過去三年受限於新冠疫情，本會與大陸仲裁機構間的交流大幅減少。隨疫情緩解、兩岸放寬邊境檢疫措施，本會今年利用參加中國仲裁高峰論壇的機會，安排拜會過去與本會有合作關係的仲裁機構。本次訪問之行由吳永乾理事長率李天任秘書長及推廣研究組侯惇議組長分別於9月1日、9月4日拜訪上海國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會/上海國際仲裁中心（下稱「上仲」）、北京仲裁委員會/北京國際仲裁中心（下稱「「北仲」」）及中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會（下稱「「貿仲」」）。9月5日、9月6日則分別參加中國仲裁週系列活動包括唐厚志大講堂、仲裁之夜及高峰論壇。

拜會上海國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會/上海國際仲裁中心(9月1日)

「上仲」與本會素有往來，2019年組團來訪本會時，雙方並簽署合作備忘錄。此行本會9月1日上午前往拜訪，「上仲」方面由周敏浩會長、馬屹副會長及王唯駿秘書長熱誠接待。

周會長介紹大陸主要仲裁機構多為綜合性，受理案件類型不受產業別限制，但各個機構因具備不同特點而有不同客群。以「上仲」為例，案件主要類型包括貨物買賣、金融投資及促參案件。此外，為促進國際化與專業化發展，「上仲」設立如金磚國家爭議解決上海中心、上海國際航空仲裁院等機構，專屬受理特殊類型的仲裁案件。

案件數量方面，「上仲」每年新受理案件持續增長。去(2022)年新受理案件達2500件，今(2023)年上半年新受理案件已逾2300件，其中涉外案件約占10%左右。為推動數據及智能轉型，「上仲」自行開發線上平台，積極推動線上立案及線上開庭。

針對本會吳理事長提問「上海國際爭議解決中心」的運作情形，「上仲」王秘書長介紹該中心是由「上仲」及「上海世界貿易中心協會」共同設立，地點位於上海前灘世貿中心，其宗旨是為國際爭議解決機構提供各類服務。中國境內外爭議解決機構均可租用入駐該中心場地，作為業務推廣或案件管理的辦公場所，至於會議場地、開庭設備由入駐單位共用。目前有新加坡國際仲裁中心(SIAC)、國際商會仲裁院(ICC)等大型仲裁機構入駐。

周會長表示上海市政府認為仲裁對於上海市經貿發展相當重要，故積極促成有關ADR機制的立法，以及成立前述國際爭議解決中心。本會吳理事長對於上海市政府大力支持仲裁制度的做法表示讚賞與認同，並期待我方政府機關能體認仲裁制度對於招商引資、促進經貿建設的重要性，仿效先進國家推動有利於ADR制度發展的相關立法各項配套措施。


左起為上仲王唯駿秘書長、本會李天任秘書長、上仲周敏浩會長、本會吳永乾理事長、上仲馬屹副會長
 (From the left) SHIAC Secretary-General Wang, CAA Secretary-General Lee, SHIAC Director Zhou, CAA Chairman Wu and SHIAC Deputy Director Ma


雙方互贈紀念品 Exchanging souvenirs


合照 Group photo

拜會北京仲裁委員會/北京國際仲裁中心(9月4日)
 
本會與「北仲」交往頻繁，兩會曾於2022年共同舉辦兩岸法律實務研討會。此次拜訪，受到「北仲」甫於九月上任的姜麗麗秘書長及陳福勇副秘書長(曾於本會60週年慶時專程來台祝賀)熱情接待。
 
「北仲」成立於1995年，是中國大陸舉足輕重的仲裁機構，其收案量成長相當快速。姜秘書長指出，近五年大陸仲裁案件大幅增長，每年已約有40萬至50萬件；「北仲」去年新收案件超過8,000件，今年預估可達1萬件。「北仲」登錄的仲裁人來自28國，其仲裁規則已納入緊急仲裁制度。此外，北京市政府正計畫結合自貿區，建立如上海的國際仲裁中心，開放各仲裁機構進駐，此計畫將交由「北仲」負責執行。
 
