk Road. He also highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages, including its common law system, which sets it apart as the only common law jurisdiction in China.

Mr. Lam and his delegation, comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Invest Hong Kong, and related sectors, are currently on a Middle East visit. Their visit includes stops in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE. The aim of the visit is to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services and enhance cooperation and exchanges between the two regions.

During his remarks, Mr. Lam emphasized that Hong Kong serves as a gateway and a platform for businesses looking to access China. He highlighted the convenience, speed, and safety of Hong Kong's legal system and services, which act as a one-stop shop for businesses exploring opportunities in Hong Kong and China as a whole. From setting up a business venture in Hong Kong to expanding through IPOs, resolving disputes, and reaping the benefits of investments, Hong Kong's common law system offers comprehensive and unmatched services.

The forum also featured sessions on various aspects of Hong Kong's legal and dispute-resolution services. Mr. Chan Chak-ming, President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, discussed the ease of setting up a company and relocating foreign companies to Hong Kong. Ms. Katherine Ng, Head of Listing at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, talked about company growth and opportunities in the mainland, including raising capital. Dr. Christopher To, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Mediation Council, spoke about resolving legal disputes in Hong Kong through a wide range of legal and alternative dispute resolution services. Finally, Mr. Victor Dawes, SC, Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, discussed corporate restructuring options available in Hong Kong.

During their visit, Mr. Lam and his delegation met with various officials and organizations, including the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the Abu Dhabi Global Market, and HSBC Middle East. These meetings and discussions aimed to understand the UAE's need for cross-jurisdictional legal services and to exchange views on recent developments in arbitration landscapes and the impact of technology on online dispute resolution services.

Overall, the forum and Mr. Lam's visit to the Middle East provided an opportunity to highlight Hong Kong's role as a global legal and dispute-resolution hub. The event showcased Hong Kong's comprehensive legal services, its unique advantages as a common law jurisdiction in China, and its commitment to fostering collaboration and cooperation with the UAE.