A surge in foreign direct investment in Hong Kong presents key opportunities for the UK legal sector, Law Society president Linda Lee said last week on returning from a mission to the territory.

Lee said Hong Kong could serve as a gateway to mainland China for UK law firms.

Foreign investment worth US$48.4 billion (£30.4bn) was injected into Hong Kong's economy in 2009.

Lee said: ‘With the global economic focus firmly on China, the UK's legal sector can benefit from the many opportunities Hong Kong has to offer, with many companies from mainland China listed in Hong Kong.

‘It is a gateway not only to mainland China, but other Asian markets that are showing economic resilience and development.’

She added: ‘There is a growing demand for legal services in Hong Kong following an increase in Initial Public Offerings that made Hong Kong the world leader for capital fund raising in 2009.

‘The Law Society's International Division will continue to build links with Asia’s business and legal sectors in 2011, with inward visits from East Asia in May and a trade mission to Shanghai and Qingdao in the autumn.’

Hong Kong's legal system is based on English common law, with the UK legal sector best placed to provide key services as Hong Kong prepares to play a bigger role in the Asian and world economies, she added.

Andrew Seaton, British consul general to Hong Kong, said: ‘Hong Kong’s dynamic economy, business-friendly environment, and its common law legal system have helped it become British business’s most important hub in Asia.

‘There are excellent opportunities for the professional and legal services sector, in Hong Kong itself, and through Hong Kong into mainland China and the wider region.’