Hong Kong arbitration body eyes Mideast, Africa prospects amid global tensions

An international arbitration body in Hong Kong is exploring business opportunities in the Middle East and Africa, citing the city’s neutrality and predictability as key draws for new markets amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Domitille Baizeau, co-chairwoman of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, said the city had benefited from an overall shift in global business growth from Europe to Asia, with overseas businesses increasingly choosing Hong Kong to arbitrate disputes.

The international commercial arbitration specialist was speaking on the sidelines of the ADR in Asia Conference, an event organised by the centre last week. The conference brought together legal practitioners to discuss the latest developments in alternative dispute resolution and the use of artificial intelligence in the field.