On April 9, 2025, the event “Demystifying Arbitration in the Asia Pacific: A Conversation with the Leading Institutions” under the framework of Paris Arbitration Week 2025 (PAW 2025) was held at the Paris office of Ashurst Law Firm . The event brought together representatives from arbitration institutions across the Asia-Pacific and Europe, focusing on the development and innovation of arbitration mechanisms in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants shared insights on current practices, reform of rules, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the region. Lu Fei, Director of the Business Development Division of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) , was invited to attend the discussion remotely.

（scene of the event）

Representatives from CIETAC, the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) , the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) , and the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)  shared and compared practical experience throughout the case administration process (from commencement to the issuance of the award), from the perspective of different institutions. Director Lu Fei, briefed the participants on CIETAC’s increasing level of internationalization, as reflected in the growing diversity of parties and evolving types of cases in recent years. She also highlighted CIETAC’s active efforts to drive innovation and explore new momentum for arbitration development in line with industry trends. In addition, She elaborated on the key features of CIETAC arbitration rules and practices, and briefed on the measures adopted by CIETAC which ensure efficiency and uphold fairness and impartiality. These efforts reflect CIETAC’s continued commitment to provide high-quality, internationalized arbitration services and enhance the credibility of arbitration.

(From left to right: Lu Fei, Director of the Business Development Division of CIETAC; Diana Bowman, Secretary-General of ACICA; Joanne Lau, Secretary-General of HKIAC; Sylvia Tee, Partner of Ashurst Law Firm; Vivek Neelakantan, Official Registrar of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre)

Representatives engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as recent developments in arbitration practice and reform of rule in the Asia-Pacific, sharing insights based on their respective institutional experiences. The exchange not only enhanced mutual understanding among arbitration institutions across different regions but also contributed to consensus on the collaborative development of arbitration mechanisms in both Asia-Pacific and Europe. Looking ahead, participants called for continued communication and cooperation to foster mutual trust and deepen understanding of each other’s dispute resolution rules, with the aim of jointly providing more efficient and market-responsive dispute resolution services for parties in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.