Hong Kong maintains its common law system under the "one country, two systems" arrangement with the Mainland. Being an associate member of the International Maritime Organization, Hong Kong is able to influence international discussions on shipping conventions. In addition, by virtue of the Basic Law, Hong Kong is able to make its own legislation in shipping.

Hong Kong has a comprehensive arbitration law and excels in shipping and commercial law. With a long common law tradition, Hong Kong is home to many of the world's top international law firms. The Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance is recognised as one of the most advanced arbitration statutes and provides a maximum of support to the arbitration process. Since April 1990, the UNCITRAL Model Law has applied to international arbitration held in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's empathy with the Asian traditions of mediation and its skills at blending the best of East and West have made it the prime centre in Asia for the resolution of disputes.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) was established in 1985 to assist disputing parties to solve their disputes by arbitration and other means of dispute resolution. It is supported by the East Asia Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators and the Hong Kong Mediation Council.