CHINA METAL RECYCLING (HOLDINGS) LTD (IN LIQUIDATION) v. DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU (A FIRM)

HCA 1517/2016

[2022] HKCFI 3793

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO 1517 OF 2016

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REASONS FOR DECISION

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1.  On 29 November 2022 I heard a case management conference ("CMC") for the further conduct of this Action until witness statements and experts’ reports had been exchanged. At the CMC a discussion took place concerning fixing trial dates. This was largely driven by the anticipated length of the trial (currently estimated by the Plaintiff at 8 weeks and the Defendant at 11 weeks) and the difficulty the parties anticipated there might be in obtaining dates within a reasonable period if they were not allocated until after evidence had been exchanged. In principle I agreed that trial dates should now be allocated. However, I explained that as I might not be the trial judge I would clarify who would hear it. Having done so I do not anticipate hearing the trial. Therefore, I will not fix dates now, but direct that it is dealt with at the next CMC before what I expect will be the trial Judge.