9th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) Horace Cheung, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, delivered a video speech at the 2023 Hainan Free Trade Port International Commercial Dispute Resolution Forum today. He stated that under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems,” Hong Kong is the only jurisdiction within China that practices common law, and it must continue to leverage its unique advantages to actively support the construction of the rule of law in foreign-related matters in China.
Cheung mentioned that Hong Kong has a comprehensive and up-to-date legal framework and diversified and high-quality dispute resolution services, particularly in arbitration and mediation. With strong support from the country, the establishment of the Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Center of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization last year has not only contributed to expanding the international influence of the organization but also facilitated Hong Kong’s service in the rule of law construction for foreign-related matters in China. The establishment of the Office of the International Mediation Centre in Hong Kong in February this year further reaffirms the unique advantages of Hong Kong under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and consolidates its position as a center for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.
Looking ahead, Cheung pointed out that the Hainan Free Trade Port will create a higher level of reform and opening-up, and Hong Kong’s professional services should spare no effort to help the Port become a high-level free trade port with strong international influence.