本會李秘書長詢及「北仲」有關仲裁人按小時計算費用的實際操作情況，「北仲」陳副秘書長表示，除非當事人另有合意，依「北仲」的仲裁規則，原則上仍按標的金額收取仲裁費；當事人會評估何種計費方式較划算，而實務上發現當事人選擇仲裁人報酬按小時費用計算的案件越來越多。陳副秘書長認為該種收費方式，有助於提升仲裁人對於案件的投入程度。
 
本會吳理事長對於「北仲」在國際化方面的成效印象深刻，認為大陸的仲裁制度相較於臺灣是「後發先至」；我方仲裁法新一輪的修法進度延宕，主管機關對於緊急仲裁、仲裁庭保全措施等制度似持保守態度，不利於仲裁發展。本會刻正積極爭取並參與修法，期盼臺灣的仲裁制度能盡速與國際密切接軌。
 
 
左起「北仲」姜麗麗秘書長，本會吳永乾理事長
BIAC Secretary-General Jiang (left) and CAA Chairman Wu (right) exchanging souvenirs


姜秘書長為本會介紹「北仲」環境(上圖為圖書室一隅)
BIAC Secretary-General Jiang introducing the environment at BIAC (photo take at the BIAC's library)


合照 Group photo

本會拜訪中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會(9月4日)
 
「貿仲」成立時間與本會相近，為大陸最早成立的仲裁機構，並與本會於1992年簽署合作備忘錄，每年共同舉辦海峽兩岸經貿仲裁研討會。近幾年受疫情影響，該研討會已停辦四屆。此次拜會除延續雙方過去良好合作基礎之外，並就重啟前述研討會進行討論。
 
「貿仲」王承杰副主任兼秘書長及解常晴仲裁院副院長於籌備中國仲裁週百忙中，熱情接待本會訪問團，簡報指出目前「貿仲」設有14個分會及28個辦事處，並在加拿大溫哥華、奧地利維也納均有設立仲裁中心。由於案件數量大(2022年收案超過4000件)，且涉外案件佔相當比例，「貿仲」持續修訂其仲裁規則，讓來自不同法系的仲裁人、律師及當事人能有一體適用的準則，但同時保持個案審理彈性，充分尊重「當事人自治」此一仲裁制度的重要基本原則。王副主任表示「貿仲」第10版仲裁規則即將於2024年上路，其能保持與國際仲裁通則的一致性是吸引外國當事人的關鍵。此外，「貿仲」內部定期開會討論仲裁案件中常見的問題（如送達、保密、產業特性等），持續思考如何提升案件管理及仲裁判斷的品質，期能透過良好的仲裁解決紛爭機制，達到引領產業發展的效果。
 
本會吳理事長對於「貿仲」的發展表示相當佩服，認為無論從案件數量、國際化程度及研討會的議題深度，均可以看出「貿仲」投注相當大的心力在推廣ADR制度。吳理事長認為兩岸交往越頻繁，由投資及貿易衍生的商務爭議也會越多，因此兩岸ADR的合作還有非常大的發展空間；期望疫情後兩會恢復以往密切的合作關係，共同為提供兩岸當事人一流的訴訟外紛爭解決服務而努力。
 
 
左起本會吳永乾理事長，「貿仲」王承杰副主任 CAA Chairman Wu (left) and CIETAC Vice Chairman Wang



雙方互贈紀念品 Exchanging souvenirs


左起為「貿仲」謝常晴副院長、本會吳永乾理事長、「貿仲」王承杰副主任、本會李天任秘書長
(From the left) CIETAC Arbitration Court Vice President Xie, CAA Chairman Wu, CIETAC Vice Chairman Wang and CAA Secretary-General Lee

參加唐厚志大講堂及仲裁之夜(9月5日)
 
