Thomas So says city can strengthen its position as a trusted bridge by helping build legal corridors that complement the physical corridors

As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enters a new phase of high-quality development that pivots heavily toward renewable energy, high-tech industrial manufacturing and telecommunications infrastructure, legal services are playing an increasingly important role in facilitating cross-border trade, investment and regional cooperation. While infrastructure and finance remain key drivers of connectivity, sustainable economic partnerships ultimately rely on legal certainty, trusted institutions and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms.

The Law Society of Hong Kong, the statutory self-regulatory body of solicitors in Hong Kong, established a dedicated Belt and Road Committee to deepen engagement with BRI-participating jurisdictions and strengthen professional exchanges and collaboration in 2015. It has continued to hold an annual Belt and Road Law Conference since 2017, with the latest edition, held on Sept 10, focusing on the growing importance of Central Asia within the BRI framework, and examining how legal innovation can support trade, investment and professional cooperation across the region.

The conference brought together legal experts from around the world to discuss ways in which legal infrastructure in various jurisdictions could further facilitate commercial activities and investment flows across BRI-participating economies. There was also a discussion on the growing importance of mediation, arbitration and litigation working together to deliver practical and commercially effective solutions for parties operating across different jurisdictions.

The evolving role of Hong Kong’s legal profession

As BRI projects become increasingly sophisticated, legal practitioners must possess a broader understanding of commercial realities, financing structures, regulatory requirements, and cross-cultural business practices. Legal services have become an integral part of the investment lifecycle, helping businesses identify opportunities, manage risks, and navigate complex international transactions.

This is particularly relevant in light of the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which supports Hong Kong’s development as an international legal and dispute-resolution services center in the Asia-Pacific region. To continue fulfilling this role, Hong Kong's legal profession must continue to evolve alongside the changing needs of international commerce.

Supporting Hong Kong’s role in national strategy

To reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international legal services center, the legal profession should continue to deepen expertise in areas increasingly relevant to BRI cooperation, including cross-border investment, infrastructure development, project finance, energy transition, digital trade, and regulatory compliance.

Talent development must remain a strategic priority. More specialized training should be provided to equip legal practitioners with a deeper understanding of BRI-participating jurisdictions, particularly emerging markets such as Central Asia. Exchanges with overseas lawyers’ associations, legal institutions and professional bodies can further strengthen professional capabilities and foster long-term partnerships. Hong Kong can also contribute to the cultivation of international legal talent by serving as a platform where legal professionals from different jurisdictions learn, collaborate, and develop mutual understanding.

Hong Kong’s legal profession also plays an important role in supporting Chinese-mainland enterprises seeking to expand internationally. As more mainland businesses “go global”, demand is growing for legal services relating to investment structuring, risk management, compliance, and market entry. Hong Kong lawyers are uniquely positioned to provide practical support throughout the investment lifecycle, helping businesses navigate unfamiliar legal environments and manage cross-border risks.

Looking ahead

As the BRI continues to evolve, legal connectivity will become increasingly important alongside physical and digital connectivity. Leveraging its unique strengths as the world’s only bilingual English-Chinese common law jurisdiction, Hong Kong is well positioned to fulfill its role as an international legal and dispute-resolution services center.

To remain at the forefront, the legal profession must continue evolving with the changing needs of international commerce by deepening specialized expertise, nurturing international legal talent, supporting the work of the International Organization for Mediation, enhancing dispute resolution services, and assisting mainland enterprises in their global expansion.

The legal profession in Hong Kong must continue with its promotion of professional excellence and international legal cooperation. By helping build the legal corridors that complement the BRI's physical corridors, Hong Kong can further strengthen its role as a trusted legal bridge connecting the mainland, BRI-participating jurisdictions, and other parts of the world, contributing to regional prosperity and high-quality international cooperation.

The author is chair of the Belt and Road Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong, and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.