The Mainland Civil & Commercial Legal Practice Training Course 2026, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, concluded today, attracting over 400 registrations.

This two-day course was designed for local legal and dispute resolution practitioners. It aims to deepen the local sector's understanding of the Mainland's civil and commercial legal system, practical operations and latest developments, while fostering cross-boundary professional exchanges.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam noted that the country’s continuous high-level opening up has substantially increased the demand for cross-boundary legal services. He said that Hong Kong needs more talent equipped with practical knowledge of cross-boundary civil and commercial law, adding that the course directly addresses this pressing need.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said in his closing remarks that rapid arbitration development allows Hong Kong to fully leverage its institutional strengths. He noted that Hong Kong will support the Mainland and overseas arbitration institutions in establishing branches locally to attract high-calibre professionals and boost the city’s status as a dispute resolution services centre.

First held in 2025, the training course this year focused on a range of key areas of Mainland civil and commercial law. Topics covered mutual legal assistance arrangements, Mainland arbitration and investment protection agreements.

Two thematic panel discussions examined international investment arbitration and the challenges Chinese enterprises face in overseas development. Speakers included senior judges from the Supreme People's Court and other Mainland courts, representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Commerce, and various legal and arbitration experts.