8 March, 2018
Justin D’Agostino, Herbert Smith Freehills’ Global Head of Disputes, has been appointed chair of a new ICC Court commission to develop the ICC’s approach to dispute resolution procedures for China’s Belt and Road initiative.
“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ method of resolving Belt and Road disputes. But there is a concerted effort to encourage mediation clauses in Belt and Road agreements, with provision for arbitration if mediation fails,” said D’Agostino, who is also Hong Kong’s alternate member of the ICC Court.
“ICC is already a world leading provider of arbitration and mediation services, with tried and tested mechanisms and a strong pool of arbitrators and mediators. It is ideally placed to provide appropriate, effective dispute resolution services to parties all along the New Silk Road”.
The massive scale of Belt and Road is generating huge numbers of infrastructure projects across Asia and beyond – and every new project also has the potential for complex disputes.
Herbert Smith Freehills is engaged in a significant quantity of work generated by the US$900 billion Belt and Road initiative, advising on deals and projects worth over US$10 billion. Last week, the firm welcomed three new partners to our Greater China practice. Hew Kian Heong, Ellen Zhang and Michelle Li will further strengthen our existing team advising clients on Belt and Road projects.
“As China’s new business champions go global, we are increasingly well-placed to advise them on expansion around the globe, including any international disputes that may arise – both along the Belt and Road and other investment corridors,” said D’Agostino.
