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Speech by Mr. Junius Ho, President of the Law Society
of Hong Kong at the Law Society Spring Reception
31 January 2012
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Chief Justice, Secretary for Justice, Honorable guests, fellow members, ladies and gentlemen:
In a blink of the eye, the cute Rabbit has left us amid dazzling fireworks and made way for the emergence of the Dragon for the start of a new year in the lunar calendar!
On this auspicious occasion and on behalf of the Law Society Council, I would like to extend our best wishes to all honourable guests for a very happy, fulfilling and prosperous Year of the Dragon!
In the past year, Hong Kong was affected by the bleak economy in Europe and the US. It is predicted that 2012 will continue to be a challenging year. Nevertheless, I am sure we can still brave the storm if we are able to grasp the opportunity.
With the extension of CEPA measures announced by the Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang last August, we are confident that the legal sector will be able to enjoy more business opportunities in Mainland China, especially in the golden opportunity presented by the development of Qianhai for the enhancement of the future role of Hong Kong in the Pearl River Delta Region.
As a Caring Organization, The Law Society has launched a number of initiatives in 2011 to facilitate voluntary services in support for worthy causes. We encourage our members to serve the community through activities organized under our "Solicitors Care and Share" Programme initiated back in 2009.
The Law Society also expresses its opinion on current issues that are of concern to the legal profession and the community at large.
2012 is an election year, in Hong Kong as well as around the world. Taiwan has just completed its presidential election. The US presidential election will be in November and in Hong Kong, we have our CE election in March and then the Legislative Council election in September. Election brings about change and change creates expectations. We all have our expectations on what the coming elections will bring to the legal profession.
To continue to safeguard the rule of law in Hong Kong, the Government must put in more resources to ensure that the administration of justice is well supported by an effective and efficient framework of legal infrastructure. This includes the recruitment of more judges and bailiffs, the outsourcing of government legal work to private practitioners, the extension of the legal aid coverage so that more people in need will become eligible to apply for assistance and the sourcing of suitable arbitration venue and talent to enhance Hong Kong's status as an international arbitration centre. We have high hopes on our future policy direction. We encourage the Government to reach out to different talent to cultivate a sense of belonging and nurture a culture of active contribution for the betterment of Hong Kong and the Mainland as a whole.
Representing over 8,000 solicitors, the Law Society will always have their interest in mind and will endeavour to provide quality service to our members and at the same time, to discharge our corporate social responsibility as respectable citizens of Hong Kong.
In Chinese tradition, the Dragon holds a significant status. It is also a symbol of good fortune, luck and success. Let us celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon! May the Dragon bring us continuous prosperity and greater achievements in our future endeavours!
Thank you.
31 January 2012
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