Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, speaking at the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Huangshan Forum in her capacities as Founding President of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship, a Deputy to the National People’s Congress from the Hong Kong SAR, and a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, delivered the following message:

She called on RCEP member countries that may not fully understand Hong Kong to open their hearts, set aside misunderstandings, and recognize that allowing Hong Kong to join RCEP would be a win-win solution for all parties involved. She emphasized that Hong Kong is well positioned to serve RCEP member countries more effectively.

The following is a summary of her speech:

She expressed her honor at participating in the RCEP conference and introduced to RCEP member states the advantages of Hong Kong’s “One Country, Two Systems” framework and the recent announcement of the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong.

She further pointed out that under “One Country, Two Systems,” Hong Kong has been a strong supporter of multilateral trade organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and RCEP. Hong Kong is the world’s freest economy, an international financial center, and a city where East meets West. It is also the world’s only bilingual (Chinese-English) common law jurisdiction, serving at least 2.6 billion people globally.

She emphasized that trust is key in conducting business – trust in your partner, in contracts, and in the assurance that your investment will be protected in case of disputes. In large economic cooperation platforms like RCEP, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the WTO, having a mutually accepted and understood set of rules and dispute resolution mechanisms is essential.

Hong Kong has a strong rule-of-law reputation, and the recent establishment of the International Organization for Mediation is a gift from China to the world. In addition to the 33 signatory countries, investors and stakeholders from around the globe, regardless of their political, economic, legal, or religious systems, can use the Hong Kong International Organization for Mediation to resolve disputes. It offers a new perspective for international trade and conflict resolution, allowing commercial relationships to remain strong even after disputes arise. This contributes to stable trade order and global peace.

She concluded by welcoming all countries to use Hong Kong’s trade services, talents, systems, policies, and rule of law to do business, build friendships, promote multilateral economic cooperation, support world peace and development, and deepen international diplomatic relationships through meaningful engagement.