VIAC Delegation Held Working Session and Signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)

From October 21 to 24, 2025, the delegation of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) paid a working visit to Hong Kong (China). As part of this visit, on the afternoon of October 23, 2025, the delegation held a meeting with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), during which a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation was signed

On the afternoon of October 23, 2025, the VIAC delegation paid a visit and held a working session with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) to discuss cooperation aimed at promoting the development of arbitration and ADR in Vietnam, Hong Kong (China), and the broader region. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony took place with the participation of Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh – President of VIAC and Ms. Joanne Lau – Secretary-General of HKIAC, witnessed by representatives from both organizations.

Representatives of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) and the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)

Sharing common views on the benefits and potential of commercial mediation, both parties affirmed their commitment to actively promoting mediation mechanisms within their respective jurisdictions, with the shared goal of making mediation a preferred method for resolving international commercial disputes.

During the meeting, the VIAC delegation presented an overview of mediation activities at the Vietnam Mediation Centre (VMC) and the development of commercial mediation in Vietnam, particularly since Decree No. 22/2017/NĐ-CP on Commercial Mediation came into force, which has established a favourable legal framework for the operation of professional mediators and institutions. The delegation emphasised that mediation not only provides a quick, cost-effective, and confidential means of dispute resolution but also helps preserve and strengthen business relationships – a crucial factor in today’s competitive business environment.

Both sides also exchanged experiences in institutional governance and discussed directions for future cooperation, including co-hosting thematic seminars, training programs, and other activities to promote and exchange expertise on arbitration and ADR in the Asia-Pacific region.

Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between VIAC and HKIAC on October 23, 2025

With the shared objective of supporting the development of arbitration and ADR for the benefit of the global business and legal communities, VIAC and HKIAC exchanged views on potential cooperation opportunities and proceeded to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Through this MoU, VIAC and HKIAC jointly reaffirm their commitment to promoting fair, transparent, and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, thereby contributing to the formation of a stable, transparent, and reliable legal environment for cross-border trade and investment. The two institutions also reaffirmed the role of arbitration and mediation as effective, amicable, and internationally recognised methods of dispute resolution.

By implementing this MoU, VIAC and HKIAC expect to strengthen the enforcement of contracts in international commercial transactions, minimise legal risks for businesses, thus supporting the sustainable development of economic activities and enhancing the positions of both Vietnam and Hong Kong (China) within the global dispute resolution network.