Warm welcome: Chief Justice greets guests attending the 12th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia & the Pacific 2007.

Chief Justice Andrew Li says the principle of "One country, two systems" has been successfully implemented and the common law system in Hong Kong has continued to develop and thrive in the last decade.

Opening the 12th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia & the Pacific today, the Chief Justice said Hong Kong has derived great benefit from maintaining its links and having exchanges with other jurisdictions.

"In a fast changing world, we face common problems and challenges in the fair and effective administration of justice. This forum enables fruitful exchanges of views on matters of concern and interest to chief justices," he added.

This is the 12th consecutive biennial conference, with the first held in 1985. The Judiciary is hosting the event, being held in Hong Kong for the first time.

The conference provides a platform for the top judges to exchange and share experiences in fields relating to the administration of justice and the development of the judicial system in their jurisdictions.

A total of 29 chief justices from jurisdictions throughout Asia and the Pacific region are attending the conference, which runs until June 7. They will also participate in the 20th LAWASIA Biennial Conference, hosted by the Law Society, on June 6.