Reflecting on HK as centre for international arbitration

Istood down as chairperson of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), with effect from 1 January 2014, replaced by Teresa Cheng SC. It was my honour and privilege to serve as the HKIAC’s chairperson since 2011, and I congratulate Teresa wholeheartedly on her appointment. Teresa is an excellent ambassador for the HKIAC and I have no doubt that it will continue to go from strength to strength under her leadership and guidance. I will, of course, continue to serve the HKIAC in my capacity as a council member.

I remain a firm believer in arbitration and in its suitability for resolving disputes, particularly those with an international dimension. Arbitration is often (although not always) quicker and cheaper than court litigation. It enables parties to avoid submitting their disputes to the courts of jurisdictions they wish to avoid; for example, those of certain emerging markets. Often also of equal importance to parties is the fact that confidentiality can be preserved in arbitration proceedings.