ICC and KLRCA sign MoU to promote dispute resolution in Asia

On 1 November 2017, the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) and the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreeing to work together to promote dispute resolution in Asia.

The signing of the MoU will further enhance the relationship between the two institutions, on top of their previous collaborations such as the ICC-KLRCA International Arbitration Conference in 2016 and the 1st ICC-KLRCA Vis Pre Moot earlier this year. More collaboration on training and other joint programmes is anticipated as part of the two institutions’ efforts under the MoU to increase the profile of arbitration in the region and to promote and develop Malaysia as an arbitration-friendly seat for arbitration in Asia. The MOU also provides for KLRCA will to provide hearing space to ICC and its users.

There has been a steep increase in cases over recent years in Malaysia administered by the KLRCA. Additionally, the ICC recently announced the establishment of its case management office in Singapore. This MoU can is evidence of the two institutions’ plans to further expand their presence in the Asia region.

In another interesting development, KLRCA will be renamed the “Asian International Arbitration Centre” in 2018, to coincide with its 40^th anniversary and as part of the KLRCA’s initiative to be the leading arbitration hub in Asia.

If you have questions or would like further information, please contact Peter Godwin (Managing Partner) of Herbert Smith Freehills’ Kuala Lumpur office or your usual Herbert Smith Freehills contact.