ICC, AIAC agree to collaborate with Malaysia in exploring several potential areas

 

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) have agreed to collaborate with Malaysia to explore and identify several potential areas, said the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Azalina Othman Said.

The development came after Azalina visited the ICC in Paris yesterday to meet with ICC International Court of Arbitration Secretary-General Alexander G. Fessas; its Acting Deputy Secretary-General Ziva Filipic and Senior of Marketing and Promotion at the Dispute Resolution Services, DRS Management, Stephanie Goubelle.

Azalina, during the visit, was accompanied by Malaysian Ambassador to France Mohd Zamruni Khalid, the embassy’s Minister Counsellor Abdullah Maamor Ibrahim, Attorney-General’s Chambers Head of Advisory Division Almalena Sharmila Johan and AIAC Director Datuk Sundra Rajoo.

Azalina said among the potential areas both parties have aligned interests and complementary strengths with Malaysia are in strengthening joint advocacy and thought leadership on international trade and investment.

This includes the promotion of free and fair trade, sustainable development, and digitalisation of the economy.

Capacity building

Both parties also have expressed their interest in collaborating on capacity building and professional development, such as conferences, training programmes, certification programmes, and knowledge sharing to enhance the skills and competencies of business leaders, legal practitioners, and dispute resolution specialists.

“The ICC and AIAC also want to cooperate on dispute resolution and conflict prevention, through the exchange of best practices, development of common standards and guidelines, and joint research and analysis, while strengthening institutional capacity and resilience, as well as better alignment with international standards and best practices,” Azalina said in a statement today.

The minister said during the meeting, the government also extended an invitation to the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) to open a branch in Malaysia.

Renewed commitment

Azalina also described the meeting as a sign of renewed commitment between ICC and AIAC to promoting Malaysia as a safe seat and venue for arbitration in Asia, which will soon be consolidated through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

“The Government of Malaysia, AIAC and ICC have had previous and ongoing collaboration of notable events, including hosting the upcoming ‘1st ICC Malaysia Arbitration Day’ which will be held at the AIAC’s Bangunan Sulaiman on 22 May 2023.

“This collaboration will further enhance the reputation and visibility of all parties involved, increase access to new markets, customers, and business opportunities, and improve quality and efficiency of dispute resolution services, leading to faster and more cost-effective resolution of commercial disputes and increased confidence in the legal and institutional framework,” she said.

In light of the ongoing Sulu case, which the government of Malaysia views as an abuse of the arbitration process and international law, Azalina said this collaboration with ICC will also reaffirm their call for the arbitration community as a whole to uphold the sanctity of the arbitration process and any act that tarnishes the reputation of the globally respected arbitration system should be rejected.

“The collaboration with ICC is also envisioned to complement Malaysia's strengths as a leading business destination and strategic investment location supported by the AIAC as a prominent and reputable arbitration centre in the region,” she added.

- Bernama