Deputy Secretary for Justice Leads Delegation to Promote Hong Kong's Professional Services in Shenzhen

DSJ leads cross-professional delegation to Shenzhen for first exchange event with Mainland enterprises going global

The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, led a delegation of more than 40 representatives from various professional fields, including law and accounting, to Shenzhen today (December 10). They had exchanges with representatives from about 70 Mainland enterprises and industry associations to deepen the enterprises' understanding of the advantages of Hong Kong's professional services and promote Hong Kong to be their preferred platform for going global.

The exchange event was co-organised for the first time by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the the Qianhai Authority of Shenzhen. This marked the second time Dr Cheung has led a cross-professional delegation for such direct exchanges with Mainland enterprises, following his visit to Guangzhou to meet with senior executives of Guangdong enterprises in June, to promote the role of Hong Kong's professional services in supporting Mainland enterprises to expand overseas.

Dr Cheung said that the 15th Five-Year Plan, focusing on high-quality development and expanding the scope of high-level opening up, presents Hong Kong with historic opportunities. Noting that Hong Kong's internationalised professional services perfectly complement the country's development needs, he encouraged the professional service sectors to seize the enormous business opportunities brought by Mainland enterprises in going global to create strong impetus for growth and achieve mutual benefits.

Dr Cheung mentioned that it is clearly stated in the 2025 Policy Address that Hong Kong should capitalise on its role as a platform for "going global" in which he is tasked to promote Hong Kong's legal services and to collaborate with other professional service sectors, such as accounting and finance, to support Mainland enterprises wishing to expand overseas.

Members of the DoJ's Advisory Group of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Lawyers and representatives from Hong Kong's accounting sector gave thematic presentations on the framework enhancement for Mainland enterprises in going global and cross-cultural compliance, as well as on leveraging Hong Kong's professional services such as accounting and taxation services for better planning and risk management. After that, delegation members held roundtable discussions on common legal issues faced by enterprises expanding overseas - such as investment planning, trade barriers, intellectual property protection, corporate compliance, and cross-border dispute resolution - and engaged in free exchanges on different topics with Mainland enterprise representatives from various industries.

Dr Cheung said that the visit marked an important step for Hong Kong's professional services sectors to work together with Mainland enterprises to go global together. He highlighted four key features of this event. The first feature is the diverse professional backgrounds of participants, including accountants, barristers, lawyers from Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and international law firms, as well as Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) practising lawyers. The second feature is the broad expertise of delegation members, covering professional fields such as corporate investment, financing, compliance, intellectual property protection, and cross-border dispute resolution, showcasing Hong Kong's comprehensive capabilities in supporting Mainland enterprises' overseas development. The third features is the large participation of Mainland enterprises covering various potential industries, including finance, information technology, manufacturing, retail, and cultural and sports entertainment that have participated in this activity. The fourth feature is that this marked the first time for Shenzhen and Hong Kong to jointly organise such a collaborative event aiming to explore more effective modes for connecting Mainland enterprises with Hong Kong's professional services.

To deepen the understanding of the latest developments in the judicial system and the handling of foreign-related civil and commercial cases on the Mainland, the delegation also visited the First Circuit Court of the Supreme People's Court and the Shenzhen Centre for Foreign Law Ascertainment which serves as a comprehensive legal service platform designed to assist Mainland enterprises in going global.

Dr Cheung and the delegation returned to Hong Kong after the event in the evening.

DSJ leads cross-professional delegation to Shenzhen for first exchange event with Mainland enterprises going global Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DSJ leads cross-professional delegation to Shenzhen for first exchange event with Mainland enterprises going global Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DSJ leads cross-professional delegation to Shenzhen for first exchange event with Mainland enterprises going global Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DSJ leads cross-professional delegation to Shenzhen for first exchange event with Mainland enterprises going global Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DSJ leads cross-professional delegation to Shenzhen for first exchange event with Mainland enterprises going global Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DSJ leads cross-professional delegation to Shenzhen for first exchange event with Mainland enterprises going global Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FEHD takes enforcement action against sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has long been committed to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat. The department today (December 10) conducted a raid on a licensed fresh provision shop (FPS) in Sai Kung District, suspecting such malpractice.

During the operation, FEHD officers raided a licensed FPS at Yan King Road in Tseung Kwan O, and seized about 264 kilograms of suspected frozen beef and about 256kg of prepackaged frozen beef, which have been immediately marked and sealed for further investigation. Beef samples were also collected for the detection of preservatives. Prosecutions will be initiated should there be sufficient evidence. The licensee of the FPS is suspected of breaching the licensing conditions for the display and sale of frozen meat as fresh meat, and the FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of the FPS's licence.

Prosecution was initiated against the licensee of the FPS for the dirty condition of the premises. Two verbal warnings were also given to the licensee for non-compliance with the relevant licensing conditions for failing to provide delivery notes for inspection and improper storage of frozen beef.

A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The selling of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat breaches the licensing conditions and poses food safety risks. Such operations are unfair to other compliant businesses."

The spokesman added, "Anyone selling chilled or frozen meat without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment on conviction. The FEHD will continue to conduct regular inspections at licensed FPSs and market meat stalls and will deal with complaints promptly. In detecting any irregularities, the department will carry out investigations promptly and take appropriate enforcement action. In addition, the FEHD also proactively investigates suspected violations from time to time and conducts surprise inspections and enforcement actions as necessary. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecutions will be initiated, and follow-up action will be taken against breaches of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements. The licences of those FPSs breaching licensing conditions may be cancelled, while the tenancies of market meat stalls breaching tenancy agreements may be terminated."

The spokesman emphasised the FEHD's deep concern and strong commitment to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat through stringent enforcement actions.

FEHD takes enforcement action against sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FEHD takes enforcement action against sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases