The General Assembly of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) has decided to establish its Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The office is expected to open in the second half of 2026, marking the first regional presence of UNIDROIT outside its seat in Rome in its 100-year history.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said UNIDROIT or its members could have decided to set up the office in any of the member states as there are numerous choices, but ultimately it decided to set up the office in Hong Kong which is a very significant vote of confidence in the city.

“The decision to set up the Asia-Pacific Liaison Office is a very important move to enhance the level of our co-operation, which is of critical importance in enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international legal service centre.”

Hong Kong has already housed the Hague Conference on Private International Law Regional Office for Asia & the Pacific and the Department of Justice Project Office for Collaboration with United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.

Also, the International Organization for Mediation has its headquarters in the city.

Mr Lam believes that this will help solidify Hong Kong's position as an international legal hub.

“If more and more international organisations are willing to do the same, by agreeing to have some sort of physical presence in Hong Kong, that would imply that more and more people are willing to cast their vote of confidence in Hong Kong.

“Having regard to its status and function as an international legal service centre, that naturally will enhance Hong Kong's reputation in this respect, it will attract more people to come here to participate in different types of activities.

“It is just sort of a snowball effect. Hopefully it can enhance Hong Kong's reputation. It can attract more people to come to Hong Kong to use our legal service.

“I think in the long run, this is a very significant development and I am very confident that this would help to reinforce Hong Kong's position as a genuine international legal service and dispute resolution services centre.”