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

The summit was a first-of-its-kind event that brought together leaders, visionaries and innovators to shape the future of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Asia.

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

By signing these MoUs, the institutions have demonstrated a joint commitment to foster international arbitration through the sharing of knowledge and resources. It also paves the way for collaborative efforts including conferences, workshops and training programs focused on international arbitration and other dispute resolution methods.

Borneo International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (BICAM), established in 2023, is dedicated to providing top-notch 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 resolving commercial disputes efficiently and cost-effectively.

The China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), established in 1956, is one of the world’s leading permanent arbitration institutions. 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-commissions use the same rules and the same panel of arbitrators to provide independent, impartial and efficient arbitration services to 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. Established in 2019 and opened to the public in January 2020, MIAC offers modern facilities. Its aim is to promote arbitration as a cost-effective and efficient method of dispute resolution for businesses and investors.

The Asian Institute for Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR) was established on 17 April 2018 as a non-profit institution based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AIADR promotes alternative dispute resolution practices through affordable education and professional development, starting in Asia and Africa and expanding globally. AIADR functions as a think tank to develop jurisprudence related to expeditious and private dispute resolution.

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 arbitration and mediation institution, committed to cost-effective and timely dispute resolution. IAMC is led by a distinguished Board of Directors and an autonomous Governing Council of legal luminaries, industry veterans and ADR experts from India and abroad.

These MoUs mark an important step towards creating a stronger and more unified global ADR community. The IAMC, in collaboration with these institutes, aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, enhance professional development and promote best practices in arbitration and mediation.

Signing these MoUs, Tariq Khan, Registrar, IAMC, Hyderabad, said:

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