Hong Kong and mainland China are strengthening judicial assistance to further boost Hong Kong's attractiveness as a regional dispute resolution hub. A new arrangement signed on Nov. 27 strengthens the existing framework for mutual enforcement of arbitral awards, in effect since 2000.

"This supplemental arrangement is yet another important measure to support Hong Kong's position as a leading dispute resolution venue in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly for the Belt & Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area," said Teresa Cheng, Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong, in a statement.