China, Africa launch arbitration center to handle disputes

Lawyers from China and Africa on Thursday officially launched the China-Africa Joint Arbitration Center (CAJAC) in Johannesburg, an alternative to solving disputes without resorting to courts.

South African Advocate Michael Kuper SC became the first chairperson of the center, which also became operational upon its launch.

Its establishment came as the result of rising trade between Africa and China and slow court processes for disputes.

Advocate Kuper told Xinhua that the center would ensure that complaints are dealt with in a proper and fast manner.

"This is a shared initiative between Africa and China to resolve disputes and share jurisprudence. It will have a quick and expert adjudication of cases," he said.

He said the center will handle labour, business and the governments' complaints between the Chinese and Africans.

Starting next month, the center will also launch a website to inform people of their work and how they operate.

"We will carry our work independently in accordance with the law in an equitable and reasonable manner," he said.

The center will operate in Johannesburg and Shanghai, but Kuper said it would also operate in any suitable country when there is a complaint.

"The establishment of China-Africa International Arbitration center is an important step in furthering the partnership between the two countries," said John Jeffrey, South African Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, who also said that the government would support the initiative.

Johannes Tomana, the Prosecutor General in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in Zimbabwe, told Xinhua that the move to have the center would help facilitate trade and relations between Africa and China.

"In developments and exchanges with China, there is bound to be disputes," he said, adding the center provides a platform to resolve disputes in a civilized way and serves the interest of China and Africa.

Bao Shaokun, vice chairperson of the China Law Society said the China-Africa dispute resolution mechanism is a large step forward and will benefit all parties.

Guo Zhaomin, Director General of Overseas Liaison of the China Law Society and also honorary chairperson of both Johannesburg and Shanghai CAJAC Guiding Committee, said the center would ensure a smooth flow of trade and people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa while misunderstanding be solved in a balanced manner. Enditem