Guangzhou Arbitration Commission Opens Global Arbitrator Applications

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- The Guangzhou Arbitration Commission (GZAC) has opened global applications for its panel of arbitrators, seeking professionals with cross-border alternative dispute resolution (ADR) experience in fields including law, international trade and commerce.

The application process is conducted entirely online via the official application platform until June 15, with priority given to professionals with extensive experience in legal and commercial affairs, maritime and admiralty matters, science and technology, and ADR.

The commission in a statement said it is particularly interested in candidates with qualifications to practise in multiple jurisdictions, recognised professional standing, substantial experience in cross-border arbitral proceedings, and proficiency in at least one language, namely English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Italian.

According to the Regulations on the Construction of Guangzhou International Commercial Arbitration Center, effective May 2026, the GZAC will establish an internationally competitive remuneration system for arbitrators, providing overseas arbitrators with market-orientated compensation aligned with their expertise and contributions.

Guangzhou was ranked among the world's most preferred seats of arbitration, according to the 2025 International Arbitration Survey, while the GZAC arbitration rules were recognised as among the world's most widely used arbitration rules.

The Commission currently handles cases involving parties from 67 countries and jurisdictions, covering international trade, cross-border investment, intellectual property, and maritime and commercial disputes. Its arbitral awards have been recognised and enforced by courts in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and Malaysia.

In 2025, the GZAC accepted a record-breaking 27,000 filings, involving a total dispute value of 92.1 billion Chinese yuan. Its international docket comprised 877 foreign-related cases worth 12.3 billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM58.06).

With overseas arbitrators appointed in 610 of these proceedings, the GZAC continues to solidify its position as China’s premier seat for international disputes by volume of foreign-related cases.

-- BERNAMA