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III. Problems in Cooperation

Macao are relatively independent, emphasising on the markets’ self-regulation with relatively free access. The

Hong Kong Bar Association is responsible for monitoring barristers’ practices, while The Law Society of Hong
Kong is responsible for the management of solicitors. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account various

factors, such as the legal systems, culture and market environment, in order to harmonise the differences in the
management among the profession in the three regions.

(a) Establishment of a cross-regional cooperation mechanism

Prior to access to the industry, dedicated organisations or committees comprising representatives from
regulatory bodies and industry associations of the three regions should be set up to facilitate information

sharing and cooperation. Based on these collaborative organisations, the governments, industry associations
and regulatory bodies of the three regions should negotiate and formulate cooperation agreements to define the

principles and modes of cross-regional cooperation, and to coordinate the relationship between government
supervision and market competition. In the market operation stage, self-regulation and market mechanism will be

strengthened, and industry associations will be encouraged to formulate more stringent self-regulation rules and
regulations, so as to promote better compliance with regulations among businesses.

(b) Establishment of an information sharing platform

A GBA lawyers’ website should be built to promote a directory of Hong Kong-Macao lawyers, establish a
platform for sharing of industry information among the three regions, and to disseminate information such as

news, policy guidelines, case studies, event registration, and other information related to legal profession in the
GBA. This will facilitate enterprises and regulators to understand the market dynamics and regulatory changes in

different regions. At the same time, cross-regional industry forums and seminars should be organised, and regular
mutual professional exchange activities to promote experience sharing among enterprises and practitioners

should be launched.

(c) Providing support and protection measures

The government can provide some support measures such as tax policies and financial support to encourage

enterprises to start collaborating in the three regions. Specifically, on the one hand, it is necessary for the People’s
Government at all levels to build entrepreneurship and innovation parks and implement favourable tax policies.

For example, the Nansha New Area provides settlement support for associate law firms, with policy support
ranging from RMB 1 million to RMB 5 million, depending on the conditions of the law firms. On the other hand,

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