Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL) was invited to devise and run both seminal programmes, which were successfully concluded in Hong Kong. As an international hub for legal and dispute resolution services with close ties to the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has definite advantages in training Mainland’s legal talents in handling foreign-related affairs.

The programmes aimed to enhance professional competence, broaden international horizons of legal professionals in Mainland China, as well as provide a platform to facilitate exchanges with top-notch lawyers, chambers of commerce and different organisations in Hong Kong.

The Advanced Training Programme was held from 30 September to 11 October, while the General Training Programme was held from 21 October to 1 November. Each programme was well attended by over 30 legal practitioners coming from Shenzhen and Shanghai.

In order to enhance the professional competence of Mainland lawyers in handling foreign-related affairs, the programmes were carefully devised and tailored to the participants of the Advanced and General Training Programmes respectively. During these two systematic and practical programmes, participants attended lectures delivered by esteemed lawyers and legal experts coming from Hong Kong, UK, Singapore, etc. The programmes covered an array of critical international law topics, including international commercial arbitration and mediation, international investment law and arbitration, the application of Hague Judgements Convention, corporate mergers and acquisitions as well as financing, intellectual property, just to name a few.

Moreover, participants paid visits to a variety of professional bodies in Hong Kong, including The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Bar Association, The Law Society of Hong Kong, selected dispute resolution bodies, and prestigious law firms. Participants also engaged in roundtable discussion with seasoned lawyers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The programmes provided valuable opportunities for participants to have in-depth exchanges of views on cross-border legal issues with professionals coming from various sectors.

At the Closing Ceremonies, representatives of organisers and course providers underscored the significance of these two programmes in nurturing legal talents in handling foreign-related affairs. While the programmes have now concluded, it is with great anticipation that it represents a starting point for participants to continue furthering their professional development.

Participants highly affirmed their fruitful learning experience, expressing deep appreciation for this invaluable opportunity that helped build their knowledge and hone their skills in addressing international law-related affairs. The programmes not only enhanced the professional competence of Mainland lawyers in handling foreign-related affairs, but also contributed to the exchanges and cooperation among Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.