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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the opening ceremony of the 12th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors this morning (September 17)
Mr President (Francois Fallettii), Distinguished guests, delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to welcome the worldˇ¦s prosecutors to Hong Kong for this important event. It is an honour to host your Annual Conference for the first time and to reinforce our firm support for the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP).
Ten years ago Hong Kong faced a significant political and legal challenge ˇV Reunification with China. I am pleased to say we have met that challenge. Hong Kong has retained its distinct identity, and we continue to operate with a high degree of autonomy as prescribed under our Basic Law. The ˇ§One Country, Two Systemsˇ¨ principle, which preserves our way of life, is working well. Hong Kong enjoys a unique status within China as an autonomous common law jurisdiction. Our independent judiciary upholds the common law principles without fear or favour. Everyone has access to the courts and the justice system regardless of race, religion or rank.
This week you will be looking at how prosecutors relate to others in the community. The decisions you reach may well have a far-reaching impact on the development of criminal justice in your respective jurisdictions. A successful public prosecution system is fundamental to the rule of law. Hong Kong places great emphasis on promoting a prosecution service that is modern and just, and receptive to the concerns of the community.
The role of the prosecutor is often challenging and controversial. Those who prosecute are held to the highest standards. Fearlessness, sound judgment and good common sense are required to gain the publicˇ¦s trust. The IAP has been at the forefront of international efforts to promote these high standards and principles. In Hong Kong we, too, are developing prosecutorial arrangements which satisfy the public as well as protect the interests of suspects and victims.
During the past 10 years, we have actively worked to raise Hong Kongˇ¦s position on the world stage as an international centre for business and finance. This has involved expanding our legal horizons and developing close links with prosecutors in other jurisdictions. Hong Kong has also made a positive contribution to initiatives to counter crime, and to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
I was particularly pleased when our prosecution service was elected to organisational membership of the IAP in 2001. This has enabled us to contribute to initiatives and action at the global level. It also signalled our commitment to working with others in all areas to bring offenders to justice, combat crime and co-operate in the gathering of evidence. We are also working to modernise our techniques, and increase co-operation in the recovery of the proceeds of crime.
We are also proud of our reputation as a safe and law-abiding city. Our commitment to the rule of law extends to all corners of society. Government decisions are subject to legal review, and our fiercely independent judiciary resolves disagreements between parties and determines issues of guilt or innocence. When our prosecutors decide who should or should not be prosecuted, they do so impartially and according to policy guidelines. Our legal profession represents those accused of crime, and the Legal Aid department ensures that no one is denied access to the courts by lack of means.
Hong Kong is also a society where corruption is not tolerated. We have a stable and mature investment environment, and a financial system that is properly regulated. Insider dealers face stiff penalties. Hong Kong people have a shared commitment to the values that have made our city a model of decency, prosperity and stability.
Many of you have visited Hong Kong before and know the city well. Our magnificent deep-water port is a treasure. But apart from that we have no natural resources. We rely on free trade and the ˇĄcan doˇ¦ spirit of our workforce to survive and prosper. This formula has helped transform Hong Kong from a small fishing community into an international centre of business and finance. The Hong Kong of today thrives on entrepreneurial flair, resilience and a commitment to combine the best of East and West.
Our achievements ˇV past, present and future ˇV are underpinned by our tried and trusted legal system: a system rooted in the English common law. This has been crucial to preserving confidence in our distinct and unique way of life.
Hong Kong has an amazing history and a bright future. Ours is a truly international city, with a role for all of those committed to its success and well-being. Diversity is one of Hong Kongˇ¦s strengths. More than half a million expatriates from all over the world live and work here, and contribute to our prosperity. Even though we are an overwhelmingly Chinese society, the large international community has enriched our culture and facilitated our development.
Our international dimension is particularly evident in our highest court, the Court of Final Appeal. It replaced the Privy Council in London at the time of reunification as our ultimate judicial body. When the Court hears cases, it not only comprises local judges, but also judges from as far as Australia, New Zealand and Britain. The involvement of eminent overseas judges at the apex of our judicial system has enhanced the quality of local justice and allowed us to tap into common law experience elsewhere in the world. It has also underlined our credentials as an advanced common law jurisdiction.
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank the IAP for its advice and support in recent times and assure you that Hong Kong will do all we can to help strengthen criminal justice and combat crime in the years ahead.
I wish your conference every success and thank you for coming here to help us celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. I hope you can find time in your busy schedules to see as much as possible of our city. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you.
Ends/Monday, September 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 10:06
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