[RECAP VAW 2026] Vietnam ADR Week 2026 Opening Ceremony & Announcing the VIAC Rules of Arbitration 2026

On the morning of 25 May 2026, in Hanoi, the Vietnam ADR Week 2026 – VAW 2026 with the theme “Arbitration & ADR: Embracing New Heights” has officially commenced. The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) and the Vietnam Lawyers Association. The Opening Ceremony of Vietnam Arbitration and ADR Week 2026 and the Launch of the VIAC Arbitration Rules 2026 successfully kicked off the week-long program, attracting nearly 150 participants, including representatives from policy-making agencies, domestic and international business associations, international arbitration institutions, lawyers, legal experts, specialists, and media organizations.

Remarks by Mr. Mai Luong Khoi – Deputy Minister of Justice

In his keynote address, Mr. Mai Luong Khoi - Deputy Minister of Justice, acknowledged and highly appreciated the efforts of VIAC, the Vietnam Lawyers Association, and the broader ADR community in promoting the development of modern dispute resolution mechanisms in Vietnam. With the support and attention of the Government, the cooperation of state agencies, and the proactive engagement of arbitration and mediation institutions, Mr. Khoi expressed confidence that arbitration and mediation activities in Vietnam will continue to grow robustly, contributing to the establishment of a secure, transparent, and reliable legal environment for investment and business activities in the coming years.

Opening Remarks by Mr. Nguyen Khanh Ngoc – President of the Vietnam Lawyers Association

In his opening speech, Mr. Nguyen Khanh Ngoc – President of the Vietnam Lawyers Association, emphasized that in the context of increasingly dynamic and deeply integrated investment, business, and trade activities, the establishment of a transparent legal framework and fair, efficient, and business-friendly dispute resolution mechanisms is of particular importance to sustainable economic development. According to him, arbitration and mediation are not only modern and flexible methods of dispute resolution but are also increasingly demonstrating their vital role in improving the investment and business environment and enhancing national competitiveness. He further noted that Vietnam ADR Week 2026 provides an opportunity for the legal community, businesses, arbitration institutions, and mediation organizations to exchange views on emerging global trends such as dispute resolution reform, online proceedings, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI). It also serves as a platform for discussing solutions to promote the healthy and sustainable development of arbitration and mediation in Vietnam while strengthening their international competitiveness in the years ahead.

Opening Remarks by Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh – President of VIAC

Representing VIAC, Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh – President of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC), stressed that international trade and investment are undergoing significant changes driven by supply chain shifts, digital transformation, and technological advancement. As a result, commercial disputes are becoming increasingly numerous, complex, and cross-border in nature. In this context, arbitration, mediation, and other ADR mechanisms have become more relevant than ever due to their flexibility, efficiency, and alignment with international standards.

He further observed that Asia is emerging as a dynamic hub for arbitration and ADR development, creating substantial opportunities for emerging jurisdictions such as Vietnam. Against this backdrop, continuously improving the quality of arbitration and ADR services is essential for strengthening the confidence of businesses and international investors in Vietnam’s legal environment. On behalf of VIAC, Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh reaffirmed VIAC’s commitment to advancing reforms, including the promulgation of the VIAC Rules of Arbitration 2026, designed to be more modern, flexible, and better suited to contemporary dispute resolution practices.

Mr. Vu Anh Duong – Permanent Vice President cum Secretary General of VIAC

At the beginning of the program, Mr. Vu Anh Duong – Permanent Vice President cum Secretary General of VIAC, delivered an introduction to “Key Innovations and Practical Implications of the VIAC Rules of Arbitration 2026.” He explained that the drafting of the 2026 Rules took place amid a convergence of favorable conditions. At the national level, Vietnam is vigorously pursuing institutional and legal reforms in trade and investment in line with international standards, while also benefiting from the trend of international dispute resolution activities shifting toward Asia. At the market level, arbitration in Vietnam is entering a phase of rapid and increasingly professional development, supported by a stronger legal framework and improved technological infrastructure that facilitates electronic arbitration proceedings. Meanwhile, the community of arbitration practitioners continues to expand and has developed the expertise necessary to handle complex domestic and international disputes. VIAC itself has also accumulated nearly a decade of operational experience since its previous revision of the Rules.

Accordingly, Mr. Duong noted that the VIAC Rules of Arbitration 2026 were drafted and finalized based on several core objectives, including aligning more closely with evolving international standards; enhancing the efficiency of arbitration procedures; and accelerating digitalization and the application of technology in arbitration and ADR proceedings. He emphasized that the revision was intended not only to respond to changes in international commercial dispute resolution practices but also to reflect Vietnam’s broader ambition to improve the quality of arbitration services in response to growing demands from businesses and investors for transparency, efficiency, and predictability in dispute resolution mechanisms.

Roundtable Discussion on “Elevating Arbitration Standards: Expectations from Users”

The program continued with a roundtable discussion titled “Elevating Arbitration Standards: Expectations from Users,” moderated by Mr. Luu Xuan Vinh, Founder & Managing Partner of Asia Legal. The panel featured Mr. Nguyen Hai Minh – Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam); Ms. Vu Thi Hang, Chief of Secretariat and Member of Scientific Council of VIAC; Mr. Edmund Kronenberg – Managing Partner of Braddell Brothers LLP, Advocates & Solicitors, VIAC’s Listed Arbitrator; and Mr. Do Khoi Nguyen – Partner at YKVN, Head of International Arbitration. The discussion focused on emerging trends in international commercial arbitration, the need to improve the effectiveness and practical responsiveness of ADR mechanisms, and the increasingly high expectations of investors and the business community regarding Vietnam’s legal environment.

Through a series of presentations and multidimensional professional exchanges, the session shed light on new developments in international commercial arbitration, the need for greater efficiency and adaptability of ADR mechanisms amid global commercial uncertainty, and the rising expectations of businesses and investors toward Vietnam’s legal framework. The panelists also emphasized the importance of continuing to improve the legal framework; enhancing the quality of human resources in dispute resolution; strengthening support from the judicial system; and promoting collaboration among stakeholders within the ADR ecosystem. These measures, they argued, are essential to improving Vietnam’s competitiveness as a reputable arbitration destination in the region.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, participants recognized the launch of the VIAC Rules of Arbitration 2026 as a significant milestone in the development of arbitration in Vietnam and as evidence of VIAC’s ongoing efforts to incorporate international best practices and enhance dispute resolution services for both domestic and international business communities.

Representatives of the Organizing Committee presented commemorative gifts to the sponsors, speakers, and experts of VAW 2026

During the event, Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh – President of VIAC, Mr. Nguyen Khanh Ngoc – President of the Vietnam Lawyers Association, and Mr. Vu Anh Duong – Permanent Vice President cum Secretary General of VIAC, presented commemorative gifts to sponsors, speakers, and experts as a gesture of gratitude for their valuable support and contributions to the success of Vietnam ADR Week 2026.

Following the opening ceremony, Vietnam ADR Week 2026 continued with a series of conferences, seminars, panel discussions, and professional networking activities in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These events provide a meaningful platform for dialogue among government authorities, professional organizations, the business community, and experts, thereby promoting the professional, transparent, and sustainable development of ADR in Vietnam during the next stage of its growth.

Some photos from the Vietnam ADR Week 2026 Opening Ceremony & Announcing the VIAC Rules of Arbitration 2026, held as part of VAW 2026.