HKIAC to remain at Two Exchange Square

10 Jan 2017

HomeNewsHKIAC to remain at Two Exchange Square
10 Jan 2017
General News

HKIAC TO REMAIN AT ITS PREMISES AT TWO EXCHANGE SQUARE

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) is pleased to announce that it shall remain at its office and hearing premises at Two Exchange Square notwithstanding the establishment by the Hong Kong SAR government of an international legal hub at the Justice Place and the former French Mission Building. 

The news was confirmed by the Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong SAR, Mr Rimsky Yuen SC at the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2017. “Having considered the views of the international arbitration community (including the survey results of the Global Arbitration Review which gave top rankings to the HKIAC's facilities at the Exchange Square II premises) and the request of HKIAC, I am glad to announce that the Government has decided that HKIAC will continue to stay at its current premises. Not only would this enable the HKIAC to maintain its competitive edge, we would also have more space at the future legal hub to house more internationally reputable legal or dispute resolution organisations.”

Ms Teresa Cheng SC, Chairperson of HKIAC welcomes the news, “I am delighted that HKIAC is able to maintain its current premises and continue to provide first-class dispute resolution services from its existing facilities. The availability of HKIAC’s premier facilities will complement the legal hub that is to be introduced by the Hong Kong government in the near future. It will also allow HKIAC to enhance our initiative to provide free hearing space in proceedings involving developing states.”

Ms Cheng refers to the initiative announced by HKIAC Secretary-General Ms Sarah Grimmer at the ADR in Asia Conference in October 2016.  In dispute resolution proceedings in which at least one party is a state listed on the OECD Development Assistance Committee List where the parties have agreed to HKIAC administration, HKIAC offers its premises free-of-charge.

The initiative facilitates parties’ access to world-class dispute resolution facilities in disputes involving developing states. It applies to all dispute resolution mechanisms including mediation, conciliation and arbitration, and is particularly relevant, Ms Grimmer observes, in investor-state arbitration.  She adds that HKIAC has hosted multiple investor-state arbitration hearings and has experience administering arbitrations under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules since 1986.  In addition, HKIAC’s staff—experienced in both international commercial and investment arbitration—are available for appointment as tribunal secretaries.

HKIAC’s hearing facilities have been key to Hong Kong’s success as a venue for dispute resolution. They have received global recognition including in GAR’s hearing centres survey which ranked them first for location, value for money, IT services and helpfulness of staff.  HKIAC’s facilities include seven large hearing rooms, with views over Hong Kong's iconic skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the Peak. The bright and modern spaces offer fully adaptable room layouts able to accommodate groups of 20 to 65, with state-of-the-art video and audio equipment. 

Mr Donald Donovan, partner at Debevoise & Plimpton recently attended a hearing at HKIAC. He describes the premises and support services as: “exactly what arbitrators and counsel look for. The staff is highly professional and fully available, the facility and logistics are first-rate, and the flood of light from the 38th-floor windows overlooking Victoria Harbour makes for a compelling space to work.”

Prof Dr Klaus Sachs, partner at CMS Hasche Sigle who also recently sat at HKIAC, states: “it was probably the best arbitration location I have sat in for the last few years. The room was spacious enough to comfortably fit a group of around 40 people with all of the usual hearing equipment, the view was stunning, and the assistance we received from the whole staff was excellent.”

Media Contact

Karen Tan
Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
Tel: (852) 2525 2381
Email: karen@hkiac.org

 

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