Case profiles proof of pudding for HK arbitration

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) introduced its Administered Arbitration Rules in 2008. Amendments were made to the rules and took effect on 1 November 2013, and were listed as one of the best practice of 2013 by the Global Arbitration Review.

2013 and 2014 saw the steady growth of China-related cases administered under the rules. Below is a snapshot of the 2013 and 2014 China-related cases administered by the HKIAC, excluding China-related ad hoc cases that the HKIAC was involved with, and the latest developments in relation to enforcement of HKIAC awards, inside and outside Hong Kong.

Of the 81 cases filed with the HKIAC in 2013, 51 cases involved a Chinese party – as claimant in 11 cases, respondent in 33 cases, and in seven cases both claimant and respondent were from China. A total of 106 cases were referred to the HKIAC in 2014, of which 53 cases involved Chinese party – as claimant in 15 cases, respondent in 28 cases, and in 10 cases both claimant and respondent were from China.

Among the 51 China-related cases of 2013, six final awards were issued in an average period of six months from the formation of the arbitral tribunal. Four cases were withdrawn, parties settled and terminated the proceedings in six cases, and 35 cases are pending. Among the 53 China-related cases of 2014, two final awards were issued, eight cases were withdrawn and 43 cases are pending.

Liu Jing is the deputy secretary-general of the HKIAC