「唐厚志大講堂」及「仲裁之夜」為中國仲裁週的重要前哨活動，今年 這二場活動舉行的地點為充滿中式宮廷特色的北京郡王府飯店。當天下午，首先登場的是唐厚志大講堂，主題為「民法如何回應數據的歸屬和利用」，主講人為中國人民大學副校長王軼教授，他提出對於數據乘載的利益類型及其分配的看法。與談人袁國強資深大律師(香港律政司前司長)回應王教授的演講內容時，呼籲外界應關注數據及科技對於爭議解決公正性的影響。
 
唐厚志大講堂結束後，參加者利用空檔遊歷了郡王府花園古色古香的庭臺樓閣；傍晚時分舉行「仲裁之夜」，以站立式自助餐點的形式輕鬆進行，讓賓客在輕鬆的氛圍下相互認識、交流。



左起為袁國強資深大律師、王軼教授、本會吳永乾理事長
(From the left) Mr. Rimsky Yuen SC, Prof. Yi Wang and CAA Chairman 


本會吳永乾理事長與李天任秘書長參加仲裁之夜合影 CAA Chairman Wu (right) and Secretary-General Lee


仲裁之夜Arbitration Gala

出席仲裁高峰論壇(9月6日)
 
仲裁高峰論壇為中國仲裁週的主軸活動，本年論壇主題為「直面新一輪科技革命和產業變革浪潮的國際仲裁」，分別有「環球視野：多元爭議解決機制的新發展」、「前沿對話：國際仲裁熱點問題的新觀察」及「未來鏡像：變革時代仲裁發展的新趨勢」三個子題，於北京飯店的會議中心舉行。各場次均由國際仲裁界的專家學者，針對最新國際仲裁實務與研究成果提出心得報告，例如：多層次爭議解決條款、科技應用、機構合作等，供與會者分享。


吳永乾理事長於高峰論壇 CAA Chairman Wu attends the China Arbitration Summit


仲裁高峰論壇會場全景 The Summit
 
In the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant decline in interactions over the past three years, the China Arbitration Association (CAA) is making concerted efforts to rejuvenate its ties with key Chinese arbitral institutions.
 
With easing border restrictions and a global trend towards resuming in-person engagements, CAA proactively assembled a delegation to participate in the esteemed China Arbitration Week 2023. This move was emblematic of CAA's commitment to fostering and strengthening its longstanding relationships within the international arbitral community.
 
The delegation, led by CAA Chairman Dr. Joe Y. C. Wu, comprised of well-known members such as Secretary-General Dr. Tien-Rein Lee and Mr. Kevin Hou, Manager for Business Development. Their itinerary comprised of visits to eminent arbitral entities with whom CAA had formerly collaborated. This list included institutions like the Shanghai International Arbitration Center (SHIAC), the Beijing International Arbitration Center (BIAC), and the China International Economic and Trade Commission (CIETAC).
 
These interactions not only serve as a platform for dialogue and mutual growth understanding but also emphasize CAA's unwavering dedication to enhancing global partnerships and upholding the values of arbitration.
 
A Productive Engagement with the Shanghai International Arbitration Center (SHIAC) - September 1, 2023.
 
As a reaffirmation of ties, the China Arbitration Association (CAA) visited the Shanghai International Arbitration Center (SHIAC). This visit traces back to a 2019 delegation organized by SHIAC to the CAA, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. On this occasion, the CAA was greeted warmly by distinguished representatives from SHIAC, including Director Minhao Shou, Deputy Director Yi Ma, and Secretary-General Weijun Wang.
 
During the meetings, Director Zhou shared his insights of the landscape of Chinese arbitral institutions. He underscored their flexibility which enables them to adjudicate cases spanning multiple industries. Yet, he noted, each institution carves its niche based on distinct attributes. For instance, SHIAC predominantly handles arbitrations linked to goods sales, financial ventures, and PPP scenarios. Reflecting its commitment to global outreach and niche specialization, SHIAC has instituted bodies like the BRICS Dispute Resolution Center Shanghai and the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Court of Arbitration to cater to specific arbitration needs.
 
The consistent increase in SHIAC's case intake was highlighted. A remarkable over 2,500 new cases were registered in 2022, with 2023 already seeing over 2,300 cases by mid-year. Notably, international cases comprised of around 10% of its share. SHIAC's focus on modernization was evident through its robust online dispute resolution platform, streamlining processes such as case filing and hearings.
 
