【News】CIETAC Conference in Hong Kong a Great Success

On 19 October 2016, CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center, the first and only overseas branch of CIETAC, successfully hosted CIETAC Conference titled “China Arbitration Chronicles” at Island Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong.

Over 240 representatives from the arbitration community at home and abroad including seasoned arbitrators and experienced practitioners, together with hundreds of worldwide live audience watching on real-time streaming, gathered at the conference for the celebration of CIETAC’s 60th anniversary.

The event was graced by the presence of the Honorable Mr. Rimsky Yuen SC, JP, Secretary for Justice of the Government of Hong Kong SAR; the Honorable Mr. Zhang Yongjian, Chief Judge of the 4th Civil Division of the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China (SPC); Mr. Wang Chengjie, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of CIETAC; Dr. Li Hu, Vice President of the Arbitration Court of CIETAC; Dr. Wang Wenying, Secretary General of CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center; Mr. Thomas So, President of the Law Society of Hong Kong; Mr. Du Chun, Chairman of the Legal Commission of Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, as well as other dignitaries from justice bureaus, trade and commerce federations and legal associations.

In the welcoming remarks, Mr. Rimsky Yuen SC highlighted the standing of CIETAC as a leading international arbitration institution in being China’s biggest, longest-serving and most experienced arbitral institution, accepting the majority of foreign-related arbitration cases in China. He also showed great appreciation for the local presence of CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center, and the institution’s devoted support and collaborative efforts in promoting the wider use of arbitration in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Yuen also pointed out that the Hong Kong SAR Government supports arbitration development in the region with its responsive legislative amendment efforts, in order to facilitate the development of arbitration mechanisms and accommodate institutional needs.

(Mr. Rimsky Yuen SC, JP, Secretary for Justice of the Government of HK SAR)

The welcoming remarks by Mr. Wang Chengjie also underlined the contribution of CIETAC to international arbitration both at home and abroad, as well as introducing the latest development of CIETAC. Further, Mr. Wang foresaw a continuous and prosperous growth of CIETAC and CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center, as well as amplified opportunities for the arbitral institution brought by the Belt and Road Initiative. 

(Mr. Wang Chengjie, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of CIETAC)

In his keynote speech, the Honorable Mr. Zhang Yongjian highlighted the legal professional services sector and arbitration domain in China, and expressed the readiness of the Mainland judiciary to enhance and strengthen the legal infrastructure of China so as to facilitate future advancement in the field of arbitration.

(Mr. Zhang Yongjian, Chief Judge of the 4th Civil Division of SPC.)

A distinguished line-up of speakers comprised of experienced CIETAC staff, learned arbitrators and accomplished legal practitioners shared their professional knowledge and expertise in thought-provoking sessions covering a wide range of practical subject-matters.  

The day’s panel discussions began with an one-hour session, titled “60 Minutes on CIETAC”, on conducting arbitration through CIETAC and its institutional rules, where every minute of the discussion was dedicated to celebrating each and every year of CIETAC’s 60 years of commitment to the field of arbitration. Subsequently, the second session of the conference presented the value and influence of 60 years of PRC arbitration legacies and its future endeavours.

The third panel session covered cross-border arbitration issues relating to arbitral jurisdiction, cross-examination of witness, interim measures and investment arbitration. In particular, the discussion embraced the metaphorical title of “David v Goliath”, under which panelists contributed their insights into tactics for disadvantaged parties to triumph over adversity. Furthermore, the discussion was enriched by an energetic interaction between the panel and the floor where members of the audience were invited to pick out discussion topics for the panel through lottery.

Last but not least, the fourth panel sessions expounded on topical issues such as intellectual property arbitration, third party funding and sanctions against prolonged arbitration.

At the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Brad Wang, Managing Counsel of CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center, presented the launch of CIETAC Hong Kong’s new service product that aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of proceedings administered by CIETAC Hong Kong Arbitration Center.

CIETAC Conference - “China Arbitration Chronicles” ended with great success. In addition to the informative presentations on the leading arbitral institution, the conference also provided valuable forums for exchange of ideas among arbitration experts, and a rewarding experience for all participants in the event.