The International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Secretariat of the ICC Court have opened an Asia office of the ICC Court’s Secretariat in Hong Kong. The office is the ICC Court Secretariat’s first branch outside Paris and has a case management team to administer cases in the region under the ICC Rules of Arbitration.

The move was made in recognition of the growing importance of Asia-Pacific to the International Court of Arbitration as well as the increasing demand for arbitration services in the region.

ICC’s mission is to promote international trade and investment. Arbitration is one of the organization’s three main activities along with rules-setting and policy.

The Hong Kong branch of the Secretariat is expected to house six staff and will be fully operational by the beginning of next year. It is located at Suite 2, 12/F Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. The branch will operate in the same way as other case management teams of the Court’s Secretariat in Paris, with a dedicated video link. By operating in the same time zone, the Asia office will be able to provide effective and timely dispute resolution services for the region.

“The Asia-Pacific region is of significant importance to the future of ICC Dispute Resolution Services,” said Jason Fry, Secretary General of the ICC Court. “The decision to open the Hong Kong office is a response to market demand to provide ICC’s renowned high-quality service locally. We anticipate that demand in the region will grow.”

As a neutral forum for conducting China-related arbitration and dispute resolution between Chinese and non-Chinese entities, Hong Kong is a logical choice for ICC. The office will also have a much wider focus on Asia, including important economies such as India, Korea and Japan as well as emerging economies like Vietnam.

John Beechey, Chairman-elect of the ICC Court said, “The opening of the Hong Kong branch is a real indication of ICC’s commitment to Asia and consolidates ICC's position as a truly international organization, offering high-quality arbitration services in Asia and around the globe.”

Wong Yan Lung, the Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said: “The opening of the Asia office of the ICC Court Secretariat signifies the endorsement of Hong Kong’s position as a premier centre for international arbitration services. Such presence will further enhance the provision of arbitration services in Hong Kong.”

“We are grateful for the encouragement we have received from the government of Hong Kong to set up this branch office,” said Victor K. Fung, Chairman of ICC. “Hong Kong is a recognized hub for international dispute resolution. As a truly international organization with the ability to communicate the Asian perspective, ICC can now have a greater presence and increased visibility in this vitally important part of the world.”