Singapore and China sign MOUs to promote international arbitration as preferred method of dispute resolution

18 December 2025

The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (“SIAC”) has strengthened its strategic cooperation with key legal and commercial institutions across the People’s Republic of China through the signing of three memoranda of understanding (“MOUs”) in November and December 2025. These partnerships underscore the shared commitment of Singapore and China to promote international arbitration as a preferred mechanism for resolving cross-border disputes, support business users engaged in regional and outbound investment activities, and enhance professional exchange between arbitration communities in both jurisdictions.

Partnership with Chongqing Arbitration Commission

SIAC’s MOU with the Chongqing Arbitration Commission (“CQAC”), signed on 21 November 2025, focuses on promoting international arbitration awareness and capability in both Singapore and China. The institutions will jointly organise conferences, seminars, workshops, and training programmes, deepening cross-border dialogue on arbitration practice. To support the conduct of arbitrations, CQAC will provide SIAC users with preferential access to its hearing facilities in China, while SIAC will use its best efforts to facilitate preferential bookings at Maxwell Chambers for CQAC arbitrations held in Singapore. This collaboration enhances institutional connectivity between Western China and Singapore and broadens opportunities for parties seeking neutral and efficient dispute resolution options.

Partnership with Zhejiang Merchants Foreign-Related Legal Service Center

Another MOU, signed with the Zhejiang Merchants Foreign-Related Legal Service Center (“ZS Center”) on 23 November 2025, reinforces SIAC’s engagement with one of China’s most dynamic commercial regions. ZS Center will promote SIAC as a dispute resolution option for outbound investments and assist in mobilising business participation in SIAC initiatives held in Zhejiang. SIAC will similarly conduct training and capacity-building workshops for ZS Center users. The parties will also explore the establishment of a joint SIAC-ZS Center (Arbitration) Working Group, mirroring the framework contemplated under the Qianhai MOU, to facilitate ongoing cooperation on arbitration-related development.

Partnership with Qianhai Authority

SIAC also entered into an MOU with the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone (“Qianhai Authority”), which was signed on 25 November 2025. Under this MOU, SIAC will be promoted to companies, investors, and businesses operating within the Qianhai Cooperation Zone, a major hub for innovation and outbound investment. The Qianhai Authority will support SIAC’s outreach efforts by facilitating participation from the local business community in SIAC events held in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone. SIAC, in turn, will design and conduct training programmes to strengthen users’ familiarity with international arbitration and SIAC procedures. The parties will additionally explore the formation of an SIAC Shenzhen (Arbitration) Working Group to further exchange insights and identify avenues for deeper collaboration in arbitration development.

Reference materials

The following press releases on the signing of the MOUs are available on the SIAC website siac.org.sg: