Past Events

New rules on global goods sales are expected to take effect in Hong Kong in around the third quarter of 2022. These will introduce the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods – known as CISG -- to the city, which aims to provide a modern, uniform and fair contractual regime for the cross-border sale of goods and promote international trade. 

More than 200 people attended a webinar on 19 January, where a panel of speakers shared their views on the expected changes that CSIG will bring to the Hong Kong business environment, and how businesses can best prepare. Following an opening speech delivered by the Secretary of Justice Teresa Cheng, Peter Wong, Deputy Law Officer (Treaties & Law), Department of Justice of the Government of the HKSAR; Eric Ng, Managing Counsel, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre; and Ronald Sum, Partner in Hong Kong Office & Head of Dispute Resolution in Asia, Addleshaw Goddard (Hong Kong) LLP, discussed the key features of CISG, and its differences with the existing Hong Kong legal regime. These include the adoption of a pro-seller approach upon contractual breach and the imposition of a high threshold to establish a “fundamental breach.” The speakers also touched on the impact of the CISG on cross-border trade practices and shared some practical tips for businesses in areas including contract formation and the opt-out mechanism. 

This event was co-organised by the Chamber and the Department of Justice.