The Department of Justice held the first “Greater Bay Area (GBA) Mediator Training Course of Hong Kong” today, attracting about 400 participants.

Mediation experts from Guangdong and Macau were invited to introduce the respective mediation systems and cultures of the two places. They also explored the latest developments in cross-boundary dispute mediation in the bay area and the integration of mediation practices between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.

Delivering opening remarks, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan outlined that the bay area enjoys the unique legal environment of “one country, two systems and three jurisdictions” and plays a key strategic role in the overall development of the country.

He added that the bay area is the best entry point for Hong Kong, as the only common law jurisdiction in the country, to proactively align with national development strategies.

Mr Cheung highlighted that the department released its “Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” earlier this year. He explained that it aims to promote connectivity of hardware and software in constructing the bay area’s rule of law by means of “three interfaces”: mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and talent.

In turning the “differences” among its constituent legal systems into “benefits”, the goal of “One GBA” will be achieved through collaboration, he stressed.

The deputy justice secretary also emphasised the good progress being made on the “three interfaces”. He noted that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau all implemented accreditation rules for bay area mediators in March, and are striving to process their respective accreditations this year to form a consolidated panel of mediators upon confirmation by the GBA Legal Departments Joint Conference.

As the number of registered participants for today’s course far exceeded the maximum capacity of the event venue, an online platform was added to accommodate more participants.

By completing the course, participants attained one of the accreditation requirements under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Mediator Accreditation Rules (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region).

After attaining the other accreditation requirements, they can apply for “GBA Mediator Accreditation of Hong Kong” when it launches for the first time later this year.