Hong Kong arbitration centre targets Mideast and Africa
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago1 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong’s International Arbitration Centre is looking to expand in the Middle East and Africa as companies reassess where to resolve disputes amid rising geopolitical tensions. Centre leaders say Hong Kong is benefiting from a broader shift in business growth from Europe to Asia and from demand for a neutral, predictable forum.
Key Points
- Domitille Baizeau, co-chairwoman of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, said the city’s neutrality and predictability were key attractions for new markets.
- Baizeau said Hong Kong had benefited from a wider shift in global business growth from Europe to Asia, with more overseas businesses choosing the city for arbitration.
- Speaking during Hong Kong Arbitration Week, Victor Dawes SC said opportunities were being explored in the Middle East and in Africa.
- Dawes said Africa was becoming a growth avenue because of expanding Chinese offshore investment, while some related disputes were still being handled in Europe.
- The centre received 388 arbitration cases last year, and 85 per cent involved at least one non-local party.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, the push into the Middle East and Africa points to a practical route for expanding legal and professional services beyond traditional markets. If more cross-border disputes move from European venues to Asia, the city could strengthen its role as an international dispute-resolution hub.