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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
The Hon Chief Justice Mr Andrew Kwok-nang Li says that the principle of "One Country, Two systems" has been successfully implemented and the common law system in Hong Kong has continued to develop and thrive over the past 10 years.
In his opening remarks made at the 12th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific today (June 4), the Chief Justice also noted that Hong Kong derived great benefit from maintaining its links and having exchanges with other jurisdictions.
"In a fast changing world, we face common problems and challenges in the fair and effective administration of justice," he said.
"This forum enables fruitful exchanges of views on matters of concern and interest to Chief Justices," he added.
A total of 29 Chief Justices from jurisdictions throughout Asia and the Pacific region attend the conference, which runs until June 7.
This is the 12th consecutive biennial conference, with the first held in 1985. The Hon Paul de Jersey AC, Chief Justice of Queensland, Chair of Judicial Section, LAWASIA which is the Conference organiser, said, "The unbroken subsequent history of the Conference bears testimony to its worth to the participating Chief Justices and their jurisdictions."
The Judiciary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is hosting the event, which is held in Hong Kong for the first time. The conference provides a platform for the top judges to exchange and share experience in various fields relating to the administration of justice and the development of the judicial system in their jurisdictions.
During the four-day conference (held at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel in Wan Chai), the participating judges will spend one day to take part in the 20th LAWASIA Biennial Conference at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 6. The latter is hosted by the Law Society of Hong Kong.
Ends/Monday, June 4, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:38
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