The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, briefed members of the legal sector on the major initiatives related to the Department of Justice (DoJ) in the Policy Address in a meeting today (October 6). She also listened to their views on how the industry should make the best use of the opportunities brought about by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and the Plan for Comprehensive Deepening Reform and Opening Up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone (Qianhai Plan).
Ms Cheng first pointed out that there are a number of important initiatives in the Policy Address aiming to establish Hong Kong as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, which is in line with the national development. The DoJ will continue to roll out the Vision 2030 for Rule of Law initiative in order to help the community understand the correct concept of the rule of law and the way it operates in practice. At the same time, the DoJ will also strengthen education on the Constitution, the Basic Law and national security so that different sectors in society can gain a proper understanding in these aspects. She stressed that the DoJ is committed to following up on and implementing the measures in the Policy Address as early as possible with a view to consolidating the foundation of the rule of law, and enhancing Hong Kong's role as an international legal hub for legal, deal-making and dispute resolution services.
Ms Cheng then highlighted that the National 14th Five-Year Plan as well as the Qianhai Plan promulgated last month provide invaluable support for the development of Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services. As the only common law jurisdiction within the country, Hong Kong shall utilise the unique advantages under "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions" in the GBA. With the support of the Central Government, opportunities are set to abound for Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution sector.
The attendees said they all attached great importance to the abundant opportunities for the sector brought about by the country's relevant measures and expressed support for the DoJ's key initiatives. Ms Cheng thanked them for joining the meeting amid their busy schedules and offering their professional views and unique and insightful advice in different areas.
The DoJ will continue to maintain close contact with the stakeholders to enhance their understanding of and support for the DoJ's work and to bring out the best of Hong Kong in order to integrate with the needs of the country, enabling Hong Kong to enjoy brighter development prospects amid its integration into the overall development of the country.
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