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11its common law system. Our legal system is unique in the sense that Hong Kong is the only place within China that practises the common law. It is an advantage because our common law system has a long history and enjoys a very high reputation around the world. The existence of a strong and independent Bar is an essential component of our distinctive common law system. To maintain a strong and independent Bar is critical to the preservation and development of our common law system, the due administration of justice, and the effective exercise of the fundamental right of access to justice and that of legal representation. The strength and independence of the Bar are attributed to the crucial fact that it is a self-regulatory profession run by the HKBA. The Bar under the HKBA has always been a longstanding and valuable partner of the Department of Justice. Let me quote a few examples.One of the Department of Justice%u2019s functions is to formulate legal policies concerning the legal profession as well as legal practice and procedure. The Department also acts as the legal adviser of other government bureaux, which formulate policies that may be of interests to the legal professions, such as those relating to human rights and freedoms. The HKBA has been most helpful in sharing their candid views with us and providing insightful and constructive comments on the government%u2019s policy proposals, whether through the Department%u2019s regular meetings with the HKBA, the Bar%u2019s delegations to the Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services of the Legislative Council, or the Bar%u2019s responses to various government%u2019s consultation papers and the Law Reform Commission%u2019s reports.A significant policy initiative of the Department of Justice is to promote Hong Kong%u2019s legal and dispute resolution services, enhance cooperation between Hong Kong and countries along the Belt and Road, and deepen the integration of legal practices between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (%u201cGBA%u201d). On this front, members of the HKBA have given us tremendous support by joining our visits to the Mainland and Word from the Secretary for Justice