Qianhai, a special zone on the outskirts of Shenzhen that has been widely tipped to become “South China’s Manhattan,” has set up an international arbitration court.
The Shenzhen International Court of Arbitration opened in the 15-square-kilometer special zone on Sunday (Sept. 22), Southern Metropolis Daily reports. Its role will be to settle international legal disputes.
Over one third of its council members and arbitrators are lawyers from Hong Kong or overseas, who can serve as arbitration agents in Qianhai, providing legal services for Chinese and foreign clients. Of the 11 council members, four are from Hong Kong or overseas.
There are 525 arbitrators from 29 different countries and regions, 34.3% of which are from outside of mainland China. Policy makers hope that this will strengthen confidence in its independence, neutrality and impartiality.
