China's imminent accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) will provide a unique opportunity for Hong Kong lawyers to expand their legal services and to contribute towards the Mainland's development and globalization of the economy, said a Hong Kong SAR senior official Monday.
Speaking at the Opening of the Legal Year, the HKSAR's Secretary for Justice, Elsie Leung said at the same time Hong Kong lawyers would face increased competition in respect of services in the Mainland.
"We can no longer rely only on our Chinese language ability and familiarity with Chinese culture as a competitive edge. Instead, we will need to provide value-added services that compare favorably with those offered by foreign competitors, " added Leung.
Leung said that the dramatic surge in the Mainland's international trade in goods and services would create an increased demand for legal services. Expectations as to the quality of those services was to be raised.
Some local law firms already have offices in the Mainland. It is also proposed that Hong Kong lawyers can be registered in the Mainland as Hong Kong Law Lawyers; they can then be employed by a Mainland law firm to practice Hong Kong law; and after a number of years they would be allowed to become partners.
(People's Daily 01/16/2001)
