Those who know me well know I’m an avid runner. For me, running is more than just a way to stay fit – it’s a discipline of the mind. As the saying goes, “Mens sana in corpore sano” – a healthy mind in a healthy body. With both, we’re better equipped to face each day’s challenges and achieve advancements.
As President of The Law Society of Hong Kong, I carry a great sense of responsibility. Over the past year, my footprints have extended not only across Hong Kong but also across continents, as I traveled frequently in search of new partnerships and opportunities for our legal profession.
In today’s rapidly changing global economy, Hong Kong, as an outward-oriented economy, is at the forefront of these changes. In the face of uncertainty, the Hong Kong market needs to diversify and seek new partners.
Joining the chief executive’s business delegation
Recently, I was honored to join Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on a delegation visit to Qatar and Kuwait. During this visit, I was deeply impressed that both countries are actively pursuing economic diversification, which in turn has created a strong demand for legal services. In many respects, their aspirations resonate with Hong Kong’s. Establishing business connection with these countries is mutually beneficial for both regions
Legal services were a central focus throughout the delegation visit. In business, it is often said that “law comes first,” because all commercial activities are inseparable from the law and require the support of legal services. As the demand for cross-border legal services in the Middle East is growing, Hong Kong, with its internationally respected legal profession, is well poised to meet that demand.
Sharing Hong Kong’s legal strengths
During the delegation visit, I highlighted the open-door policy of the Hong Kong legal profession to lawyers in Qatar and Kuwait.
I was pleased to receive positive feedback, with several telling me that they are interested in joining the ranks of Hong Kong’s 1,600 registered foreign lawyers.
This enthusiasm is a testament to the global appeal of our legal system and highlights Hong Kong’s vast potential in advancing international legal collaboration.
Although Hong Kong’s registered foreign lawyer system has been in place for over 30 years, it remains relatively under-recognized internationally.
That’s why these duty visits are not only about fostering bilateral cooperation, but also vital opportunities to showcase Hong Kong’s legal strengths and unlock new avenues for global business collaboration.
It’s worth noting that a Hong Kong international law firm has already established an office in Kuwait, well before this delegation visit, to provide professional legal services to both local and global clients.
These success stories prove that Hong Kong’s legal professionals can be trusted partners in global business, especially in supporting the overseas expansion of Hong Kong and mainland enterprises.
Opportunities are always for the prepared
Opportunities are always present and are always for the prepared. As a statutory, independent, and self-regulating professional body, The Law Society of Hong Kong has remained committed to building platforms that help our members seize such invaluable opportunities.
During this visit, we signed three memorandums of understanding with the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration, the Qatar Lawyers Association, and the Kuwait Bar Association respectively.
These agreements reflect not only mutual trust among the parties involved but also a shared vision for collaboration.
It is important to note that such achievements were not built overnight. They are the result of years of dedicated effort and sustained engagement.
Our connection with the Middle East didn’t begin yesterday. The Law Society of Hong Kong established the Belt and Road Committee as early as in December 2015 to explore the “Belt and Road” markets, including the Middle East. In recent years, we have visited Middle Eastern countries and cities such as Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
I’m heartened that many of our Middle Eastern counterparts are now planning reciprocal visits to Hong Kong to attend the International Conference of Legal Regulators in October, which will be hosted in the city for the first time, or the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year next January, as a continuation of our constructive exchanges.
Running together, going further
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, standing still is not an option. We must keep running to avoid falling behind, and running with others is always more impactful than running alone. This truth applies not only to sports exercises but to international cooperation.
International cooperation is the key to unlocking new breakthroughs, with legal services playing an indispensable role in global commerce.
With our common law heritage and international expertise, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to serve as both a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” between East and West. This visit to Qatar and Kuwait marks only the beginning.
I look forward to fostering stronger ties in legal and commercial services between the two regions, contributing to the growth of Hong Kong, our nation, and the Middle East.
Roden Tong is president of The Law Society of Hong Kong
