Macao-funded companies that are registered in one of Guangdong province’s pilot free trade zones – Hengqin, Qianhai and Nansha – can now opt for contract disputes to be resolved under the legal systems of either the mainland or Macao, so long as they don’t violate the basic principles of China’s national laws, China Daily reports. Hong Kong-funded companies will receive the same leeway.
The chief judge of the Fourth Civil Division of the Guangdong High People’s Court, She Qiongsheng, said the clarification widened the range of legal solutions available and reinforced the autonomy of both SARs.
Other mainland courts have also confirmed they will treat official documents produced by Macao and Hong Kong courts, arbitration institutions and government agencies as valid evidence in cases.
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When handling commercial cases involving Macao or Hong Kong, the courts will also be equipped to submit litigation documents to parties in accordance with the relevant laws of either SAR, She said.
“We will continue to introduce guidelines for the connection of judicial rules between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, and continuously promote the connection mechanism of judicial rules in the three regions,” the judge confirmed.
These judicial developments were part of an official push to promote integration within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), according to deputy director of the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission Zhu Wei. He described them as a difficult yet crucial step towards deepening connectivity between the SARs and Guangdong.
