The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy was officially launched on Friday as the five-day Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 concluded, further bolstering legal talent cultivation for the nation and talent exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The initiative, which was first proposed in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s 2023 Policy Address, aims to make good use of Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system and international status to promote exchanges among talents in the regions along the Belt and Road, through practical training courses, seminars and international exchange programs.
The academy will also provide training for talents in the practice of foreign-related legal affairs, and nurture legal talents conversant with international law, common law, civil law and China’s legal system.
The final agenda of the legal week focused on the rule of law’s significance for the business environment. Lee said in a video speech that Hong Kong’s strong legal system ensures a stable, safe and fair environment, and the protection of property rights and mediation services can increase investors’ confidence.
Lee emphasized the superiority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Basic Law, and said that the bilingual framework ensures that local, mainland and international businesses can navigate the rules and regulations with confidence.
The SAR also benefits from unique legal assistance arrangements and convenience measures with the Chinese mainland, particularly in civil and commercial matters and dispute resolution, which can enhance its attractiveness as a business destination, Lee added.
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Echoing Lee, Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal, noted that the rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s legal, social and economic systems, and ensuring that the law is applied fairly and consistently is the foundation of stable business participation.
Cheung emphasized that Hong Kong’s ability to attract and retain international legal talent, and its capacity to provide world-class legal services, not only enhances its position as a center for international dispute resolution, but also reinforces the rule of law itself.
Cheung noted that Hong Kong has succeeded in attracting international legal professionals, and it is important to nurture legal talent in the SAR, as well as investing in junior lawyers, whether through continued professional training, financial support or opportunities for exchange.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok highlighted the significant business potential of Hong Kong’s legal service. As the only bilingual region that uses common law in the country, it can help a lot for the SAR to explore more business opportunities in Chinese mainland.
Before his election as the 47th US president on Tuesday, Donald Trump pledged to secure the release of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying. Lai is charged with various national security offenses, including “collusion with foreign forces”.
When asked about his opinions of Trump’s remarks, Lam reiterated that no one should attempt to interfere with Hong Kong’s legal proceedings, whether through speech or action.
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During his last presidency, Trump sanctioned a number of Hong Kong officials for their efforts in safeguarding national security. Regarding this, Lam declared that his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities for Hong Kong will not be undermined.
Hong Kong Legal Week is the annual flagship event of the Department of Justice. Held from Nov 4 to 8, this year’s event is themed “Hong Kong Common Law System: World Class Springboard to China and Beyond”, and attracted over 2,500 participants online and offline.
