The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) established its first overseas representative office in Hong Kong during Hong Kong Legal Week last week. Secretary for Justice Paul T K Lam described the move as symbolically significant, saying Hong Kong could contribute to a fairer, rules-based economic order that better reflects development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Lam said UNIDROIT had only two member countries from ASEAN and that Hong Kong’s international connections could help promote the institute and encourage more countries to join.
He also hoped Hong Kong would help international rules reflect “Eastern elements”.