kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Speech by SJ at thematic forum on policy co-ordination of second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing (English only) (with photo)
25.4.2019

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, at the thematic forum on policy co-ordination of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing this morning (April 25): Your excellency, ladies and gentlemen, The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) straddles different borders, cultures and legal systems. It reflects the design of the new type of international relations, featuring win-win co-operation. It creates a new globalism, and advocates harmony, multilateralism and inclusiveness. It resonates with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reinforces each other. A policy angle that I would like to talk about is the rule of law and one facet of it is dispute resolution. The number of co-operation agreements and memorandums of understanding that have been signed under the BRI is 176 and the number is still growing. Yet, the implementation may create differences leading to conflicts and disputes. It is of paramount importance that a dispute avoidance and resolution system which echoes the spirit of the initiative be developed to ensure that the common cause of this new international co-operation for development remains the priority. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is keen to collaborate and develop such a system. Hong Kong is privileged to have a sound and robust legal system, coupled with up-to-date and fair arbitration and mediation laws and practice that have earned international recognition. To address the characteristics of Belt and Road-related transaction disputes, we propose two points for consideration. Firstly, thought should be given as to whether a body established through collaboration, based on creditability and sensitive to cultural diversity, be set up. Secondly, consideration should also be given to look at how to enhance the system of dispute resolution and to be innovative so as to provide an inclusive and affordable mechanism that leads to a win-win solution. Under the principle of shared growth through discussion and collaboration, active consideration may be given to the provision of diversified dispute resolution services for Belt and Road countries. Hong Kong hopes to contribute to the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, and facilitate the communication and collaboration of different countries, thereby ushering in an all-win situation hand in hand, and contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 16 which promotes the rule of law, peace, justice and strong institutions. Thank you very much. Ends/Thursday, April 25, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:58 NNNN
Application exercise for institutions to qualify under arrangement on interim measures in aid of arbitral proceedings by courts of Mainland and HKSAR commences 
12.4.2019

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has today (April 12) started to accept applications from arbitration and dispute resolution institutions wishing to qualify under Article 2 of the Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The details of the application procedure are set out on the webpage of the DoJ ( www.doj.gov.hk/eng/public/concerning_mutual_assistance.html ). All applications and supporting documents shall be in writing and addressed to the DoJ as follows, to reach the DoJ on or before May 3, 2019, by post or email: Arbitration Unit Legal Policy Division Department of Justice 5/F, East Wing, Justice Place, 18 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong Email: interim@doj.gov.hk For enquiries, please contact the Senior Assistant Solicitor General (Arbitration), Mr Lee Tin-yan, at 3918 4038 or by email at tylee@doj.gov.hk . Ends/Friday, April 12, 2019 Issued at HKT 18:54 NNNN
Secretary for Justice to visit Europe
9.4.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will visit France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Austria from April 11 to 18. Ms Cheng will depart for Paris, France, in the early hours on April 11. During her stay in Paris, Luxembourg, The Hague and Vienna, she will attend a number of events to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services. She will also call on various courts, government departments, international organisations and more. Ms Cheng will conclude her visit in Vienna, Austria, on April 18. Ends/Tuesday, April 9, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by Secretary for Justice at media session
8.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, at a media session after attending the special meeting of Finance Committee of the Legislative Council today (April 8): Reporter: Secretary, can you comment on this report that there might be an interpretation of Article 23 (of the Basic Law)? Secondly, on access to computer with criminal or dishonest intent, what is going to be done to sort of fill that gap in the law to prosecute some cybercrimes? Secretary for Justice: Thank you. I would not like to comment on speculative matters that have been reported, so if you would forgive me that I won't comment on that. However, it is very important to bear in mind that legislating for matters set out in Article 23 of the Basic Law is one of our constitutional duties, and therefore it is something that will be done. As the Chief Executive and the Government have repeatedly said, at an appropriate time that is something that we will have to do. As to the Section 161 (of the Crimes Ordinance), that relates to the improper use of the computer, the Court of Final Appeal's judgment has clarified the limits of this particular law, and therefore it is necessary for appropriate legislative changes to be made in order to ensure that the acts that are being prohibited, or be it outside the current legislation of Section 161 (of the Crimes Ordinance) can still be sanctioned in order to ensure that people's privacy and various matters are being protected. I think there are a number of things that can be happening, and we hope that this may result in a quick movement. First of all, no doubt the Security Bureau and the Department of Justice have already been working on reviewing the relevant legislations. As you know, there is the Review of Sexual Offences Sub-committee of the Law Reform Commission. Its first consultative report was produced in 2012 and the third one in 2018, so it may be possible that we may get some guidance or feedback on the first consultative report that came out, which may help us look into what is to be done. And of course, the Law Reform Commission has also set up a cybercrime sub-committee to review the legislations, if any, that need to be amended in order to keep up with the development of the laws in the fast-developing technology world. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Monday, April 8, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:35 NNNN
Transcript of media session by Secretary for Justice 
3.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, at a media session after attending the Chief Executive's Question Time at the Legislative Council today (April 3): Reporter: … the government to lower the threshold to surrender the fugitives… Secretary for Justice: Can you tell me on what basis? I don't understand what you mean by lowering the threshold for evidence. I don't understand that. Reporter: … the supporting documents… Secretary for Justice: And you think that is lowering the threshold of evidence? Reporter: According to the Bar Association... Secretary for Justice: Then you assumed it is lowering the threshold, right? Now I repeat again. In the existing ordinances, the provisions say that documents from the other jurisdiction can be submitted via the courts or the relevant government authorities in the courts. As a matter of practice, it has happened both from courts submissions, as well as governmental department submissions from foreign jurisdictions sending the documents to Hong Kong. So, I can tell you the facts, but I cannot comment on your question which I do not understand, I am sorry. What is your second question? Reporter: … other jurisdictions… Secretary for Justice: Hong Kong is looking at the system of ensuring that no fugitive offenders can stay in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong has absolutely no means, no proper rule-based means, by which we can surrender the fugitive offenders to the relative places. We have in Hong Kong reached agreement with 20 jurisdictions around the world, and they range from common law countries like Australia; they include civil law countries like the Netherlands and Spain; they include Islamic law countries like the United Arab Emirates; they also include jurisdictions which are closer to Hong Kong, for example, the Philippines. So we do respect the jurisdiction and the system that they have in the other places, and we must ensure that we have a proper rule-based system as a rule of law society, in order to deal with these matters. Ends/Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:50 NNNN
HKSAR and Mainland sign arrangement on interim measures in aid of arbitral proceedings (with photos) 
2.4.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, and the Vice-president of the Supreme People's Court, Mr Yang Wanming, signed the Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (Arrangement) today (April 2). Hong Kong becomes the first jurisdiction outside the Mainland where, as a seat of arbitration, parties to arbitral proceedings administered by its arbitral institutions would be able to apply to the Mainland courts for interim measures. After the signing of the Arrangement, the HKSAR is the only jurisdiction which has signed an arrangement with the Mainland on interim measures in aid of arbitral proceedings. It marks our strengths under the "one country, two systems" and enhances Hong Kong’s competitiveness in international arbitration services and further strengthens Hong Kong’s status as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific Region. Under existing Hong Kong legislation, parties to arbitral proceedings in any place may apply to the courts of Hong Kong for interim measures. After the commencement of the Arrangement, parties to arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong, before the arbitral award is made, can make an application for interim measure to the Mainland courts, including property preservation, evidence preservation and conduct preservation. It aims at preventing one of the parties to arbitral proceedings from deliberately destroying the evidence or transferring the property and also ensuring that the arbitral proceedings can be carried out effectively. According to the Arrangement, parties to arbitral proceedings seated in the HKSAR and administered by eligible arbitral institutions which have been designated would be able to apply to the Mainland courts for interim measures. The commencement date of the Arrangement will be decided after the promulgation of a judicial interpretation by the Supreme People's Court and completion of relevant procedures in the HKSAR. The Arrangement will strengthen legal co-operation between the two places and further enhance Hong Kong's status as a centre for international arbitration in the Asia-Pacific Region. Ends/Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:54 NNNN
Secretary for Justice visits Islands District (with photos) 
