Hong Kong (HK) has been assigned a strategic role in international legal and dispute resolution services under important national development plans of China, a top law official said at a Dubai forum, aimed at promoting the Special Administrative Region’s services in the area.

Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that Hong Kong has very often been described as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ between China and countries outside China, highlighting its comprehensive professional legal services and its strengths in the rule of law, at the forum titled, “Hong Kong – The Common Law Gateway for UAE Businesses to China and Beyond”.

The forum organised by the Department of Justice, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, and co-organised by the Dubai Chambers, attracted more than 300 participants from the legal, business and other sectors of the UAE.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, Zhang Yiming; and the President and CEO of the Dubai Chambers, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, also addressed the forum.

Paul Lam also held a meeting with Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Justice of the UAE, and discussed issues of mutual interests and explored opportunities to foster legal collaboration between the two places during the event.

“The UAE and China have a very strong history of friendship, dating back to the days of the ancient Silk Road. The modern Silk Road is under construction between the two countries. And in this very important construction work, Hong Kong plays a very significant role.

“Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong enjoys many unique advantages and characteristics, one of which is our common law system. Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China,” he said.

Paul Lam and his delegation is currently on a Middle East visit covering Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE aimed to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services and enhance co-operation and exchanges between the two places.

The 30-member delegation comprises representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Invest Hong Kong and related sectors.

“Hong Kong is a gateway, which serves as a platform that can take you from your country to China. We can ensure that you will have fast, convenient and safe access to China. our legal system and our legal services can provide or act as a one-stop shop.

“We are ready, willing and able to provide top-quality, user-friendly and reliable legal services to enable you to explore business and investment opportunities, not just in Hong Kong, but in China as a whole.”

At a plenary session titled "Hong Kong as an International Legal and Dispute Resolution Hub: A One-Stop-Shop for your Business Expedition", the President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Chan Chak-ming, discussed the ease of setting up a company and re-domiciliation of foreign companies in Hong Kong, featuring the city's high quality legal services.

The Head of Listing of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Katherine Ng, talked about the growth and maturity of a company, including topics on raising capital and the opportunities in the mainland.

Chairperson of the Hong Kong Mediation Council, Dr Christopher To, spoke on resolving legal disputes in Hong Kong through a wide spectrum of legal and alternative dispute resolution services the city provides.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, Victor Dawes, SC, discussed the corporate restructuring means available for a company in Hong Kong and related issues. – TradeArabia News Service