The e-Newsletter of the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC) is published bi-weekly on VIAC's website and LinkedIn page. The Newsletter includes updates on news, upcoming events, and information related to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to VIAC e-Newsletter HERE.
VIAC E-NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 25.02.24 (SPECIAL ISSUE – 2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS)
1. VIAC SYMPOSIUM 2024: CROSS-BORDER TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN TIMES OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY: DISPUTE AND ARBITRATION
Overview of VIAC Symposium
On June 26th and 27th, 2024, the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC), with technical assistant from United States Agency for International Development (USAID), organizes VIAC SYMPOSIUM 2024 with the theme of “Cross-border trade and investment in times of economic uncertainty: Dispute and Arbitration”. VIAC SYMPOSIUM 2024 aimed to examine current economic fluctuations and discuss appropriate measures to overcome such obstacles, including discussions to enhance the effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods in supporting cross-border trade and investment activities. The forum brought together 500 experienced ADR experts and practitioners, as well as foreign and domestic investors and enterprises who are participating in Vietnam's dynamic and competitive trade and investment market.
The event consists of 4 main Sections: Section A - the Launching Ceremony of VIAC Online Case Management Platform; Section B - “Vietnam businesses reaching out to global arena in current economic uncertainty”; Section C - "Disruption and Reconstruction in Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate throughout market fluctuation; and Section D - “Envisioning the Next Chapter of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Vietnam when Moving Forward in the Era of Digital Economy: Legal restraints, Adaption & Human resource”
Event Materials: See here.
2. LEGAL MANAGEMENT SERIES 2024 (LMS 2024): “LEGAL COMPLIANCE FOR ADAPTING TO A MODERN AND GREEN ECONOMY”
Overview of LMS 2024
The Legal Management Series 2024 was organized by VIAC along with over 20 partners. Taking into consideration business demands and prominent dispute trends, LMS 2024 took up the theme of "Legal compliance for adapting to the modern and green economy", with 09 events in total from June to November 2024. LMS 2024’s approach combined market trend analysis, updates on the legal framework, risk identification, and recommendations for dispute prevention and resolution. The series brought together more than 50 economic and legal experts, and attracted nearly 2,000 delegates attending both in-person and online. The series allowed VIAC HCMC to not only expand its partnerships and strengthen its connections with local authorities but also reached a large number of businesses in emerging industries with a growing need for arbitration and mediation in dispute resolution.
Among the 9 events of the series, 3 were held in Ho Chi Minh City: Seminar "ESG - Key to sustainable development: Solutions for promoting businesses to effectively practice ESG standards"; Seminar "Contemporary international trade: Changes in business strategies and disputes management"; and Seminar "Legal and finance issues in M&A transactions in the real estate segment under the context of new legal framework". Seminars were also held in Khanh Hoa, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, and Binh Thuan. In addition, VIAC organised three online talkshows: Online Talkshow 01 (June 21st 2024), Online Talkshow 02 (July 5th 2024), and Online Talkshow 3 (July 12th 2024).
3. ARBITRATION - MEDIATION SYMPOSIUM 2024 (AMS 2024): THIRD PARTIES AND INFLUENCES ON ARBITRAL PROCEEDINGS
Overview of AMS 2024
Building on the event’s success in 2023, the Arbitration - Mediation Symposium 2024 (AMS 2024) was held with a series of 03 thematic workshops and 01 discussion forum focusing on “Third parties and influences on arbitral proceedings”. The series attracted over 1,000 delegates both online and in-person, as well as 25 scholars, researchers, experts, and lawyers from both domestic and international backgrounds. AMS 2024 has fostered constructive and practical insights from speakers and delegates, contributing to the improvement of the legal framework on arbitration and the development of ADR in the future.
The series consists of three Workshops: Workshop 1 on “Interim measures in arbitration and impacts of third parties”; Workshop 2 on “The enforcement of arbitral award and issues arising from third parties”; and Workshop 3 on “Mediation in arbitral proceedings: Neutral third parties’ roles and influences on dispute resolution”. Concluding the series, VIAC also held a Closing Symposium on “Completing third parties’ mechanisms and facilitating arbitral proceedings”.
