FIRM SPONSORS MAURITIUS ARBITRATION WEEK AND AFRICARB, FORGING CLOSER BETWEEN AFRICA AND ASIA

After a successful first edition in May 2018, the MCCI Arbitration and Mediation Center (MARC) hosted the second Mauritius Arbitration Week from 10 to 14 June 2019, which the firm was once again proud to sponsor. This year, the focus was on bridging Africa and Asia.

Hong Kong senior associate Greg Travaini was one of the panellists featured during the MARC Conference on 'Mauritius: A Bridge between Africa and Asia'. He also organised, as founding member, AfricArb's first dedicated seminar in Africa on Chinese-African BITs: Facing New Challenges.

The seminar placed particular emphasis on China's investment in Africa, which continues to show unprecedented growth, especially in light of the Belt and Road Initiative. For China, Africa provides appealing strategic and business opportunities. Yet, questions arise as to the protection of its massive foreign direct investment. For Africa, China's economic diplomacy provides new financing, trade and investment prospects. However, there are also new challenges to ensure that business activity effectively contributes to national development priorities. Participants discussed whether these interests were aligned (or at least the extent to which they could be compatible) and what Mauritius could bring to the table in this context.

"Mauritius Arbitration Week was a great opportunity to meet and interact with arbitration practitioners from different legal and cultural backgrounds to discuss Sino-African relations, which have undoubtedly entered a new era of development," said Greg. "Opportunities are emerging for forward-looking actors mindful of these changes."

Please feel free to contact Greg Travaini or your usual Herbert Smith Freehills contact should you have any questions about this event.