The set-up of a global mediation centre in Hong Kong will catapult the city to an international arbitration stage, enhance its influence and bring in economic benefits, the chief executive has said.
City leader John Lee Ka-chiu made his remarks on Tuesday, ahead of the high-profile visit of Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi for the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation on May 30.
He said the new body would put Hong Kong on par with The Hague, a Dutch city known for fostering peace through justice, rather than war and conflict.
āThe mediation body will bring significant benefits on multiple fronts, including enhancing Hong Kongās international status, significantly elevating its role and global influence in international mediation,ā Lee told reporters before meeting with the top decision-making body Executive Council.
He also pointed to the āsubstantialā economic benefits the organisation would bring about, saying demand for the services would yield many job opportunities, such as positions for mediators, translators and researchers.
It would also attract other international organisations, NGOs, and academic institutions to establish a presence in Hong Kong, and bring in high-quality conferences and exhibitions, Lee added.
