DoJ plays legal sector matchmaker in 'go global' drive

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has said its efforts to match Hong Kong's professional services providers with mainland firms wishing to expand internationally have been well received, with more law firms now actively sharing success stories.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung said the DoJ is updating a list of legal services providers which can help mainland firms identify the assistance they need to seek opportunities abroad.

In an interview marking four years of the current-term government, Cheung focused on what he called the DoJ's unconventional areas of work.

He said the buzzword this year is "go global", and the government is working hard to encourage mainland companies to utilise Hong Kong as a platform to expand overseas.

The DoJ's Hong Kong Professional Services GoGlobal Platform, which launched in December, has received positive feedback, Cheung revealed.

It includes a list of law firms specialising in "go global" services, categorised by areas of practice and industry sectors served.

The department also compiled and published 50 success stories, or case studies, of the SAR's legal and professional services firms involved in "go global" efforts. A second edition of 150 cases will be published in July.

"We're not the Trade Development Council. We don't do matching services between enterprises," Cheung said.

"But the enterprises we're serving are the same as theirs. When these enterprises require professional services, such as lawyers and accountants, that's when we come into play."

Cheung added that from his recent engagement with mainland enterprises, he was certain more of them are planning to use Hong Kong as a springboard.

"We're doing government-to-government matching with the mainland. Not just with the central authorities – we have collaboration with Qianhai in Shenzhen. Every local government now has a 'go global' KPI. They have certain goals to fulfil on this front, and are very willing to work with us."

The department is also hoping to help Hong Kong residents residing in Guangdong tackle daily issues such as housing, taxes and education.

It is launching a Greater Bay Area Legal Information Platform by the end of June, to provide information on legal and dispute resolution services.

Cheung also said the DoJ is encouraging the legal sector to actively integrate technology into their daily workflow and stay competitive.

He confirmed the government is drawing up a subsidy scheme to that effect, with more details to be announced later this year.

Edited by Aaron Tam ...