On 18 January 2019, the Supreme People's Court and the Department of Justice of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region jointly signed theArrangement on Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters between the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(the "New Arrangement").

In Hong Kong, the New Arrangement was meant to be implemented via local legislation. Pursuant to a gazette published by the Government of Hong Kong dated 10 November 2023, theMainland Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance (Cap. 645)and theMainland Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters (Reciprocal Enforcement) Rules (Cap. 645A)will come into effect on 29 January 2024. In the Mainland, we expect that the Supreme People's Court will issue relevant judicial interpretations in the near future. In any event, by mutual consent, the New Arrangement will be implemented simultaneously in the Mainland and Hong Kong from 29 January 2024.