The Common Meeting of the Worldwide Institute for the Unification of Non-public Regulation (UNIDROIT) has determined to determine its Asia-Pacific Liaison Workplace within the Hong Kong Particular Administrative Area.
The workplace is anticipated to open within the second half of 2026, marking the primary regional presence of UNIDROIT exterior its seat in Rome in its 100-year historical past.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam mentioned UNIDROIT or its members might have determined to arrange the workplace in any of the member states as there are quite a few decisions, however in the end it determined to arrange the workplace in Hong Kong which is a really important vote of confidence within the metropolis.
“The choice to arrange the Asia-Pacific Liaison Workplace is an important transfer to boost the extent of our co-operation, which is of crucial significance in enhancing Hong Kong’s standing as a global authorized service centre.”
Hong Kong has already housed the Hague Convention on Non-public Worldwide Regulation Regional Workplace for Asia & the Pacific and the Division of Justice Challenge Workplace for Collaboration with United Nations Fee on Worldwide Commerce Regulation.
Additionally, the Worldwide Group for Mediation has its headquarters within the metropolis.
Mr Lam believes that it will assist solidify Hong Kong’s place as a global authorized hub.
“If an increasing number of worldwide organisations are keen to do the identical, by agreeing to have some form of bodily presence in Hong Kong, that may indicate that an increasing number of individuals are keen to solid their vote of confidence in Hong Kong.
“Having regard to its standing and performance as a global authorized service centre, that naturally will improve Hong Kong’s repute on this respect, it would entice extra folks to come back right here to take part in several types of actions.
“It’s simply form of a snowball impact. Hopefully it will possibly improve Hong Kong’s repute. It might probably entice extra folks to come back to Hong Kong to make use of our authorized service.
“I feel in the long term, this can be a very important growth and I’m very assured that this may assist to strengthen Hong Kong’s place as a real worldwide authorized service and dispute decision providers centre.”
