SIMC's Shanghai Trip Advances Mediation, Setting the Stage for Future Collaborations
June 03, 2024
The Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) hosted its first China Specialist Mediators' Workshop (SMW) for 2024 in Shanghai from May 18-19, in collaboration with the Shanghai International Arbitration Center at their elegantly furnished office overlooking the beautiful new Pudong area.
This marks SIMC's second trip to China post-pandemic, just six months after the last SMW in Shenzhen in November 2023. It offers a golden opportunity for SIMC to foster deeper engagement with our longstanding Chinese partners through face-to-face meetings and events. This underscores the strategic importance of the Chinese market to SIMC, as China's rapidly growing economy and its pivotal role in global trade make it a key focus for international mediation efforts.
On May 20, SIMC was invited by CCPIT Shanghai to witness the unveiling of its new Shanghai International Commercial Mediation Center (SHICMC) at the "Harmony for Unity" Forum (“以和求同”论坛). The center, approved by the Shanghai Judicial Bureau and the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau, stands as a pivotal commercial mediation institution that is set to enhance the city's dispute resolution mechanisms and improve its business environment. SHICMC is a commercial mediation institution initiated by Shanghai International Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai World Trade Center Association, Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (SHIAC), Shanghai Enterprises Federation, Shanghai Financial Industry Federation, and Shanghai Foreign Investment Association.
During the forum, Mr. Chuan Wee Meng, CEO of SIMC, delivered a keynote speech on "The Development of International Commercial Mediation." Wee Meng analyzed the development trends of mediation in cross-border dispute resolution and highlighted the potential applications of mediation in resolving cross-border trade and investment disputes. At the same event, SIMC and SHICMC signed a cooperation agreement to jointly promote the development of international commercial mediation. Other institutions that signed cooperation agreements with SHICMC included the Shenzhen Benchmark International Mediation Center, the Hong Kong International Mediation Center, and the Australian Dispute Resolution Center. Currently, the center has a panel of 161 mediators from 11 countries and regions.
At the closing ceremony, Mr. Ma Yi, the Vice Chairman of CCPIT Shanghai emphasized that with the signing of the Singapore Convention on Mediation, international commercial mediation is entering a period of vigorous development. He pointed out that the future development of Chinese commercial mediation hinges on advocating for and promoting a modern legal culture of commercial mediation, as well as cultivating a more mature and expansive commercial mediation market. This development requires a mindset of win-win cooperation, professional business techniques, and integrated innovation.
Besides CCPIT, SIMC has been in collaboration with Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) since 2021 with the establishment of the SIMC Suzhou (Mediation) Working Group to promote access to mediation as an avenue to resolve cross-border commercial disputes. Despite the significant challenges posed by the global pandemic, online communication and cooperation between SIMC and SIP have never ceased.
Leveraging the close proximity of the two cities and the 30th anniversary of SIP this year, SIMC visited SIP on May 21 and participated in the China-Singapore International Commercial Mediation Exchange and Cooperation Symposium. The event was jointly sponsored by the Singapore International Mediation Centre, the SIP Justice Bureau, the Yangtze River Delta Overseas Investment Promotion Center, and the SIP Enterprise Development Service Center.
At the event, the International Commercial Mediation Talent Training Base was inaugurated, with the aim of SIMC providing training to commercial mediation organizations and personnel in SIP. In his speech, Wee Meng congratulated SIP on its 30th anniversary this year. This year also commemorates the 10th anniversary of SIMC, making it profoundly momentous for the two organizations to gather at this event and celebrate this milestone together. SIMC also delivered a presentation on the development trends and prospects in international commercial mediation. Together with other speakers at the event, such as representatives from the SIP Bar Association, SIP commercial mediation organization, and law firms, as well as in-house counsel/compliance officers of local enterprises, they exchanged opinions on the future of commercial mediation services at a panel discussion.
Audiences symposium listening attentively at the insights and sharing of the speakers of the panel discussion
SIMC also visited other partners, including the Allen & Gledhill Shanghai office, the Shanghai Commercial Mediation Center and Shanghai Arbitration Commission, to strengthen partnerships, discuss key issues in commercial mediation, and explore potential future collaborations to promote the use of mediation in resolving commercial disputes. The Shanghai trip was further enriched by reconnecting with our Shanghai-based specialist mediators over a sumptuous dinner. This gathering provided an excellent opportunity to exchange insights and discuss potential areas and regions where SIMC could expand its mediation advocacy efforts. The convivial atmosphere facilitated meaningful conversations and reinforced the bonds within our professional community, fostering a collaborative spirit that promises to enhance our future endeavors.
SIMC's one-week trip to Shanghai has proven to be incredibly rewarding, laying a solid foundation for future collaborations in China. With anticipation, we eagerly look forward to our next venture, aiming to further nurture the connections and achievements we've established.
