Hong Kong gets boost to be legal services centre

Justice Rimsky Yuen encouraged adoption of HK law.

According to a release, Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen met with various Mainland departments and bureaus to foster better communications and facilitate the Department of Justice's future work in strengthening the city into a centre for legal services, arbitration and mediation for the Asia Pacific region.

Mr Yuen met with officials including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress’ Hong Kong Basic Law Committee, and the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office.

Speaking to the media, Mr Yuen said the department's aim is to develop the legal profession in Hong Kong, enhancing its position and the international community’s confidence in the rule of law and judicial independence of the city.

Regarding the development of Hong Kong’s legal and arbitration professions in Qianhai and Nansha, he suggested officials on the Mainland encourage parties to adopt Hong Kong law and arbitration services there, adding this would help attract foreign investment to the two places.

Mr Yuen said Article 23 was not discussed during his meeting with the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Wang Guangya, noting it is a constitutional responsibility for the Hong Kong Government to enact the legislation under the Basic Law. However, he reiterated that the main tasks of the Government at present are mainly focused on livelihood and economic issues, such as housing and poverty alleviation.

Mr Yuen said the issue of Mainland mothers giving birth in Hong Kong was not discussed, as the Government is confident the matter can be resolved within Hong Kong’s judicial system. He added there is good progress in this area, but could not disclose the details due to legal procedures.

Mr Yuen said he had not discussed the building works on Chief Executive CY Leung’s property with Mr Wang, saying Mr Wang expressed support for the work of the Hong Kong Government, including Mr Leung.