To further leverage Macao’s strategic role in cross-border dispute resolution and support the efficient operation of commercial exchanges within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond, the World Trade Center Macau Arbitration Center (hereinafter referred to as “the Center”) hosted the session “Arbitration Empowering Cross-Border Commercial Development: Service Promotion of WTC Macau Arbitration Center” on 24 October at 2:30 p.m., as part of the 30th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), held at The Venetian Macao – Cotai Expo.

The session brought together over 50 participants, including representatives from Macao SAR government departments and various sectors across the Greater Bay Area, to explore the role of arbitration in enabling high-quality development of cross-border commerce. Attending organisations included the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Economic and Technological Development Bureau, Macao Lawyers Association, Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Importers & Exporters Association, Macao Textile Merchants Association, Macao Shipper’s Association, Macao Chinese Enterprises Association, and the Macao Legal Exchange and Promotion Association, among others. Their presence underscored the practical value and regional appeal of Macao’s arbitration system in promoting legal-business integration.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Jackson Tsui, President of the Council of the Center, noted that as enterprises in the Greater Bay Area accelerate their internationalisation, the risk of cross-border disputes continues to grow. Arbitration, with its voluntary nature, procedural flexibility, confidentiality, and enforceability across jurisdictions, has emerged as a preferred mechanism for resolving international commercial disputes. He emphasised the Center’s commitment to serving as a legal bridge linking Mainland China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and fostering legal connectivity between the Greater Bay Area and global markets—an endeavour that reflects the pulse of regional economic development.

Ms. Vong Sok Hei, Rosita, Secretary-General of the Center, delivered a keynote presentation highlighting the structure and strengths of Macao’s arbitration system and the Center’s specialised services in dispute resolution. She elaborated on “Allowing Macau invested enterprise to adopt Macau Law” and “Allowing Macau invested enterprise to choose for arbitration to be seated in Macau” framework, which offers Macao-invested enterprises a more flexible and secure legal environment, while providing efficient, predictable, and procedurally robust solutions for resolving cross-border commercial disputes.

A highlight of the session was a live arbitration hearing simulation conducted by a demonstration team composed of six arbitrators—Lo Cheok In, Hong I Kuan, Bernardete Fan, Lin Wa Kit, Luo Tao, and Ao Sio Peng—and a professional case secretary, all carefully selected by the Center. The realistic and professionally executed mock hearing gave participants first-hand insight into arbitration procedures and served as a valuable reference for enterprises seeking to mitigate cross-border risks and resolve disputes effectively.

By combining expert presentations with a live procedural demonstration, the session effectively showcased the core value and professionalism of institutional arbitration in Macao. The Center aims to build on this momentum to further strengthen ties with the Greater Bay Area business community and position Macao as a key node in the integration of regional rule of law and commerce.