CAA's Chairman, Dr. Wu, demonstrated his strong interest in the workings of the Shanghai International Dispute Resolution Center (SHIDRC). Secretary-General Wang also elaborated that the SHIDRC, resulting from a collaboration between SHIAC and the World Trade Center Association Shanghai, located in the Shanghai Qiantan World Trade Center. This facility offers coveted office spaces for both domestic and international dispute resolution bodies, encompassing a shared infrastructure of meeting spaces, conference areas, and hearing facilities. It's noteworthy that major institutions, such as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration, have chosen to set up their offices here.
  
Concluding the dialogue, Director Zhou emphasised the Shanghai government's effective approach in endorsing arbitration as a pivotal instrument for the city's economic and trade evolution. Their supportive efforts in championing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) frameworks and fostering entities like the SHIDRC were evident. Chairman Wu also applauded the Shanghai government's initiatives and voiced his aspiration for similar recognition and support from the Taiwanese government towards ADR's significance.
 
Beijing International Arbitration Center (BIAC): Strengthening Ties - September 4, 2023.
 
On September 4th, CAA strengthened its longstanding relationship with BIAC, reminiscing jointly organized seminar from the previous year. This reunion was marked by the gracious hospitality of BIAC's recently appointed Secretary-General, Ms. Lili Jiang, and Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Fuyong Chen. Notably, Mr. Chen had earlier visited Taiwan during CAA's 60th-anniversary celebrations.
 
BIAC has experienced a significant increase in its caseload since founded in 1955. Ms. Jiang illustrated the meteoric rise in Chinese arbitration cases over the past half-decade, estimating cases between 400,000 to 500,000 annually. In just the past year, BIAC processed over 8,000 new cases, with projections for this figure to grow to approximately 10,000 this year. BIAC boasts a diverse panel of arbitrators from 28 countries and has integrated emergency arbitration provisions within its operational guidelines. In a noteworthy move, the Beijing government envisions launching an international arbitration hub akin to its Shanghai counterpart in the city's free trade zone, designating BIAC as the orchestrator of this initiative.
 
CAA's Secretary-General, Mr. Lee, delved into their methodology behind the calculation of arbitrator fees because he is interested to learn more about BIAC's fee structure. Mr. Chen stated that, adhering to BIAC's set protocols, fees mainly depend on the disputed amount, unless both parties negotiate an alternative. Interestingly, a discernible trend has emerged, with a growing preference among parties for hourly rate fee structures. According to Mr. Chen, this model increased arbitrators' commitment and engagement in cases.
 
Reflecting on the broader arbitration landscape, there was a consensus on China's robust arbitration infrastructure, observing its rapid advancements, especially when juxtaposed with Taiwan's framework. Concerns were voiced over potential impediments facing Taiwanese arbitration, citing delays in legislative amendments and a tentative governmental stance on pressing issues like emergency arbitration. Nevertheless, CAA remains unwavering in its mission, actively championing legislative reforms, striving for harmonization with global tendency.
 
Rekindling Bonds with China International Economic and Trade Commission (CIETAC) - September 4, 2023.
 
Tracing its roots to an era similar to CAA, CIETAC stands tall as one of China's pioneering arbitration entities. Reminiscent of a collaboration forged in 1992, CAA and CIETAC had jointly organised an annual arbitration seminar. However, global events put a pause to this endeavor. This year's primary agenda for CAA's visit was reigniting this collaborative spirit and discussing the revival of the cherished seminar.
 
