In 2017, the Mainland signed the Investment Agreement for Closer Economic Partnership Arrangements (CEPA Investment Agreement) with the Hong Kong SAR and the Macao SAR respectively, which established a mediation mechanism to resolve investment disputes between the Mainland and Hong Kong or Macao, so as to further improve the protection system of investors' rights and interests. CIETAC is designated as one of the  mediation institutions on the Mainland’s side. Hong Kong or Macao investors may apply to CIETAC for mediation of the investment disputes between them and any specific department or institution carrying out a specific administrative act in the Mainland in accordance with Article 19 of the CEPA Investment Agreement.

For this purpose, CIETAC has drafted its CEPA Investment Dispute Mediation Rules, which was deliberated by the Meeting of Directors of CIETAC and approved by the CCPIT. The Mediation Rules are now officially released with effect from December 12, 2018. CIETAC Panel of Mediators for CEPA Investment Disputes was published at the same time, with 55 mediators currently on the Panel, including 38 mediators from the Mainland, 13 mediators from Hong Kong and 4 mediators from Macau.

Relying on its rich dispute resolution experience and dispute resolution expert resources, CIETAC looks forward to provide the parties with fair and efficient mediation services to settle the investment disputes under the CEPA Investment Agreement, and play an active role in promoting the development of economic exchanges and mutual investment between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as improving China's investment dispute resolution mechanism.