Is Chandrababu Naidu Launching an International Arbitration Centre in Vizag?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- International Arbitration Centre to be established in Visakhapatnam.
- Focus on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) systems.
- Integration of technology in dispute resolution.
- Vision for Visakhapatnam as a global technology hub.
- Historical significance of mediation in Indian culture.
Visakhapatnam, Sep 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, announced on Friday that the state government aims to set up an international arbitration centre in Visakhapatnam with judicial backing.
Speaking at the International Mediation conference hosted by the Asian Centre for International Arbitration and Mediation (ACIAM), he highlighted the importance of establishing a mechanism to minimize disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) systems that leverage technology to bolster India's economic development.
Naidu noted that mediation has historical roots, emphasizing that Lord Krishna exemplifies the ideal mediator. He shared personal anecdotes about his father, who mediated disputes within his village and neighboring areas, advocating for the creation of the largest ADR centre in Visakhapatnam, surpassing the renowned Singapore Mediation and Arbitration Centre.
He envisions Visakhapatnam transforming into a global technology hub, especially with a data centre planned by Google in the next couple of years. The state is also working on a Quantum computing centre in Amaravati alongside a space city and drone city initiatives.
Naidu mentioned that the government is currently offering 700 services via WhatsApp, utilizing technology and real-time data to bridge societal divides.
Earlier, Prof. S. Suryaprakash, Vice-Chancellor of the National Law Institute in Bhopal, proposed establishing an International School of Maritime Law in Visakhapatnam, noting the region's extensive coastline and rising maritime disputes, which are currently managed from Mumbai.
Chief Justice Dheeraj Singh Thakur of the Andhra Pradesh High Court revealed that 1,400 mediators have received training, with an additional 800 expected by December. He emphasized the need for methods to assess mediator skills, highlighting integrity and honesty as essential qualities.
Supreme Court Justices Surya Kant and P. S. Narsimha underscored the significance of trust in mediation for dispute resolution.