SJ attends 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Singapore (with photos)

     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, attended the 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Singapore today (October 29) and delivered a speech at the plenary session.

     The conference, organised by the Attorney-General's Chambers of Singapore, brought together officials, prosecutors and legal experts from 13 delegations to share their views on the conference's theme – "Fostering Co-operation on Combating Financial Crimes". 

     Addressing the plenary session of the conference, Mr Lam elaborated that Hong Kong has been adopting a multipronged approach in combating financial crimes with international elements, including adopting international regulatory standards, establishing a collaborative network for effective prosecution and asset recovery, making better use of emerging technologies and encouraging knowledge and experience sharing, in order to build a trustworthy and secure financial environment. He also mentioned that Hong Kong has established a comprehensive co-operation regime for the mutual legal assistance and surrender of fugitives, and that geopolitical considerations should not be allowed to hinder international co-operation in fighting financial crimes. The fight against financial crimes with international elements is a daunting and ongoing challenge. He expressed hope that Hong Kong and all other jurisdictions will continue to strengthen collaboration to jointly combat related crimes.

     At the closing session of the conference, Mr Lam remarked that the 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference will be held in Hong Kong next year.

     During his visit to Singapore, Mr Lam attended other related activities. As a member of the Chinese delegation, he attended bilateral meetings between the delegation and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, namely Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos and Thailand, to exchange views with them on issues of mutual interest. He also attended a lecture given yesterday (October 28) by the Prosecutor-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, Mr Ying Yong, on "The Chinese Prosecutorial System in the Process of Comprehensive Implementation of the Rule of Law".

     Mr Lam will conclude his visit to Singapore tomorrow morning (October 30) and return to Hong Kong.