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VIAC had a working session with delegation from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) on arbitration and ADR in Vietnam

Aug 18, 2025

In the afternoon of August 7th, 2025, the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) in Hanoi had a working session with a delegation from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The meeting focused on the general context and recent updates regarding the development of arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Vietnam. 

Attending the meeting on behalf of VIAC were Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh – President of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC), Mr. Vu Anh Duong – Vice President and Secretary General of VIAC, along with several heads of relevant departments. Representing the HKTDC delegation were Mr. Rimsky Yuen – Chairman of the HKTDC Professional Services Advisory Committee, former Secretary for Justice of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr. Patrick Lau – Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; and other delegates from Hong Kong organizations and enterprises in the fields of legal consultancy, accounting and auditing, investment advisory, finance, and other related sectors. 

Opening the meeting, Mr. Rimsky Yuen – Chairman of the HKTDC Professional Services Advisory Committee, conveyed his warm greetings and appreciation to VIAC for engaging in dialogue on the practice of Arbitration and ADR in Vietnam. From his perspective as a long-time partner of HKTDC in promoting and supporting Hong Kong enterprises, he observed that Arbitration and ADR have become increasingly favored and prioritized by enterprises for resolving commercial disputes. In today’s rapidly integrating market economy and ever-evolving business landscape, he emphasized, the demand for effective, flexible, and internationally aligned dispute resolution mechanisms is more pressing than ever. 

In addition, in his capacity as Co-Chairman of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), Mr. Rimsky emphasized the vital role of international arbitration institutions such as VIAC and HKIAC in advancing and facilitating the development of ADR mechanisms. He expressed his hope that the two organizations would strengthen information exchange, share practical experience, and implement concrete cooperative initiatives to enhance the quality and reputation of Arbitration and ADR, both within their respective jurisdictions and on the global stage. 

Mr. Rimsky YUEN – Chairman of the HKTDC Professional Services Advisory Committee and Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh – President of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) delivering remarks during the meeting. 

Sharing a similar view, Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh noted that commercial arbitration has proven its distinct advantages in resolving disputes arising from commercial and investment activities, both domestically and in cross-border trade. He also emphasized that VIAC has consistently worked alongside various arbitration institutions in the region to introduce initiatives and make practical contributions to the development of Arbitration and ADR, not only domestically but also regionally and internationally. Accordingly, on behalf of VIAC, Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh welcomed Mr. Rimsky’s proposals to fostering cooperative between VIAC and HKIAC, and highly valued the opportunity for further exchanges on important issues. He also expressed readiness to engage in more detailed discussions on feasible joint activities aimed at strengthening and enhancing the operational effectiveness of both institutions, thereby better serving the business communities of Vietnam and China. 

VIAC representatives sharing and discussing with HKTDC delegation 

Continuing the working agenda, Ms. Vu Thi Hang, Deputy Director of VIAC Secretariat, delivered a brief overview of commercial arbitration landscape in Vietnam. She highlighed that the broad arbitrability under Vietnamese law has been affirmed through extensive case law as well as recent legislative developments. international integration and recent legal reforms have broaden the range of disputes that can be resolved through arbitration in Vietnam. 

Regarding VIAC, Ms. Hang emphasized that the Centre has consistently upheld its reputation as a leading arbitration institution, playing a pivotal role in facilitating the resolution of international commercial disputes. Since its establishment in 1963, VIAC has administered thousands of high-value cases involving parties from 68 nations and territories, including China (covering both Hong Kong and Macao). Highlighting the internationality and flexibility of VIAC’s arbitration proceedings, Ms. Hang noted that VIAC Rules are designed to accommodate the specific requirements of the parties in each case. Its flexible procedural rules, compliant with Vietnam’s legal framework on arbitration while aligning with international standards, together with the recognition and enforcement of VIAC’s awards under the 1958 New York Convention, have further strengthened its standing and credibility across diverse sectors. 

Notably, VIAC recently launched VIAC eCase - an electronic filing and online case management platform. This initiative demonstrates VIAC’s strong commitment to adapting to Vietnam’s digital economy transition by enhancing the use of e-contracts, a core element of the digital economy. It also reflects VIAC’s dedication to green and sustainable development goals, specifically through the promotion of Paperless Arbitration. 

On behalf of the Vietnam Mediation Centre (VMC) – a division of VIAC, Mr. Phan Trong Dat, Acting Director of VMC, introduced the centre’s mediation services and provided insights into the development of commercial mediation in Vietnam, especially since the entry into force of Decree No. 22/2017/ND-CP on commercial mediation. This legal framework has created favorable conditions for the operation of professional mediators and mediation organizations. According to Mr. Dat, mediation not only offers parties a quick, cost-effective, and confidential solution but also helps preserve and strengthen cooperative relationships after disputes—an important factor in today’s business environment. 

Established in 2018, VMC recorded its first mediation cases the same year and has since achieved encouraging results, with 91% of cases successfully settled and concluded with a Mediation Settlement Agreement (MSA). All such agreements have been voluntarily complied with by the parties. Disputes mediated at VMC span a wide range of values and sectors, with the highest proportions in the sale of goods (33.3%) and construction (30.9%). Notably, Chinese parties are among the top ten nationalities with the most cases mediated at VMC, a trend that mirrors arbitration case statistics at VIAC. 

The working session continued with a discussion and Q&A between representatives of VIAC and members of the delegation from the HKTDC. The discussion covered various topics, including the practices of arbitration and ADR in Vietnam, implementation experiences in Hong Kong (China), and the potential for cooperation among business promotion and support organizations in facilitating cross-border trade and investment. The meeting also outlined specific directions for future collaboration between VIAC, HKTDC and HKIAC; aimed at helping the business community prevent and manage risks, resolve commercial disputes efficiently, and promote trade and international economic integration.

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