On 8 April, the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping (HKCoS) and a delegation from Tianjin Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone visited the Department of Justice (DoJ) for a roundtable discussion with Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong, on issues of common concern.

Leveraging Hong Kong’s Legal Advantages

Secretary Lam outlined the DoJ’s functions and offered his views on the development of the shipping industry. He noted that Hong Kong holds strong advantages in maritime dispute resolution but still lags behind London. Closing this gap, he stressed, is an important challenge. He expressed hope that, with HKCoS’s support, Hong Kong could work with Dongjiang to strengthen the city’s position in dispute resolution.

Lam also highlighted Hong Kong’s judicial assistance arrangements with the mainland, its experience in international exchanges and talent training, and made suggestions on promoting Hong Kong’s status as a common law jurisdiction and preferred arbitration venue.

Expanding Maritime Legal Services

HKCoS Chairman Hing Chao emphasised that strengthening Hong Kong’s role as an international shipping centre requires fully leveraging the advantages of the common law system under “One Country, Two Systems.” He pointed out that as China is already a major maritime nation, it should also have maritime legal services that match this standing.

Chao noted that HKCoS is actively exploring the introduction of a Chinese-language version of BIMCO standard contracts and is working with Dongjiang to promote Hong Kong arbitration and the use of Hong Kong law in the shipping industry.

Dongjiang’s Perspective

Li Cailiang, Party Secretary of the Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone, outlined Dongjiang’s development and strengths. He stressed that with its rapid business growth, Dongjiang urgently needs high-quality financial and legal services. He expressed hope that Hong Kong can play a stronger role in arbitration to further enhance Dongjiang’s attractiveness.