The Law Society of Hong Kong's International Summit 2023 celebrates 10th anniversary of Belt and Road Initiative and explores the role of mediation in achieving peace and prosperity

Themed “Peace and Prosperity on the Belt and Road”, The Law Society of Hong Kong’s International Summit 2023 took place at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel on October 11, 2023. The flagship event, which this year celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, attracted over 800 participants from 49 jurisdictions, including around 30 representatives from Consulates-General, Honorary Consulates and Officially Recognised Bodies.

Gathering government leaders, experts and scholars from the legal sector, as well as business leaders from across the world, the Summit had a key focus on exploring the potential of mediation as a means to resolve both commercial and sovereign disputes. It aimed to foster peace, stimulate economic activities, and promote prosperity among the countries along the Belt and Road, by leveraging the unique advantages of HKSAR and strengthening the ‘eight centres’ outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

In his welcome remarks, Mr C. M. Chan, President of The Law Society of Hong Kong, highlighted the correlation between laws, prosperity, and peace, emphasizing the crucial role lawyers play in facilitating smooth negotiations and reducing conflicts. “We are well trained to provide a wide range of legal services, acting as a one-stop shop for businesses interested in investing along the Belt and Road as we play the multiple roles of being a super connector, deal-maker and conflict resolver,” said Mr Chan.

The Opening Ceremony of the Summit was graced by the presence of distinguished guests.  In his opening address, Mr John Lee, Chief Executive, noted that Hong Kong’s recognized prowess would ensure its pivotal role as a value-added gateway of the Belt and Road, contributing to its prosperity and development. “The National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong’s continued development as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Mr Lee.

Mr Liu Guangyuan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office in Hong Kong, highlighted the importance of upholding the Constitution and the Basic Law to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s core competitiveness in the rule of law. He called on the legal profession to actively participate in international exchanges and serve as civil ambassadors to promote Hong Kong’s rule of law.

Also speaking at the Opening Ceremony was Mr Paul Lam SC, Secretary for Justice, who encouraged legal professionals in Hong Kong to provide top-notch legal services in the development and implementation of Belt and Road Initiative projects. He also expressed his confidence in the city’s legal and dispute resolution services, urging Mainland and overseas friends to give Hong Kong opportunities to assist them in advancing their Belt and Road objectives.

During a press interview, Mr C. M. Chan shared his perspective on how the Belt and Road Initiative can benefit Hong Kong, “By promoting investment and trade cooperation, Hong Kong can establish platforms for business matching, investment forums, and knowledge sharing. This proactive approach creates opportunities for collaboration, driving economic development and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global business hub.

Mr Roden Tong, Vice-President of The Law Society of Hong Kong, pointed out that the practice experience threshold for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to enrol in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination has been lowered from five years to three years. “This enables the legal sector to expand its presence and seize abundant opportunities within the GBA, while leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages to cater to the broader developmental requirements of our country,” he noted.

“Hong Kong offers an independent geographical location, robust rule of law, and abundant capital resources. This advantageous position enables legal practitioners to explore opportunities beyond traditional markets like Europe and the Americas, and extend their reach to regions such as the Middle East, Africa, South Africa, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These areas present untapped potential and offer a wealth of new business prospects,” Mr Nick Chan, Chairman of International Summit 2023 Organising Committee remarked.

Keeping abreast of technological developments, The Law Society initiated a Manifesto on ‘The Legal Ethical Code of Conduct Regarding the Deployment of AI’, which has received positive support from lawyers’ associations overseas and in the Greater China region. This manifesto underscores the importance of responsible and ethical artificial intelligence practices in the legal profession, and outlines guiding principles for the development and deployment of AI technologies.

“Legal professionals should embrace AI as a powerful tool that can enhance their practices, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for clients,” remarked Ms Careen Wong, Council member and Vice-Chairlady of International Summit 2023 Organising Committee. “Meanwhile, they must also address ethical considerations and potential risks, and remain vigilant in upholding professional standards and ethical guidelines, ensuring that AI is used responsibly and in the best interest of their clients.”

About the Law Society’s Belt and Road Conferences

The Summit was built on the success of the five former Belt and Road Conferences of The Law Society since 2017. The Belt and Road Conference is the first and foremost conference of its kind, dedicated to exploring opportunities and discussing solutions for challenges brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative for the legal profession.

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