There is no doubt that the effectiveness of the legal system and legal infrastructure of Hong Kong, including dispute resolution, has played a crucial role in maintaining the city's competitiveness and status as one of the leading global financial and commercial centres after New York and London, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC, said in London on September 26 (London time).

Mr Yuen was delivering a speech entitled "The Crucial Role of Hong Kong's Legal and Dispute Resolution Services in making it a Global Centre for Finance and Commerce" at a forum organised by the Hong Kong Association.

He said that the availability of top quality legal services can provide the necessary support to the business community. Furthermore, with the rapid economic development in the Asia Pacific region, in particular the Greater China region, Hong Kong will continue to be a good and effective gateway into the Mainland and at the same time a springboard to the rest of the emerging cities in the region.

Mr Yuen pointed out that, capitalising on the well-developed legal system and legal infrastructure, it is the steadfast policy of the Hong Kong Government, as well as one of the priorities of the Department of Justice, to consolidate, maintain, enhance and promote Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia Pacific region.

"The current Administration of the Hong Kong Government fully appreciates the pivotal role played by the rule of law, the legal system and legal services in shaping the future of Hong Kong.

"Apart from endeavouring to make Hong Kong a just, fair and democratic society, we will spare no efforts to ensure that our legal infrastructure will stay at the forefront of international development so as to maintain and fortify Hong Kong's status as a global centre for finance and commerce," Mr Yuen said.

Mr Yuen is currently conducting an official visit in London to promote Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia Pacific region.

Earlier on, Mr Yuen had a breakfast meeting with several members of Parliament and briefed them on the latest developments in Hong Kong, highlighting that Hong Kong has been firmly committed to the rule of law and judicial independence.

He also met with the Chairman of the Bar Council, Ms Maura McGowan, QC, and the President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger, to enhance ties with the legal and judicial profession in the United Kingdom. Before attending the Hong Kong Association forum, Mr Yuen met with the Director General of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Mr Anthony Abrahams, to share experiences on the promotion of arbitration services.

Upon Mr Yuen's arrival in London on September 25 (London time), he called on the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Mr Chris Grayling, and the Attorney General, Mr Dominic Grieve, to discuss various legal and judicial issues of mutual interest. He also visited the London Maritime Arbitrators Association and exchanged views on the development of maritime arbitration.

Ends/Friday, September 27, 2013