Xinjiang opens first tribunal for foreign commercial disputes to facilitate the region’s high level opening up.
A specialized tribunal for handling foreign-related commercial disputes was inaugurated on Thursday in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to facilitate the region’s high-level economic opening and contribute to the Silk Road Economic Belt’s development, court officials announced.
The tribunal, situated in the Urumqi section of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, is the first of its kind in Xinjiang, focusing exclusively on foreign-related judicial matters. According to Luo Zhiyong, deputy chief judge of the Supreme People’s Court’s 6th Circuit Court, the tribunal aims to enhance Xinjiang’s appeal for international business by providing an effective platform for resolving commercial disputes.
Luo emphasized that the tribunal will help improve Xinjiang’s business environment and global competitiveness. By efficiently managing foreign-related cases, the court will showcase the region’s openness, inclusivity, and confidence on the international stage.
Dilxat Sayim, president of the Xinjiang High People’s Court, stated that the tribunal will play a crucial role in ensuring the fair and lawful protection of market participants. It will also provide an efficient and transparent mechanism for resolving international business disputes while offering precise legal services to both domestic and foreign entities.
In addition to dispute resolution, the tribunal plans to establish mechanisms for information exchange with other countries. It will also collaborate with universities and research institutions to advance studies on counter-sanctions and anti-long-arm jurisdiction, Dilxat noted.
To enhance its effectiveness, Urumqi’s courts have integrated domestic commercial trial functions, including foreign-related business matters and intellectual property rights. Additionally, efforts have been made to develop a specialized team of judges with expertise in international regulations and foreign legal systems.
The tribunal is a key component of the Silk Road Economic Belt Legal Service District, which was launched in Urumqi on November 17 last year. Similar legal service hubs have also been set up in Fujian and Shaanxi provinces to support the Belt and Road Initiative.
By the end of January, the Xinjiang legal service district had processed over 1,425 foreign-related commercial cases, including disputes involving intellectual property, contracts, sales, and loans, as outlined in a white paper released on Thursday.
