IAMC, CIETAC and AIADR unite to host the 1st Asia ADR Summit; Sign MOUs for Enhanced Regional Cooperation

The first Asia ADR Summit, a two-day event organized by the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC) Hyderabad was in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR) and the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC).

The summit was a first-of-its-kind event which brought together leaders, visionaries and innovators to shape the future of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Asia.

In a significant move to encourage cross-border dispute resolution, IAMC Hyderabad signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on July 26, 2024, with four prominent institutes: Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM), China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), Maldives International Arbitration Centre (MIAC), and the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR) at the Asia ADR Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

By signing these Memoranda of Understanding, the institutions have shown a united commitment to encouraging international arbitration through shared knowledge and resources. It also paves the way for collaborative efforts including conferences, workshops, and training programs centered on international arbitration and other dispute resolution methods.

Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM), established in 2023, is dedicated to providing top-tier arbitration and mediation services in the region. Located at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu, it is easily accessible to both local and international clients. BICAM focuses on efficiently and cost-effectively resolving business disputes.

Established in 1956, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) is a one of the major permanent arbitration institutions globally. Headquartered in Beijing, CIETAC has 13 sub-commissions in major Chinese cities and three overseas branches in Hong Kong, Vienna, and Vancouver. CIETAC and its sub-commission centres use the same rules and panel of arbitrators to provide independent, impartial and efficient arbitration services for Chinese and international parties. 

The Maldives International Arbitration Centre (MIAC) is an independent government institution established under the Maldives Arbitration Act (Act No. 10/2013). It is the first and only arbitration service provider in the Maldives. Founded in 2019 and opened to the public in January 2020, MIAC offers modern facilities. It aims to promote arbitration as a cost-effective and efficient dispute-resolution method for businesses and investors.

The Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR) was established on April 17, 2018, as a not-for-profit member-based institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AIADR promotes ADR practices through affordable education and professional development, starting in Asia and Africa and expanding globally. AIADR serves as a think-tank for developing jurisprudence related to swift and private dispute settlement.

The International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC), Hyderabad was established in 2021 as a public charitable trust by the then Chief Justice of India. It has emerged as a leading institution for arbitration and mediation, committed to cost-effective and timely dispute resolution. IAMC is guided by a distinguished Board of Trustees and an autonomous Governing Council of legal luminaries, industry veterans, and ADR experts from India and abroad.

These Memoranda of Understanding mark an important move towards building a more unified and strong global ADR community. IAMC in collaboration with these institutes aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, improve professional development, and promote best practices in arbitration and mediation.

On signing these MoUs, Tariq Khan, the registrar of IAMC, Hyderabad said, 

“This is a historic moment, and Asia is now set to lead the evolution of global arbitration practices.”