GBA rule-of-law action plan sets a clear path: Lam

A new action plan for the development of the rule of law in the Greater Bay Area to be published today will clearly set out the basic direction of the Department of Justice's work, as well as systematically consolidate the specific policies and measures that will be implemented, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok has announced.

In an interview with The Standard's sister paper, Sing Tao Daily, Lam said the plan would outline the Department of Justice's strategic direction and detail the specific policies and measures to be implemented.

He added that the department's intention was to leverage Hong Kong's unique strengths and robust rule of law foundation to support the region's business development.

"We are confident in the practical implementation of the action plan through concrete and effective policies and measures," Lam said.

He expressed the objective of facilitating the market integration of the Greater Bay Area and transforming it into a globally competitive first-class bay area.

The action plan encompasses the "three connections, two connections, and one bay area" as its fundamental objectives.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan elaborated on these details, saying the "three links" refer to the establishment of effective mechanisms, regulations and talent connections within the GBA.

Regarding mechanisms, Cheung outlined the creation of a GBA legal information platform that would consolidate legal and dispute resolution services information from the 11 cities. "This platform aims to enhance interoperability and transparency throughout the area," Cheung said.

In terms of regulations, he said the department would actively support Hong Kong mediation organizations' participation in handling commercial mediation cases in mainland courts within the GBA.

Additionally, plans to organize GBA mediator training courses were announced, allowing industry professionals to meet the mediator qualification requirements in the region.

Lam emphasized the importance of connecting legal talents to fully leverage the advantages of different mechanisms within the GBA. To facilitate this, a dedicated platform for lawyers in the GBA will be established, providing competitive legal services.

Lam also said the department would undertake the three connections simultaneously, without any specific order.

Also, the department has sought the input of legal experts to explain the benefits of the action plan to the Hong Kong legal profession.

Li Mingrui, a member of the department's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Task Force, praised the proposed measures, emphasizing their contribution to the construction, development and integration of the entire GBA.

Solicitor Stanley Chan Wing-leung said the action plan would enable law firms to explore markets beyond Hong Kong.

Ng Lok-ming, a solicitor practicing in Futian, Shenzhen, expressed anticipation for more lawyers from Hong Kong to enter the GBA market in the future while envisioning the synergistic effects that could be achieved by combining the strengths of different legal teams.