Distinguished Secretary-General Prof. Tirado,

Deputy Secretary-General Prof. Veneziano,

Distinguished Secretary for Justice Mr. Lam,

Esteemed guests,

Ladies and gentlemen：

Good afternoon!

It gives me a great pleasure to attend the seminar entitled “Hong Kong as a Gateway to the Asia-Pacific,” jointly organized by UNIDROIT and the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Italy, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to UNIDROIT as the host, and a warm welcome to all participants, and the delegation led by Mr. Lam.

Hong Kong is located at the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, with all major Asia-Pacific markets reachable within a four-hour flight. It serves as an international aviation hub, connecting to nearly 200 destinations worldwide and consistently ranking first globally in air cargo throughput. As a leading international shipping center, Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in overall strength, with high port clearance efficiency and comprehensive maritime services.

Hong Kong is also a major international trading center, implementing a zero-tariff free port policy and serving as a key trans-shipment hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, It is the world’s third-largest and Asia’s leading international financial center, boasting a world-class financial regulatory framework and a highly skilled financial workforce.

Since its return to the motherland, under the guiding principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong SAR has fully leveraged its strengths to grow and thrive, achieving greater economic vitality and social stability with stronger international influence — truly living up to its role as a “Gateway to the Asia-Pacific”.

And as such, Hong Kong also stands out for the strength of its legal system. With a solid foundation in the rule of law and a robust legal framework, it combines features of both the common law and civil law traditions and operates under a bilingual legal system in Chinese and English. Hong Kong is also home to a large pool of highly qualified legal professionals.

At present, Hong Kong is building itself into an Asia-Pacific hub for international legal and dispute resolution services, aiming to become a preferred venue for international arbitration and dispute settlement. Not long ago, the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was successfully held in Hong Kong. I wouldlike to extend my sincere appreciation to Secretary-General Tirado for attending this event in-person. Hosting IOMed will further solidifyHong Kong’s position as a legal hub in the region.

As one of the oldest international organizations dedicated to private law,UNDIROIT will mark its centenary next year. The legal instruments developed by UNIDROIT are widely applied around the world, contributing significantly to the unification and development of international private law. In recent years, UNIDROIT’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow, with more Asian countries joining itsexpanding family. I am pleased to note that in May this year, the UNIDROIT Governing Councilapproved the proposal to establish its Asia-Pacific liaison office in Hong Kong. I am confident that this will significantlystrengthenits presence and influence in the region.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Today, the international landscape is undergoing profound and complex changes — regional conflicts are affecting global security, trade wars are disrupting the international trade system, and unilateralism is exacerbating the global governance deficit. China is willing to work together with the vast majority of the international community to address these challenges andsafeguard the international order.China remains committed to the path of peaceful development, practices true multilateralism, and upholds the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.

China supports economic globalization, opposes unilateralism and protectionism, and upholds the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.In 2024, China contributed around 30% to global economic growth, remaining the primary engine of the world economy. China will continue to deepen reform on all fronts, pursue high-quality economic development, enhance its institutional openness, and share the benefits of its development with the rest of the world, working together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

In conclusion, I wish this seminar every success.

Thank you all.