On October 17, the Hainan Free Trade Port Legal Week kicked off in Haikou, featuring a ceremonial unveiling of the Haikou representative office of Hong Kong’s Sit Fung Choi & Partners. This marks the first time a law firm from Hong Kong has established a presence in Hainan since the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port initiative in 2018.

The Haikou representative office was set up by Sit Fung Choi & Partners LLP, a mid-sized law firm headquartered in Hong Kong. The firm has extensive experience in handling matters related to Hong Kong common law and cross-border business between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Senior partner Chan Wing Leung has been appointed as the chief representative of the Haikou office.

Chan Wing Leung shared his journey to Hainan, which began with his participation in the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) as a volunteer last April. “In July, I returned to Hainan with a delegation from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, where I delved deeper into the policies and developmental prospects of the Hainan Free Trade Port,” he noted. He believes that as Hainan prepares for customs operations, the region is poised for tremendous growth opportunities.

According to Chan, the establishment of their representative office in Haikou will leverage Hong Kong’s unique position as a “super connector” to assist Hainan-based companies in expanding into international markets and aid foreign investors in understanding and utilizing the favorable policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

“In areas such as international arbitration and investment cooperation within the Hainan Free Trade Port, Hong Kong lawyers can play a significant role,” Chan predicted. He anticipates that more of his colleagues from Hong Kong will follow suit and seek new opportunities in Hainan, mentioning that at least one other law firm from Hong Kong is currently planning to set up a representative office in the region.

The entry of Sit Fung Choi & Partners into Hainan highlights the appeal of the Free Trade Port for foreign legal service institutions and is expected to enhance the internationalization of Hainan’s legal services industry. Fu Qiongfeng, president of the Hainan Province Lawyers Association, revealed that during this legal week, representatives from law firms in Malaysia, Singapore, and other regions will also explore collaborative opportunities with local lawyers in Hainan.