|
 |
THE ASIA PACIFIC LAW ASSOCIATION
The Asia Pacific Law Association ("APLA") was founded in 2001 in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("Hong Kong") under the initiative of Mr. Wang Daohan, the former president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits ("ARATS"). Mr. Wang is of the view that Hong Kong is equipped with the best legal foundation among mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Therefore, it is essential to establish a communication platform for legal professionals from these three four jurisdictions, in order to promote the construction and modernization of the legal system in China.
Unlike the Law Society of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Bar Association which separates membership of solicitors and barristers, APLA comprises both solicitors and barristers from both associations. Apart from barristers and solicitors, APLA members also include legal scholars, law students and association supporters. In addition to Hong Kong residents, APLA also includes members who are residents of mainland China, Taiwan and Macao.
|
After much hard work over the past twenty years, APLA organized various activities which attracted thousands of participants. Having successfully organized several exchange activities with discussion on such important topics as the One-country-two-systems Policy, Implementation of the Basic Law in the HKSAR, and the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, APLA has achieved fruitful results which have been widely recognized by the National People's Congress, the central and local governments and the legal profession.
|
The 12th Five-Year Plan from 2011 to 2015 in China explicitly emphasizes the promotion of further development of the bilateral relationship. During his visit to Hong Kong in August 2011, the Vice Premier, Mr.Li Keqiang pointed out that Hong Kong plays an indispensable role in economic reform and modernization in China.
|
To promote the improved development of APLA, realize the benefits of the implementation of the bilateral policy, unleash Hong Kong's role in the economic reform and modernization in China, and thus fulfill Mr. Wang Daohan's wishes, APLA seeks to continue to build on its foundation and actively develop into a more influential communication platform for legal professionals among mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping advocated that the country should unswervingly follow the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, comprehensively govern the country according to law, promote the modernization of the country's governance system and governance capabilities on the track of the rule of law, and protect the fundamental interests of the people with good laws and governance. Harmony and stability ensure long-term stability in the country.
Hong Kong is at a crossroads of historical development. Under the policy of "One Country, Two Systems", the Asia Pacific Law Association will do its best to contribute in building a modern socialist country under the rule of law, building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation contribution. | |
