Southern Centre for Commercial Arbitration opens Hanoi branch to expand the network for commercial dispute resolution

On April 4, in Hanoi, the Southern Centre for Commercial Arbitration officially launched a new branch in the capital to expand its network for resolving commercial disputes for businesses in Vietnam’s northern region.

Purpose of the Hanoi branch

The Hanoi Branch of the Southern Centre for Commercial Arbitration will aim to help enterprises resolve disputes through arbitration. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Nam, Chairman of the Southern Centre for Commercial Arbitration, said the Centre was established and has been operating since 2020. After six years of operation, the Centre decided to expand to Hanoi to strengthen enterprises’ understanding of dispute resolution methods through commercial arbitration.

Mr. Nam said the Centre’s core objective is to pursue mediation and resolve disputes arising from commercial contracts through arbitration.

“Prioritizing mediation not only helps reduce the overload on the People’s Courts at all levels today, but also carries a profoundly humanitarian significance as it can help disputing parties from opponents become partners,” Mr. Nam emphasized.

Legal and professional role

Lawyer Do Huu Dinh, Director of Viet Kim Law Firm and Head of the Hanoi Branch, said establishing the branch is intended not only to expand the Centre’s network but also to create a “legal playing field.”

He added that the branch is expected to connect lawyers, colleagues, and scholars to share expertise and raise the level of legal knowledge generally, and commercial arbitration in particular, through scientific forums, professional exchanges, and updates on new policies.

In addition, the branch will strengthen dispute-resolution activities through arbitration.

Why arbitration is gaining attention

In the context of deeper global integration, Vietnamese companies maintain extensive networks with partners in Vietnam, Japan, China, and other markets, leading to varied and rising legal risks in trade. In this environment, arbitration has emerged as an important trend, with advantages including minimizing resolution time and costs and offering a high degree of voluntary participation.

“Arbitration proceedings are characterized by both parties jointly selecting a trusted arbitration center to resolve the dispute, which is completely different from court proceedings where one side chooses and decides,” said Lawyer Dinh.

Collaboration and support sought

To ensure the branch operates effectively, both Chairman Nam and Branch Head Dinh said they hope to receive support and guidance from state authorities in Hanoi on legal matters. The Centre also called for collaboration with law schools to train and enhance the capacity of arbitrators, including timely updates on changes in the law.

Planned partnerships

The branch intends to closely connect with associations and business organizations, including the Hanoi Young Entrepreneurs Association, the Do Family Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Club, and the Hanoi Real Estate Club. The Centre said these partnerships are expected to help make the Southern Centre for Commercial Arbitration – Hanoi Branch one of the most active arbitration centers, supporting the business community in navigating difficulties and moving toward prosperous development.