The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, leading a delegation of about 20 persons comprising representatives from the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong and related sectors, attended the "Resolve2Win - Legal Services of Hong Kong, Opportunities for All" conference in Shenzhen today (August 7). Under the theme of synergistic development with Hong Kong to go global, the conference was organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services.

The conference was attended by more than 300 representatives from the legal, business and other sectors. Delivering his remarks at the conference, Mr Lam said that as the only common law jurisdiction within the country, Hong Kong has the unique advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world. Under the guiding principles set forth in the Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the DoJ has been actively promoting the construction of the rule of law in the GBA. Through the interfacing of mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and talent which constitutes the "Three Interfaces", the connectivity of hardware and software in the construction of rule of law in the GBA will continue to be promoted. Hong Kong's position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region would also be leveraged to assist the joint development of the GBA.

This was followed by two panel discussion sessions. The first session discussed the global business strategy of enterprises regarding the enhancement of compliance strategy and cross-border dispute resolution. Speakers comprising seasoned legal professionals from Hong Kong and a representative from a Shenzhen company discussed issues on compliance arising from enterprises' pursuit of international business development. Different cases were also cited to demonstrate Hong Kong's unique advantage as a one-stop legal service platform in handling cross-border business and trade transactions and commercial disputes, offering comprehensive legal services for enterprises at different stages of development.

The second discussion session was about digital transformation in the context of the development of emerging technology and opportunities brought about for enterprises. Seasoned legal professionals from Hong Kong talked about the development opportunities offered by emerging technology to enterprises, and the potential legal risks therein. They also introduced to the audience the latest lawtech services in Hong Kong. The conference was concluded by the closing remarks of Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC Dr Patrick Lau. The networking luncheon was then held, where Mr Lam gave a keynote speech.

Upon his arrival in Shenzhen yesterday (August 6), Mr Lam first visited the GoGBA Business Support Centre at the Futian High Speed Rail Station, launched by the HKTDC this year, to have a better understanding of the latest developments of Shenzhen and the global business strategy of enterprises, before attending a networking luncheon with the Shenzhen Federation of Industry and Commerce. He then visited the first specialist technology company listed in Hong Kong under Chapter 18C of the Listing Rules, XtalPi, to learn more about its business development and how Hong Kong's comprehensive legal professional services could provide high-quality and diverse cross-border support to GBA enterprises as well as domestic and overseas investors. It was followed by a visit to the exhibition centre of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, where Mr Lam learned about its work on promoting the interface of the rules and mechanisms between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. In the evening, Mr Lam attended a dinner and met with member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee Mr Chen Qing.

Mr Lam and his delegation will depart for Foshan this afternoon to continue their visit in the GBA.