CIArb and Hong Kong Department of Justice collaborate

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and the Hong Kong Department of Justice (DoJ) have strengthened ties and will be working together to promote arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution in Hong Kong.

A memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) was signed in Hong Kong on 20 October 2017 between CIArb President Professor Dr Nayla Comair-Obeid and Secretary for Justice Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC. The objective of the MoU is to encourage and facilitate a positive environment within which CIArb and the DoJ can work collaboratively in the promotion of arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution through, among others, the provision of CIArb approved education and training for arbitrators, legal officers, members of judicial bodies as well as other stakeholders in Hong Kong. CIArb and the DoJ will also cooperate in other areas of mutual interest that will strengthen Hong Kong’s ADR sector.

Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen said:

“The Hong Kong Department of Justice has always supported the promotion of arbitration as a means of dispute resolution. In collaboration with CIArb, we aim to strengthen the provision of education and training in the field of ADR and further its use.  In so doing, we aim to consolidate the position of Hong Kong as a leading centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Anthony Abrahams, CIArb Director General welcomed the cooperation:

“We are honoured to be able to work with the Hong Kong DoJ in developing initiatives that will enhance Hong Kong’s ADR sector.  There is a natural ‘fit’ in terms of mutual interest and expertise. CIArb has a longstanding history and reputation for excellence in ADR, having been at the forefront of developing education programmes and promoting its use for over 100 years. We look forward to working together with the Hong Kong DoJ to promote the ADR sector in Hong Kong.”