Enhancement of co-operation in legal services between HK and Mainland
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     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

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