Hong Kong can use unique strengths to help further develop international trade laws with Beijing’s support, a top Chinese diplomat in city says

Hong Kong can use its unique strengths to help further develop international trade laws with Beijing’s support, a top Chinese diplomat in the city has said at a major week-long legal forum.

Li Yongsheng, acting commissioner for China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong, on Monday praised the city’s legal system for its compatibility with both mainland Chinese and foreign jurisdictions, and stated the country’s commitment to relaxing trade rules.

“We believe that with the strong support of the central government, Hong Kong will be able to further leverage its unique position and strength and make a bigger contribution to the integration and development of the law of international trade,” Li said.

Addressing the opening session of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2023, Li said the central government would continue to support the United Nations’ international trade law arm. He noted the country would remove all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector and deepen reforms in state-owned enterprises and other areas such as government procurement.

This year’s forum came after the city finalised plans to open a mainland-led international mediation centre, which would help resolve disputes related to belt and road projects.

Sun Jin, the head of the preparatory office for the International Organisation of Mediation, revealed during a government-run summit in September that preparatory work for the centre would be completed in two years.

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The Belt and Road Initiative is Beijing’s plan to link economies in Asia, Europe and Africa into a major trade network.

The week-long legal sector gathering, looking at global business connections in a post-pandemic context, will begin with a discussion on the Beijing Convention, an international law governing court-appointed sales of ships signed earlier this year.

It will also cover mediation and arbitration, the use of technology in legal proceedings, opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, the city’s rule of law, as well as a national security law question and answer session on Friday from justice minister Paul Lam Ting-kwok to mark the end of the forum.

Speaking at the forum’s opening, Lam reiterated the government’s plan to establish the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy next year.

The academy is expected to provide practical training courses, seminars and international exchange programmes to facilitate talent exchanges within Asia-Pacific, as well as belt and road countries.

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The justice minister highlighted the city’s role as a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the world on cross-border regulation governing commerce.

“I am confident that the events during the legal week will serve as a powerful demonstration of our unwavering commitment in strengthening our unique status as the super connector in promoting global connectivity,” Lam said.