Leading the reception for our delegation were Mr. Chengjie Wang, the Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of CIETAC, and Ms. Changqing Xie, Vice President of the CIETAC Arbitration Court. Providing a glimpse into CIETAC's expansive operations, there are 14 branches and a network of 28 offices globally. Broadening its global reach, CIETAC has initiated arbitration centers in prominent locations like Vancouver, Canada, and Vienna, Austria. Reflecting on their remarkable caseload - over 4,000 cases in 2022 alone, with a notable chunk being international - CIETAC's dedication to refining its arbitration rules stands evident. Their goal remains consistent: presenting a standardized yet flexible framework accommodating arbitrators, legal entities, and parties spanning different legal terrains. With an eye on the future, Vice Chairman Wang shared his insights on the upcoming 10th edition of CIETAC's arbitration rules slated for a 2024 release. Furthermore, to enhance the quality of arbitration, CIETAC is proactive in addressing recurrent challenges, with routine internal deliberations focusing on pivotal aspects like document services, confidentiality, and the specific traits of varied industries.
 
CAA's Chairman, Dr. Wu, extended his commendations for CIETAC's evolutionary journey. Acknowledging their relentless pursuit to advance ADR mechanisms, Chairman Wu expressed optimism about the blossoming business interactions between China and Taiwan. He anticipates a surge in commercial disputes, spotlighting the immense potential for strengthened ADR collaborations. Concluding on a hopeful note, he expressed an earnest desire for CAA and CIETAC to rekindle their earlier partnership, with an emphasis on delivering unparalleled dispute resolution services.
 
Immersing in Insights at the Tang Lecture & Mingling at the Arbitration Gala - September 5, 2023.
 
As China Arbitration Week unfurled its rich tapestry of events, the Tang Lecture and the Arbitration Gala emerged as its prominent inaugural events. This year's setting was the exquisite Beijing Jun Wang Fu Hotel, a venue echoing the grandeur of China's imperial past.
 
The afternoon commenced with the Tang Lecture, illuminating the intriguing topic of "How Civil Law Addresses Data Ownership and Utilization." Entrusted with the responsibility of navigating us through this intricate subject was Professor Yi Wang, the distinguished Vice President of Renmin University of China. His keynote covered the various facets of data-related rights and interests. Further enriching the discussion, Rimsky Yuen, who has previously held the esteemed position of Secretary for Justice in Hong Kong SAR, weighed in on Professor Wang's discourse. He underscored the imperative need for a deeper understanding of how data and technology can influence the very essence of fair dispute resolution.
 
After the intellectual stimulation of the Tang Lecture, attendees were treated to a serene walk amidst the verdant gardens and traditional courtyards of the hotel. As dusk settled, the ambiance shifted to a more relaxed one with the Arbitration Gala. Hosted as a standing buffet, it fostered an informal surrounding, making it a perfect setting for participants to mingle, share insights, and cultivate networks.
 
Diving Deep into the Future of Arbitration at the China Arbitration Summit - September 6, 2023.
 
Marking a pivotal juncture in the China Arbitration Week, the China Arbitration Summit debuted at the famed Beijing Hotel. This year's deliberations revolved around a particularly engaging theme - "International Arbitration Riding on the New Wave of Sci-Tech Revolution and Industrial Transformation."
 
The summit was structured into three penetrating sessions that promised (and delivered) a comprehensive look into the rapidly evolving world of arbitration:

• Global Perspective: Latest Development of ADR Mechanisms - This segment shed light on the global shifts and innovations in Alternative Dispute Resolution. The discourse ranged from traditional practices to the latest mechanisms being adopted worldwide.
• Frontier Dialogue: New Observations on Hot Issues in International Arbitration - True to its title, this dialogue brought to the fore some of the urgent topics in the realm of international arbitration. The focus was not just on current issues but also on forecasting potential challenges on the horizon.
• Future Vision: New Trend of Arbitration Development in a Time of Change - In this concluding session, thought leaders made prediction about the future, discussing emerging trends and how the arbitration world is likely to shape up in the face of relentless technological and industrial evolution. 

Throughout the summit, a distinguished roster of experts and scholars from the global arbitration community took to the stage. Their presentations covered multifaceted topics, ranging from the intricacies of multi-tier dispute resolution clauses to the potential and challenges of technological applications in arbitration, and the synergies possible through institutional collaborations.
 
The summit wasn't just an academic exercise; it was a window into the future of international arbitration, hinting at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.