HK backed as legal talent training hub

Beijing fully supports Hong Kong's push to be an international training base for legal talents, said Li Yongsheng, acting commissioner for China's foreign ministry office in Hong Kong.

At a forum on international law yesterday, Li said Hong Kong is China's only common law jurisdiction with an open and well-regulated business environment that can help interconnect the mainland with the world.

"Hong Kong plays an indispensable role in promoting China's foreign-related rule of law," Li said. "It is, therefore, an important platform to help China enhance institutional openings."

With support from Beijing, he added, Hong Kong has organized a series of activities related to international law.

He pointed out that there is a large number of global legal professionals settled here, strengthening the city's position as a center for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.

"We will also support Hong Kong in using legal means to safeguard the rights and interests of China," he said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong's judicial system is internationally renowned, and the SAR's legal sector boasts enviable expertise in international legal, dispute resolution and deal-making services.

"These and other deeply ingrained qualities reflect the rule of law practiced in Hong Kong. They demonstrate how Hong Kong can play a valuable role in the development and maintenance of an effective international legal order," he said.

Lee added the city has "wide-ranging experience" in drawing on the strengths of East and West legal traditions and serving as a conduit between the Chinese legal system and other international legal systems.

"And I look forward to expanding our international exchange and collaboration in jurisprudence and legal services."

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok expressed confidence that the five-day First Edition of The Hague Academy of International Law's Advanced Course in Hong Kong, which starts Monday, would see participants from about 20 jurisdictions enjoy a meaningful and fruitful exchange of experience and knowledge.