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APRAG

On Tuesday 2 November 2004, the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration ('ACICA') hosted the inaugural meeting of the Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group ('APRAG'). The meeting was followed by a foundation dinner. Planning for APRAG had begun over 12 months earlier on ACICA's initiative. Representatives of 17 arbitration centres and associations from throughout Asia and Australasia met at the inaugural meeting, agreed on a constitution, elected office bearers and discussed future projects.

Asia-Australasia is the fastest growing region in the world. Economic development must be supported by a strong service sector, including dispute resolution services. The APRAG members recognise that they share a common interest in promoting arbitration in the region and in enhancing knowledge, skills and expertise. APRAG represents a unique initiative of regional co-operation in the dispute resolution service sector.

In order to discharge its objects, APRAG will undertake various functions such as training for international arbitrators and practitioners, hosting conferences, exchanging information, recognising accreditations and preparing joint submissions to national and international bodies involved with arbitration law and practice.

The Prime Minister of Australia sent a letter of support and the Attorney-General of Australia, the Honourable Philip Ruddock MP spoke at the foundation dinner.

The elected office bearers of APRAG comprise the President, Michael Pryles (ACICA, Australia) and five Vice Presidents, Philip Yang (Hong International Arbitration Centre), Lawrence Boo (Singapore International Arbitration Centre, Dr Wang Sheng Chang (China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission), Mr Sam Kyu Park (Korean Arbitration Board) and Cecil Abraham (Chartered Institute (Malaysian Branch).

For further information about APRAG please visit www.aprag.org

The following arbitration organisations are members of APRAG

  • Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand
  • Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration
  • Australian Commercial Disputes Centre
  • Brunei
  • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Australia)
  • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Malaysia)
  • China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission
  • Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
  • Indian Council of Arbitration
  • Indonesian National Arbitration Board
  • Japan Commercial Arbitration Association
  • Korean Commercial Arbitration Board
  • Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration
  • Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators
  • Mongolian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
  • Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc
  • Singapore International Arbitration Centre
  • Tokyo Maritime Arbitration Commission
  • Vietnam International Arbitration Centre