The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, continued his visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), today (May 22, Dubai time) to attend a forum titled "Hong Kong - The Common Law Gateway for UAE Businesses to China and Beyond" for promoting Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services.

     At the forum, Mr Lam said in his opening remarks that as the only common law jurisdiction in China, Hong Kong has very often been described as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the rest of the world. The city's common law system and its top-quality, user-friendly and reliable legal services can offer one-stop shop services, which cannot be found elsewhere, for overseas businesses to explore investment opportunities in China and beyond.

     The forum organised by the Department of Justice, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, and co-organised by the Dubai Chambers, attracted more than 300 participants from the legal, business and other sectors of the UAE. 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 Chambers, Mr Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, delivered their speeches at the forum.

     Mr Lam also held a meeting with the Minister of Justice of the UAE, Mr Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, to discuss issues of mutual interests and explore opportunities to foster legal collaboration between the two places during the event.

     At the plenary session titled "Hong Kong as an International Legal and Dispute Resolution Hub: A One-Stop-Shop for your Business Expedition", the President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr Chan Chak-ming, first shared with the audience the ease of setting up a company and re-domiciliation of foreign companies in Hong Kong, featuring the city's high quality legal services. The Head of Listing of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms Katherine Ng, talked about the growth and maturity of a company including topics on raising capital and the opportunities in the Mainland. The Chairperson of the Hong Kong Mediation Council, Dr Christopher To, spoke on resolving legal disputes in Hong Kong through a wide spectrum of legal and alternative dispute resolution services the city provides. Lastly, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, Mr Victor Dawes, SC, discussed the corporate restructuring means available for a company in Hong Kong and related issues.

     Two concurrent breakout sessions were held afterwards. Prominent speakers from Hong Kong legal and dispute resolution sectors shared their invaluable insights on "Supporting Business Growth with Hong Kong's Legal Services", and "Effective Dispute Resolution in Hong Kong". It was followed by a networking luncheon, where Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC Dr Patrick Lau gave welcome remarks.

     In his keynote speech at the luncheon, Mr Lam highlighted five important and unique characteristics of Hong Kong's legal system: it is stable, trustworthy, business-friendly, secured and provides good connections to China and beyond. He also introduced to the audience the opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which offers the unique advantages under "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions".  

     After the event concluded, Mr Lam and the delegation had a meeting with the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department.

     They will then call on the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Dubai in the evening.

     Mr Lam will continue his visit to Dubai tomorrow (May 23, Dubai time).

Ends/Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Issued at HKT 22:20

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