Workshop on ASEAN Online Dispute Resolution under Hong Kong Legal Week 2022 held today (with photos)

     As part of Hong Kong Legal Week 2022, the Workshop on ASEAN Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) was held successfully in hybrid mode today (November 9).

     With the support of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat and the Trade and Industry Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the theme of the Workshop this year was "ODR in Facilitating Cross-Border Trade and Investment for ASEAN and Hong Kong Businesses". Representatives from six ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat joined the Workshop in person in Hong Kong, with other ASEAN member states participating online.

     In delivering his opening remarks, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, highlighted the importance of ODR for micro, small and medium enterprises, particularly in facilitating cross-border trade and investment. Distinguished speakers from international organisations and experts on ODR shared their insights on how ODR facilitates access to justice by providing a cost-effective and efficient solution to cross-border disputes in the era of flourishing digital trade.

     This Workshop was supported by the Economic and Technical Co-operation Work Programme under the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement. The Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Maggie Wong, in her closing remarks concluded that the workshop today contributed tremendously to enhancing the mutual co-operation and capacity building between ASEAN and Hong Kong.

     For more details of Hong Kong Legal Week 2022, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk. Live broadcast is available at webcast.info.gov.hk. Members of the public are also welcome to register for joining the event online.