From 10 to 11 December 2024, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) led the delegation to visit Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong. The visit was to strengthen cooperation between legal professionals in Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, to support the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. During the visit, Wang Chengjie, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of CIETAC, held discussions with Du Gankun, Chairman of Hong Kong Bar Association, Tang Wenlong, President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, and other key representatives.

Wang Chengjie, Secretary General of CIETAC, said that Hong Kong, with the unique advantage of "one country, two systems", served as the bridge to connect Mainland China and international community. In 2012, CIETAC established the first overseas branch of mainland arbitration institution in Hong Kong SAR, CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center. The pioneer innovatively introduced the practice of "one commission, two systems", along with the diversified development framework. As the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area progresses, new practical needs for the construction of the rule of law, including dispute resolution services, have emerged. The arbitration community and the lawyer community, as part of the legal community, should work together to build a high-level professional legal platform. This aimed for contributing to the creation of a market-oriented, rule-of-law based, and international business environment that links the three regions and aligns with the global standards.

Du Gankun, Chairman of Hong Kong Bar Association, stated that Hong Kong has excellent legal services and dispute resolution mechanisms. He emphasized that Hong Kong Bar Association has always encouraged and supported Hong Kong barristers to actively contribute to the nation’s overall development and participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Tang Wenlong, President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, remarked that the exchange with CIETAC holds great significance. He highlighted that Hong Kong lawyers have rich experience in applying international laws and rules, as well as the advantages of understanding the language and culture of Mainland China. He looks forward to sharing resources with CIETAC to build the platform.

During the meeting, all parties engaged in in-depth discussions on fostering foreign-related legal talents, promoting foreign-related legal services, and advancing the development of international dispute resolution. Broad consensus was reached,  where all parties expressed the expectation to work together and provide practical legal guarantees for the economic integration and development of the Greater Bay Area.

The meeting was attended by Mao Leli, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Bar Association, Gan Wanling, Executive Committee Member of Hong Kong Bar Association, Huang Qiaoxin, Vice President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Zheng Zonghan, Vice Chairmen of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Xu Kaiyi, Vice Chairmen of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Wang Haocheng, Deputy Secretary General of CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center, and Yang Ming, Deputy Secretary General of CIETAC Southwest China Sub-Commission.