Common Law, Continental Civil Law and Economic Development

Date & Time: 28 April, 2026 (Tuesday) 17:30-19:00

Venue: Academic Conference Room, 11/F Cheng Yu Tung Tower, The University of Hong Kong  (also available via Zoom)

Language: English (supplemented with Putonghua)

Abstract:

Is it a historical coincidence that international financial centres like New York, London and Hong Kong are all located in common law jurisdictions rather than in continental civil law jurisdictions? Could it be that the common law system has certain systemic features which are more conducive to the economic rubrics and daily operations of major financial markets?  Or could it be that other non-legal factors actually contribute more to the success of the financial markets and economies of Hong Kong, New York and London? 

This seminar will bring together leading scholars and lawyers from Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland to discuss the above issues in the unique context of “One Country Two Systems” and Hong Kong.

Co-organisers:

HKU Law Faculty Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law, Hong Kong University Graduates Association, The University of Hong Kong Law Alumni Association

Speakers:

Prof. Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, The University of Hong Kong

Prof. Li Honghai, Professor, School of Law, Peking University

Discussants:

Dr. William Wong S.C., Member, Hong Kong Basic Law Committee of the NPCSC

Mr. Rico Chan, President of Hong Kong University Graduates Association; Member of Hong Kong Law Society 

Moderator:

Prof. Albert Chen, Professor, Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong

This is a hybrid event, open to both in-person and online audiences. Prior registration is required. Please visit https://bit.ly/4sOFZx2 to register. For inquiries, please email Louisa at .

To watch recordings of past CCL events, please subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Centre for Chinese Law – YouTube. To keep up with our activities, follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/CCLHKU. Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law at The University of Hong Kong promotes legal scholarship with the aim to develop a deeper understanding of China and facilitate dialogue between East and West. For more information, visit: Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law