Forum on “Doing Business in Hong Kong in a Rapidly Changing World” | The Law Society of Hong Kong | The Law Society of Hong Kong
Forum on “Doing Business in Hong Kong in a Rapidly Changing World”
Forum on “Doing Business in Hong Kong in a Rapidly Changing World”

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Introduction

With unprecedented disruptions arising from the pandemic, many countries and regions including Hong Kong are experiencing a rapid pace of change. Fortunately, with well-established legal infrastructure and financial system as well as direct access to the huge Mainland market and strong international connectivity, Hong Kong is able to thrive on change and remains resilient amidst unusual times. 

To strengthen international community’s confidence in Hong Kong’s long-term economic development and competitiveness in the rapidly changing world, which will in turn create more opportunities for the legal services market, The Law Society of Hong Kong’s Forum on “Doing Business in Hong Kong in a Rapidly Changing World” will bring together eminent speakers from government bodies, academia, legal and business sectors to share their insights on Hong Kong’s unique strengths and opportunities that can strengthen this city’s status as a leading international legal and financial hub, and a gateway to Mainland China for doing international businesses.


 

           
Date

11 July 2023 (Tuesday) 
Time

09:00 - 18:00 (Hong Kong Time) 
 
Format

Hybrid
(Physical venue: Room N101, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre)
Language

English
(supported by simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua)
 
CPD Points

6.5 CPD points will be accredited
 
Registration Fee
  • In person:
    - Invited guest: Free of charge
    - Member of The Law Society of Hong Kong: HK$500 (first-come-first-served)
  • Online: Free of charge

Programme

Time (HKT) Programme
08:30 – 09:00
Registration
09:00 – 09:15
Welcome Remarks
  • Mr. C. M. CHAN 
    President, The Law Society of Hong Kong
09:15 – 09:30
Keynote Speech 
  • The Hon Paul LAM Ting-kwok, SBS, SC, JP 
    Secretary for Justice, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
09:30 – 09:45
Break
09:45 – 11:15
Session 1: Hong Kong – Preferred Seat for International Commercial Arbitration and Preferred Place for International Mediation

With sophisticated judicial and legal systems, solid foundation of the rule of law and a diverse pool of top-notch legal talents particularly in dispute resolution services, Hong Kong maintains a strategic position as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific Region under the National 14th Five Year Plan. 

In this session, legal elites will shed light on Hong Kong’s unique strengths in corporate and commercial legal services, and illustrate why Hong Kong is an effective arbitration and mediation platform for resolving commercial disputes.

Moderator

  • Mr. Ronald SUM, JP
    Council Member, The Law Society of Hong Kong

Speakers

  • Mr. Nick CHAN, MH, JP
    Director, Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre
  • The Hon Teresa CHENG Yeuk-wah, GBM, GBS, SC, JP
    Former Secretary for Justice, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
  • The Hon Mr Justice Johnson LAM Man-hon
    Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
  • Dr. Anthony NEOH, QC, SC, JP
    Co-Chairman, Asian Academy of International Law
  • Dr. Thomas SO, JP
    Past President, The Law Society of Hong Kong; and Chairman, eBRAM
  • The Hon Rimsky YUEN, GBM, SC, JP 
    Co-Chairperson, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre; and Chairman, Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited
11:15 – 11:30
Break
11:30 – 13:00
Session 2: Hong Kong – Springboard for GBA Opportunities

With more than 86-million population, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (“GBA”) is a vast market offering immense business opportunities. Being the most open and international city in the GBA, Hong Kong is known for its status as international financial, transportation, trade centres and aviation hub as well as its renowned professional services. Enjoying the dual advantages of “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong plays a significant role in the GBA development. 

Speakers from government body, as well as the business and legal sectors will gather at this session to help international community gain a clearer understanding of this vital and dynamic initiative in order to better prepare for growth and opportunities, and discuss how Hong Kong can be an important gateway for foreign investors to enter the Mainland China market especially the GBA.

Moderator

  • Mr. Roden TONG
    Vice-President, The Law Society of Hong Kong

Speakers

  • Mr. Eric FOK Kai-shan, JP
    Chairman of China Committee, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce 
  • Mr. Fred KAN
    Founding Chairman of Belt and Road Committee and Chairman of Committee on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, The Law Society of Hong Kong
  • Dr. Patrick LAU
    Deputy Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council
13:15 – 14:15
Luncheon for Guests and Speakers (For invited guests only) 

Keynote Speech

  • The Hon Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP
    Financial Secretary, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
14:30 – 16:00
Session 3: Hong Kong – An International Financial Centre

The geopolitical tensions and pandemic have dealt a heavy blow to the global economy, Hong Kong’s economy included. Nevertheless, thanks to the sound financial regime, well-regulated markets, business-friendly environment, and world-class financial institutions, Hong Kong remains the leading international financial centre and continues to thrive and excel in both financial and commercial activities. 

Prominent speakers from various sectors will share their insights on the challenges and opportunities for the financial industry and professional services sector in Hong Kong under the rapid pace of change, and how to bolster a high degree of confidence from investors and enterprises from across the world for doing international business in Hong Kong.

Moderator

  • Mr. C. M. CHAN
    President, The Law Society of Hong Kong

Speakers

  • Mr. Laurence LI, SC, JP
    Chairman, Financial Services Development Council
  • Mr. Tim LUI, SBS, JP
    Chairman, Securities and Futures Commission
16:00 – 16:15
Break
16:15 – 17:45
Session 4: National Security Law 

Since the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“National Security Law”) was promulgated and took effect in Hong Kong on 30 June 2020, concerns have been expressed over its content and implementation. In particular, some foreign companies and investors have concerns about freedoms being limited and violating the law inadvertently when they conduct businesses in Hong Kong. 

Legal experts, government officials and academics will provide factual account of the provisions of the National Security Law and share their insights on the application and interpretation to enhance the international community’s understanding of the National Security Law, hence strengthening their confidence in Hong Kong’s legal system and business environment.

Moderator

  • Mr. Amirali NASIR, MH, JP
    Vice-President, The Law Society of Hong Kong 

Speakers

  • Prof. Albert CHEN
    Cheng Chan Lan Yue Professor and Chair of Constitutional Law, Department of Law, The University of Hong Kong 
  • The Hon Horace CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP 
    Deputy Secretary for Justice, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
  • Mr. Grenville CROSS, GBS, SBS, QC, SC
    Vice Chairman (Senate) of the International Association of Prosecutors; and Former Director of Public Prosecutions of Department of Justice, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
  • Mr. Stephen HUNG
    Past President and Chairman of Criminal Law & Procedure Committee, The Law Society of Hong Kong 
  • The Hon TANG Ping-keung, GBS, PDSM, JP
    Secretary for Security, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
17:45 – 18:00
Closing Remarks
  • The Hon Christopher HUI Ching-yu, GBS, JP
    Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
18:00 
End of Event

 


Organising Committee

Ronald Sum (Chairman) C. M. Chan Jimmy Chan  Simon McConnell Roden Tong

 


Note:

  • In alphabetical order of family name
  • The programme is subject to change without prior notice

 

This material/event is funded by the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material/any event organised under this project do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Vetting Committee of the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme.