Signing Ceremony and Seminar on "The Introduction of Arbitraiton and Conciliation Systems" with Macau Voluntary Arbitration Centre

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to you all and am representing Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (HKIArb) to sign the Cooperation Agreement with Macau Voluntary Arbitration Centre today.

Today is special. It represents a new beginning for co-operation between the Macau Centre and the Hong Kong Institute, as counterparts in the region.

Today is special. It represents the joining hands of practitioners in Hong Kong and Macau with the common goal for the promotion of the use and training of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.

Today is also special to us. It represents almost the first task accomplished after the election of our new Council just a couple of weeks ago.

The Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators started off in September 1996 by a group of Hong Kong professional interested in arbitration, mediation and any other kinds of dispute resolution techniques. We have just celebrated our 10th anniversaries. We have now grown to be with approximately 800 members.

Since established, our focus remains on promoting Hong Kong as a centre for ADR. Though the years, we have been actively involved in the training of arbitrators, mediators, the setting up of appropriate standards of conduct for arbitrators and mediators in Hong Kong.

We have been working closely with all in the region for the promotion of the training and use of alternative dispute resolution. We work with counterparts in the region and had held conferences in various places in Asia. We also have our own fellowship course. We work with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in delivering an associate membership course. As a bit of commercials, we are organizing a mediation training course with the Hong Kong Mediation Centre in December this year.

I am sure that, between the Institute and the Centre, we can enhance training collaboration and exchange in the area of arbitration, mediation and the various dispute resolution techniques.

With enthusiasms, I look forward to future cooperation with Macau Voluntary Arbitration Centre and for the years to come in the areas of arbitration & dispute resolution.

Many thanks.