*******************************************************
Hong Kong had the potential to become a leading international dispute resolution centre and the Government was working hard to realise it, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, said in Canberra, Australia, today (November 25).
He was addressing leading figures of the business sector in Australia at the launch of the Canberra Region Branch of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association.
The Hong Kong Australia Business Association has more than 800 members. Its mission is to promote a positive image of Hong Kong and to reinforce economic ties between Hong Kong and Australia.
In his speech, Mr Wong outlined the Government's efforts in promoting Hong Kong as a centre for international arbitration.
During his visit to Canberra today, Mr Wong also met Chief Justice Robert Shenton French, High Court of Australia; the Attorney-General of Australia, Mr Robert McClelland; the International Legal Services Advisory Council as well as the Law Council of Australia, which is the peak national body representing the legal profession.
Discussions were held on the latest developments in alternative dispute resolution in Australia and Hong Kong. Mr Wong also briefed them on the rule of law situation and the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong.
This evening he will fly to Sydney which is the last leg in his visit to Australia.
Ends/Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:31
NNNN
