Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Czech Bar Association

To : All newspapers/ radio & TV news department

2 June 2008

(for immediate release)

The President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr. Lester Huang, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with his Czech Bar Association counterpart, Dr Vladimir Jirousek, in the presence of Mr. John Tsang, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, as Guest of Honour.

"This is an important milestone for both the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Czech Bar Association.", said Dr. Jirousek.

"When I first met Dr. Jirousek in October 2007, I introduced him to the advantages of Hong Kong and how Hong Kong lawyers could assist foreign companies to promote and diversify their businesses in China. We were both convinced that there was ample scope for collaboration between Czech and Hong Kong lawyers. ", said Mr. Huang.

Bilateral trade between the Czech Republic and China surged 61.9 % in 2007. Hong Kong is widely accepted by the international business community as a preferred platform for doing business in China. The Law Society of Hong Kong is convinced that there are synergies for Hong Kong solicitors to collaborate with their Czech counterparts.

The MOU will promote the exchange of information between lawyers in the Czech Republic and Hong Kong. From a common platform, lawyers will enjoy enhanced accessibility to common resources for a mutually beneficial professional relationship.

"Many Hong Kong lawyers are experienced in dealing with Hong Kong and Chinese businessmen while Czech lawyers know the business scene in Central Europe. Together we will build a strong link to facilitate business on both sides.", Mr. Huang added.

For further information, please contact the Secretary General of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr. Raymond Ho, on +(852) 2846 0502 or +(852) 9495 8978.

Additional information

The Czech Bar Association is the sole professional body of lawyers and attorneys in the Czech Republic established in 1996. It has a membership of about 8,000 lawyers and attorneys. Membership of the Czech Bar Association is mandatory to practise law in the Czech Republic. For more information, please refer to the website of the Czech Bar Association at www.cak.cz .

Established in 1907, the Law Society of Hong Kong has a membership of more than 6,500 lawyers providing a whole range of legal services by more than 700 law firms. For more information, please refer to the website of the Law Society at www.hklawsoc.org.hk .