The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly disapproves of a court ruling that the Panamanian government’s renewal of contracts with Hutchison Ports Panama Ports Company, was unconstitutional.

The contracts involve two ports in Panama.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that in view of the current situation in Panama, Hong Kong enterprises should carefully review their existing and future investments there

It said it strongly opposes any foreign government using coercive, repressive or otherwise unreasonable means in international economic and trade relations to seriously harm the legitimate business interests of Hong Kong enterprises.

The statement added that such actions also seriously harm the business environment in Panama, undermine investor confidence, and adversely affect the bilateral relations and long-term economic development of the two places.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that the Panamanian government should respect the spirit of contracts and provide a fair and just business environment for companies operating there legally.

It added that the Panamanian government should ensure that the legitimate rights of enterprises are free from any interference, and that Hong Kong enterprises operating and investing in Panama should be treated and protected fairly and reasonably.