ICC to promote Shanghai arbitration capacity building 

Released on 29 December 2023, the Measures on Accelerating the Construction of Shanghai International Legal Services Hub encourage law firms and lawyers to participate in ICC events and activities. 

In a letter conveying its appreciation to the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government for its trust in ICC, Alexander G. Fessas, Secretary General of the ICC Court, said: 

“All of us at ICC highly value the opportunity to create lasting ties with Shanghai, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting and supporting international trade and dispute resolution within the region. The acknowledgement of the ICC Court’s role as a pivotal institution in the realm of international dispute resolution reinforces our determination to continually strive for excellence and uphold the highest standards of impartiality and fairness.” 

ICC has announced specific actions it will take to promote Shanghai’s capacity building in the field of international arbitration by further involving Shanghai legal practitioners in its international conferences and other activities. Between 1 February 2024 and 31 January 2025, a 30% discount on all ICC events registration fees will be made to participants registering through the Shanghai Bar Association and Shanghai Arbitration Association channels in coordination with the ICC Shanghai Office. ICC will also host training and conferences in Shanghai during 2024. 

These first actions aim to further open opportunities for legal practitioners in Shanghai to engage in ICC activities and foster closer ties between Shanghai and the international legal community.  

“ICC is confident that this collaboration will promote professional exchanges and benefit international networking, contributing to the construction of the Shanghai International Legal Services Hub,” Mr Fessas said. 

ICC Secretary General John W. H. Denton AO, said:  

“We are eager to explore further avenues of contributing to the capacity building in the areas of international trade and dispute resolution in Shanghai, ensuring that it continues to thrive and cater to the needs of the global business community.”