1.4.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, visited Islands District today (April 1) to see the latest developments in the district. She also met with young people and District Council members during her visit. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Islands District Council, Mr Chow Yuk-tong, and the District Officer (Islands), Mr Anthony Li, Ms Cheng visited the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council Tung Chung Integrated Services Centre. With government funding, the council set up the TOUCH - Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities on-site. Cantonese lessons, interest classes and cultural exchange activities are arranged for the ethnic minorities in Tung Chung. In addition, the Centre provides a range of support services and assistance to families and residents in need. Ms Cheng then proceeded to YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College to meet with students. She chatted with them and listened to their views on studies and extracurricular activities. Before concluding her visit, Ms Cheng met with Islands District Council members and exchanged views on issues of concern. Ends/Monday, April 1, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:11 NNNN
Secretary for Justice visits Southern District (with photos) 
12.3.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, visited Southern District today (March 12) to keep abreast of the latest development in the district. She also met with District Council members during her visit. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Southern District Council, Dr Chu Ching-hong, and the District Officer (Southern), Mrs Dorothy Ma, Ms Cheng visited Caritas Wu Cheng-chung Secondary School in Pokfulam. The school provides a wide range of after-school activities for students to develop their creativity and collaboration skills. Ms Cheng joined students in cooking demonstrations and watched a hockey training session, after which she also chatted with some of the students to know more about their learning experience. Before concluding her visit, Ms Cheng met with members of the Southern District Council and exchanged views on issues of concern. Ends/Tuesday, March 12, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:04 NNNN
Secretary for Justice visits Central and Western District (with photos) 
8.3.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, visited Central and Western District today (March 8) to meet with young people. Accompanied by the District Officer (Central and Western), Mrs Susanne Wong, Ms Cheng visited King's College Old Boys' Association Primary School in Sheung Wan. She observed students taking part in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning activities. A special STEM education task force was set up in the school to encourage students to obtain more technology-related knowledge and improve their problem-solving skills. Ms Cheng then proceeded to Sai Ying Pun Community Complex to meet with youths of the Central and Western District Youth Development Network. She chatted with them and listened to their views on community services and youth development. Ends/Friday, March 8, 2019 Issued at HKT 18:58 NNNN
Secretary for Justice continues visit to Bangkok (with photos) 
7.3.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, continued her visit to Bangkok, Thailand, today (March 7) to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services, and update key players from the business sector on Hong Kong's latest developments. Ms Cheng met with President of the Supreme Court of Thailand, Mr Cheep Jullamon, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Thailand Mr Prajin Juntong respectively in the morning. During the meetings, she introduced Hong Kong's legal system, and strengths in providing international legal and dispute resolution services under the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as capacity building on legal services. They also exchanged views and explored collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and Thailand. Ms Cheng attended a gathering with representatives from the business sector in the afternoon at which she briefed them on Hong Kong's latest developments as well as legal and dispute resolution services. On arrival in Bangkok yesterday (March 6), Ms Cheng attended a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Lyu Jian. Ms Cheng concluded her visit to Bangkok this afternoon and will return to Hong Kong in the evening. Ends/Thursday, March 7, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:05 NNNN
Secretary for Justice to visit Bangkok
5.3.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will tomorrow (March 6) leave for Bangkok, Thailand, to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services. During her stay in Bangkok, Ms Cheng will call on the Supreme Court of Thailand and the Ministry of Justice as well as the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand. She will also meet with representatives from the business sector to update them on Hong Kong's latest developments. Ms Cheng will return to Hong Kong in the evening on March 7. Ends/Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Secretary for Justice visits SPC and MFA
25.2.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, visited the Supreme People's Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing today (February 25). Ms Cheng met with Vice-presidents of the Supreme People's Court, Mr Luo Dongchuan and Mr Yang Wanming, respectively in the morning. She then met with the Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Xu Hong, in the afternoon. Matters relating to dispute resolution services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road related regions were discussed during the meetings. Ms Cheng will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (February 26). Ends/Monday, February 25, 2019 Issued at HKT 18:30 NNNN
Secretary for Justice to visit Beijing 
23.2.2019

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will leave for Beijing tomorrow (February 24). During her stay, Ms Cheng will meet with representatives from the Supreme People's Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss matters relating to dispute resolution services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road related regions. Ms Cheng will return to Hong Kong on February 26. Ends/Saturday, February 23, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:00 NNNN
