On 28 May, the Hong Kong Judiciary announced plans to establish a Hong Kong International Commercial Court (“HKICC”) as a specialist division of the High Court to hear complex international and cross-border commercial disputes.

This initiative is expected to further strengthen Hong Kong's existing dispute resolution framework. The HKICC will complement Hong Kong's well-established international arbitration and mediation services, offering global businesses and investors a comprehensive, diversified, and efficient range of dispute resolution options. In doing so, it will further reinforce Hong Kong's position as both an international financial centre and a leading hub for international dispute resolution.

A dedicated Practice Directions for the HKICC will be issued in due course, while the High Court Ordinance and the Rules of the High Court will provide the necessary legal framework for the establishment and operation of the Court.