Hong Kong can use unique strengths to help further develop international trade laws with Beijing’s support, top Chinese diplomat says
- Li Yongsheng, acting commissioner for China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong, praises local legal system and reaffirms country’s commitment to relaxing trade rules
- He was addressing opening session of Hong Kong Legal Week 2023, which gathers sector leaders for talks on global business connections in post-pandemic context
Hong Kong can use its unique strengths to help further develop international trade laws with Beijing’s support, a top Chinese diplomat in the city has said at a major week-long legal forum.
Li Yongsheng, acting commissioner for China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong, on Monday praised the city’s legal system for its compatibility with both mainland Chinese and foreign jurisdictions, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to relaxing trade rules.
“We believe that with the strong support of the central government, Hong Kong will be able to further leverage its unique position and strength and make a bigger contribution to the integration and development of the law of international trade,” he said.
Addressing the opening session of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2023, Li said the central government would continue to support the United Nations’ international trade law arm.
He noted the country would remove all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector and deepen reforms in state-owned enterprises and other areas such as government procurement.
This year’s forum came after Hong Kong finalised plans to open a mainland-led international mediation centre, which would help resolve disputes related to belt and road projects.
Sun Jin, the head of the preparatory office for the International Organisation of Mediation, revealed during a government-run summit in September that preparatory work for the centre would be completed in two years.