4. VIAC’S ARBITRATION SERIES (VAS CROSSOVER 2024) – ELEVATING INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION IN VIETNAM: FROM BASIC PRINCIPLES TO PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Speakers at VAS 2024
In August 2024, VIAC, ADR Vietnam Chambers LLC, and the Vietnam Institute for International Arbitration Research and Training (VIART) – a division of VIAC, co-hosted a series of online workshops on dispute resolution through arbitration – VAS Crossover 2024, with the theme of “Elevating International Arbitration in Vietnam: From Basic Principles to Professional Skills”. VAS is an annual series by VIAC since 2019, focusing on promoting proper teaching and self-studying the principles of international arbitration, as well as providing basic guidance for Vietnamese arbitration practitioners. The series featured discussions and contributions frhiom over 30 experts and more than 1,100 participants, including lawyers, legal professionals, lecturers and students. VAS Crossover 2024 consists of 3 topics: (1) Teaching & Self-Study of the Basic Principles of International Arbitration; (2) Advocacy Skills of Lawyers in International Arbitration; and (3) Professional Skills of an Arbitrator in an Arbitration Case.
5. HO CHI MINH CITY INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION ARBITRATION CONFERENCE (HICAC 2024)
Overview of HICAC 2024
From April 24th to 28th, 2024, the Society of Construction Law - Vietnam (SCLVN), VIAC, and the International Law Faculty of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (ULAW) co-hosted the Ho Chi Minh City International Construction Arbitration Conference (HICAC 2024). HICAC 2024 with the theme of “Construction contract and International Arbitration – When Legal traditions collide” provided a platform for experts and practitioners to share business and national practical experiences in resolving construction disputes. HICAC 2024 took place with 5 main Sections and a series of side events, attracting nearly 50 experts and more than 300 delegates, both domestic and international. The Conference provided in-depth insights into construction contracts, international dispute resolution and arbitration, supporting businesses and the legal community adapt legal strategies to global practices.
Event material: See here.
6. CONFERENCE ON CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AND DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS (CCCDR 2024) - MAIN CONFERENCE ON RISK MITIGATION IN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION AND SIDE EVENTS
Overview of CCCDR 2024
The Society of Construction Law -Vietnam (SCLVN) and Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC) co-hosted the Conference on Construction Contract and Dispute Resolutions (CCCDR 2024) revolving around “Risk Mitigation in Construction Contract Preparation and Administration.” The Conference took place from October 7th to October 11th, 2024, featuring 04 main sessions and 07 side events and networking activities. CCCDR 2024 is not only an opportunity for businesses and investors to enhance their legal understanding of construction contracts but also helps in shaping effective contract management strategies, mitigating legal risks, and optimizing dispute resolution capabilities. Through discussion sessions and networking opportunities, the conference supports businesses in adapting to changes in the legal environment and strengthening contract enforcement capabilities in the context of international integration.
The main Conference was held in 4 main sections: a General Session; Section A on “Risk Prevention in Drafting of Construction Contracts”; Section B “Negotiation skills in contract negotiation and complaint resolution in construction projects”; and Section C “Risk and Claim Management during Contract Implementation”
Event material: See here.
7. INVESTMENT LEGAL SUPPORT FORUM (ILS FORUM 2024)
Overview of Investment Legal Support Forum 2024
The 2024 Investment Legal Support Forum was held in Ho Chi Minh City, focusing on public-private partnership (PPP) investments and energy project investments. The event brought together investors, legal experts, government representatives, foreign business associations, and law firms. In Semester 1 - "Investment through the Public-Private Partnership method under new context of Ho Chi Minh City" - VIAC collaborated with ITPC to propose adjustments to the PPP Law, contributing to policy development for PPP projects in the city. These recommendations were recognized and incorporated into subsequent decisions and directives of Ho Chi Minh City. Session 2 focused on "Attracting investors to renewable energy and promoting green economic in Ho Chi Minh City". The forum provided a key platform for businesses and regulators to enhance the investment environment.
Event Material: Semester 1 – Semester 2.
8. SEMINAR ON DISPUTE RESOLUTION STRATEGIES FOR ENTERPRISES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION: INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS.
