Chief Executive John Lee said on Friday that the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong will be a "great honour" for the city and the SAR's world-class legal infrastructure makes it a "preferred venue" for dispute resolution.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, Lee said Hong Kong is a city that "builds bridges, not walls", underscoring the government's dedication to supporting IOMed's mission to deliver "friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services".

"The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries, regardless of culture, language and legal system, to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding. This is increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions," he said.

"When protectionism threatens to derail the international trade order, and when unilateralism looms over global supply chains, it is dialogue, not division, that restores balance."

Lee noted that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China and the only one in the world that operates in both Chinese and English.

He said the city has a strong tradition of the rule of law, characterised by an independent judiciary and a court of final appeal featuring distinguished jurists with both local and international backgrounds.

"We actively promote a vibrant culture of mediation. In fact, it is a general policy to incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts. We are also enhancing the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession," he said.

"And we go all out to build bridges with the world. Hong Kong will actively promote the IOMed's valuable work in settling international disputes through mediation, and advocate mediation as a global tool for peace and justice across borders."

Lee said IOMed's headquarters at a former police station in Wan Chai could open as soon as the end of the year.