Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau on Friday summoned Panama's consul-general in Hong Kong to express the government’s strong opposition to a controversial ruling by the Central American nation’s top court.

Panama's Supreme Court had last week annulled Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison's contract to operate two ports at the strategic Panama Canal, ruling that the concessions that were granted were “unconstitutional”.

Both the central and SAR governments have previously slammed the decision, and Yau reiterated the administration’s position to the consul-general.

Yau said the CK Hutchison subsidiary that operated the ports had made huge investments there and created many jobs over the years.

He criticised Panama for undermining its own credibility, saying the ruling had wreaked profound damage to the country's business environment as well as its economic development.

The move, Yau said, has also severely disrupted international trade rules.

He urged Panama to ensure there was no intervention where the legal rights of enterprises were concerned through the provision of a fair and impartial business environment.

SAR firms operating and investing in Panama should be entitled to fair and reasonable treatment, as well as protection, Yau said.