Beijing aims for HK to be mediation hub

Eunice Lam

Training legal talent with expertise in accordance with international law will strengthen the legal profession in Hong Kong and enhance its legal services, said Cui Jianchun, the Foreign Ministry Commissioner in Hong Kong.

In a speech at a legal forum themed "Interconnectivity and Development" during Hong Kong Legal Week yesterday, Cui expressed Beijing's support for the SAR in advancing its mediation services.

"China is currently advancing both domestic and foreign-related legal frameworks, improving rule alignment in the Greater Bay Area, and cultivating legal professionals in international law," he said.

"This initiative will bolster Hong Kong's legal expertise and invigorate its legal service sectors."

Cui also said that under one country, two systems, Hong Kong has the unique privilege of participating in international rule negotiations and multilateral mechanisms such as the World Trade Organization.

"In the next five, 10, or 15 years, I am confident Hong Kong can make significant contributions to global governance, as it uniquely combines internationalization with the one country, two systems principle," he said.

Cui highlighted the need for Hong Kong to enhance its competitiveness in the legal sector and aim to become the preferred location for resolving global legal disputes.

With national policy support, the city is evolving into a hub for legal and dispute resolution services in Asia.

Cui also said the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy was set to launch on Friday and that it reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to support Hong Kong's mediation services.

At the same forum, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok said negotiations on the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation concluded last month, with a signing ceremony scheduled for next year in Hong Kong.

He added that the headquarters of this organization would also be located in Hong Kong once the convention takes effect.

"As the world's first intergovernmental organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, IOMed is crucial for advancing the peaceful resolution of conflicts as outlined in the United Nations Charter," Lam said.

"Upon its establishment, IOMed will offer friendly, flexible, economical, and efficient mediation services, positioning Hong Kong as a hub for international mediation."

Lam also emphasized the importance of enhancing interconnectivity and development in fostering a community of shared future and achieving mutual respect across borders.

"Hong Kong's commitment to aligning with international legal standards, its experience in international dispute resolution, and its focus on legal capacity-building could significantly impact the global landscape as we navigate complex challenges," he said.

"As China pursues deeper institutional opening up, Hong Kong plays a vital role in facilitating international engagement and promoting the advancement of the international rule of law."