Public views sought on proposed Mainland Judgments in Matrimonial and Family Cases (Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement) Bill and Rules
8.2.2019

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (February 8) launched a public consultation to seek views on the proposed Mainland Judgments in Matrimonial and Family Cases (Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement) Bill (the Bill) and the proposed Mainland Judgments in Matrimonial and Family Cases (Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement) Rules (the Rules). In view of the increasing number of cross-boundary marriages and related matrimonial matters between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Mainland, the Government of the HKSAR and the Supreme People's Court signed the Arrangement on Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Civil Judgments in Matrimonial and Family Cases by the Courts of the Mainland and of the HKSAR (the Arrangement) on June 20, 2017, so as to establish a mechanism for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of civil judgments in matrimonial and family cases between the two places. A spokesman of the DoJ said, "The Arrangement, when implemented, will provide better safeguards to families, in particular, parties to cross-boundary marriages and their children." The Arrangement will be implemented in the HKSAR by legislation. For this purpose, the DoJ has prepared the draft Bill and draft Rules for public consultation. The draft Bill mainly seeks to establish mechanisms in the HKSAR for registration of specified orders contained in a Mainland judgment given in a matrimonial or family case, application for recognition in the HKSAR of a Mainland divorce certificate and certification by a HKSAR court of a HKSAR judgment given in a matrimonial or family case for the purpose of seeking recognition and enforcement of the judgment in the Mainland. The draft Rules lay down the practice and procedures relating to the applications made to a HKSAR court under the Bill, for example, the requirements for affidavit in support of a registration application. The Consultation Paper together with the draft Bill and draft Rules is now available on the DoJ's website: www.doj.gov.hk/eng/public/pdf/2019/matrimonial_bill.pdf . The consultation period will end on March 8, 2019. All submissions may be sent to the China Law Unit, Legal Policy Division, Department of Justice: by mail to 5/F, East Wing, Justice Place, 18 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong; by fax to 3918 4799; or by email to matrimonialbill@doj.gov.hk . Ends/Friday, February 8, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:54 NNNN
Relevant provisions of Third Party Funding of Arbitration come into operation
1.2.2019

A spokesman for the Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced that the relevant provisions of Section 3 of the Arbitration and Mediation Legislation (Third Party Funding) (Amendment) Ordinance 2017 (Amendment Ordinance) on third party funding of arbitration came into operation today (February 1). There is now greater certainty that third party funding of arbitration in Hong Kong is not prohibited by the common law doctrines of maintenance and champerty. This can add to the attractiveness of Hong Kong as an international arbitration centre. A Code of Practice for Third Party Funding of Arbitration was issued on December 7 last year setting out the practices and standards with which third party funders are ordinarily expected to comply in carrying on activities in connection with third party funding of arbitration. The Code serves a useful role in setting minimum standards of good practice by third party funders of arbitration and laying down safeguards for funded parties. The Amendment Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council to implement the recommendations made in the Report on Third Party Funding for Arbitration published by the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong and the views of the Steering Committee on Mediation. Ends/Friday, February 1, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:00 NNNN
Enhancement of co-operation in legal services between HK and Mainland
23.1.2019

A spokesman for the Department of Justice (DoJ) today (January 23) announced that consensus has been reached with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) on new liberalisation measures in respect of legal services in the Mainland. The Minister of Justice, Mr Fu Zhenghua, earlier led a delegation to visit the DoJ and held a meeting with the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC. Both sides expressed their views on matters of mutual interest, including further enhancement of co-operation and exchange in legal services between the two places. After the meeting, they signed a record of meeting mainly reflecting the consensus on the following new liberalisation measures: (1) extension of measures in the State Council's Notice relating to partnership associations set up between Mainland and Hong Kong law firms in the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone to the whole of Guangdong Province; (2) removal of the minimum capital injection ratio of 30 per cent by Hong Kong partner firms in the partnership associations set up between Mainland and Hong Kong law firms; and (3) allowing a Hong Kong legal practitioner to be retained as legal consultant by one to three Mainland law firms at the same time. The spokesman added, "We understand that the MoJ together with relevant departments will endeavour to implement the relevant measures within this year. The DoJ will continue to maintain close liaison with the MoJ and relevant departments on further development." Ends/Wednesday, January 23, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN