Hong Kong sets up international commercial court to tackle major cross-border disputes

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam says local judges and international legal experts will preside over cases

Hong Kong has established an international commercial court specialising in adjudicating major cross-border disputes, with the justice chief saying it will strengthen the city’s role as a global legal hub under the national plan.

The Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC) was launched on Thursday as a dedicated platform for global enterprises to resolve high-value disputes amid a volatile geopolitical landscape.

The court, to be set up as a division of the High Court within the coming year, will complement the city’s existing international arbitration and mediation services.

“Amid the current complex and volatile geopolitical landscape, there is a keen demand among various economies for commercial dispute resolution platforms with international credibility,” Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said the court would focus on complex, high-value international commercial disputes arising from cross-border transactions, international trade, finance, infrastructure and investment projects.

“The judges presiding over the cases will include not only judges from Hong Kong, but also those with high prestige and experience in such cases from other common law jurisdictions,” Lam said.