Legal professionals and officials on Wednesday highlighted the potential of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to extend its leading arbitration services to more Asian and African regions, leveraging its established legal expertise.
They made the remarks during a reception celebrating the second anniversary of the establishment of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization’s (AALCO’s) Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre, which included an appointment ceremony for its panel of arbitrators.
Fang Jianming, deputy commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, lauded the significant strides the center has made in enhancing both internal operations and external collaborations. The progress includes developing online platforms for dispute resolution, fostering legal exchanges globally, and promoting Hong Kong’s achievements overseas.
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Addressing around 100 attendees, including officials, diplomats, and legal experts worldwide, Fang said that China is committed to upholding the rule of law in the international community.
He noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, a principle of foreign relations initiated by the Chinese government in 1954, and faithfully practiced ever since.
Fang said he hopes the Hong Kong center will bring into play its legal strengths to promote the tenet of peace and assist more Asian and African countries and regions with arbitration services.
In a video message of congratulations, Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, secretary-general of the AALCO, headquartered in New Delhi, called the Hong Kong center’s establishment a major achievement of AALCO, aimed at bolstering legal support throughout Asia and Africa.
AALCO, an intergovernmental legal consultative organization established in 1956, includes 48 members. In 2022, Hong Kong was selected to house its newest regional arbitration center from choices spanning more than 193 countries and regions, and more than 600 cities across China.
Hong Kong Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan said that AALCO’s Hong Kong center offers numerous opportunities for learning and exchange for young legal practitioners in the city. The center also focuses on the promotion of lawtech and online dispute resolution to cater to the growing demand for dispute-resolution services in international trade and business.
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Stressing the city’s key advantages in strategic location, diverse talent pool and robust government support, Cheung expressed his confidence that Hong Kong will continue to be a global leader of dispute resolution. The city will enhance access to justice and support peaceful economic growth that benefits local, regional, and international communities.
According to Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung, the center’s director, the center boasts a robust team of over 100 professionals, including arbitrators, lawyers, judges, scholars, and representatives of international organizations, who have experience across more than 20 jurisdictions.
Chan said the latest online dispute-resolution platform will help resolve disputes cost-effectively, promoting economic collaboration and the formation of a “digital” Belt and Road Initiative.