Speakers and participants of the Seminar
On the afternoon of 11 January 2024 in Hanoi, the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) and the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IBPA) co-hosted the Seminar on Dispute resolution strategies for enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region: International arbitration and alternative dispute resolutions. The event attracted lawyers, legal experts, representatives from educational institutions, and media agencies in Hanoi. With esteemed speakers from Vietnam, Japan, and Singapore, the Seminar served as a platform for discussions on trends in international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods in the region. It provided up-to-date insights and facilitated experience exchange, enhancing business dispute resolution strategies in the context of international economic integration. [See more]
Event material: See here.
9. SEMINAR ON INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION: FACILITATING CHINA AND VIETNAM TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Overview of the Seminar
On the afternoon of May 8th, 2024, the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) and the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) cohosted the Seminar on “International Arbitration: Facilitating China & Vietnam Trade and Investment”. The seminar focused on the current trade and investment landscape between China and Vietnam, as well as assessing the impact of international arbitration on cross-border investment and trade activities between the two countries. Speakers from both VIAC and CIETAC shared insights into the practical aspects of resolving commercial disputes between Vietnamese and Chinese businesses, while also assessing the challenges and opportunities of adopting international arbitration as a mechanism aligning with the interests of parties. The seminar also provided updates on the evolving trends in arbitration within the region, helping to raise awareness and strengthen cooperation between businesses from both countries. [See more]
Event material: See here.
10. CEO COMMUNITY EXCHANGE FORUM
Overview of the Forum
Recognizing the importance of business leaders and managers, VIAC HCMC and VCCI HCMC organize an annual CEO Community Networking Forum, integrated into the CEO Training program led by VCCI. The program aims to connect and facilitate networking between CEOs in the business community and the legal sector, focusing on legal governance and risk management for enterprises. This model allows VIAC to directly engage with business owners, promote the message of dispute resolution through ADRs, and strengthen its credibility within the legal community. VIAC HCMC has also received a proposal from VCCI to expand the CEO Roundtable format to other provinces, such as Vũng Tàu and Cần Thơ. The forum consists of 2 Seminars: Seminar 1 on "Sharing on Effective Legal Governance Models in Businesses"; and Seminar 2: Current Practices and Recommendations for Managers” (Seminar 2 Event Material: See here).
11. 2024 UNCITRAL ASIA PACIFIC DAY IN VIETNAM
Overview of Viet Nam UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Day
The UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Days (“AP Days”) series is one of the flagship events of the UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (“RCAP”) to promote understanding and application of UNCITRAL standards in the Asia-Pacific region. The 2024 UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Day in Viet Nam was organized by UNCITRAL RCAP, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam (MOFA), Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC), and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (HCMC ULAW), focusing on “UNCITRAL’s Model Law & Instruments”. Hosting the 2024 AP Day in Viet Nam offers a timely and strategic opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Viet Nam’s ongoing legal reforms. In particular, Viet Nam’s Law on Commercial Arbitration is currently under review for potential revision, with policymakers considering the adoption of UNCITRAL standards to further align Viet Nam’s arbitration framework with international best practices.
12. VIAC'S 2024 ARBITRATORS AND MEDIATORS MEETING
Overview of VIAC's 2024 Arbitrators and Mediators Meeting
The Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) successfully hosted its 2024 Arbitrators & Mediators Meeting on March 16th in Ho Chi Minh City and March 23rd in Hanoi. As a recurring annual event, the VIAC Arbitrators & Mediators Conference serves as a forum for arbitrators, mediators, and VIAC to review past achievements and explore future strategies. It is also an opportunity for VIAC to express its appreciation to the continuous support and cooperation of arbitrators and mediators. The 2024 conference saw the participation of over 120 arbitrators, mediators, and VIAC staff from across the nation, contributing to productive discussions and valuable insights for the upcoming term.
13. TRAINING COURSE FOR JUDGES
Overview of the Training course
The Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC), with technical support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), organized the “Exchange Forum on Commercial Arbitration” aimed at equipping judges with international skills and experience in addressing issues related to commercial arbitration. The training course featured both domestic and international experts who are highly experienced in the field. The Forum took place in Phu Quoc from April 13th to April 14th, 2024. Participants included judges and officials involved in commercial arbitration from the Supreme People's Court, the Economic Court of the Hanoi People's Court of Hanoi, the Economic Court of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court, and the Da Nang People's Court.
Read the VIAC e-Newsletter Issue 25.02.24 to stay updated on activities, events, and other useful information related to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods. The e-Newsletter is published bi-weekly on LinkedIn.
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