Arbitration Insights | Episode 1 | Investment Arbitration in Asia

In this episode, Loukas Mistelis sits down with Professor Mark Feldman, Interim Dean and Professor of Law at Peking University School of Transnational Law, to discuss the evolving landscape of investment arbitration and treaties, with a focus on Asia.

Professor Feldman shares insights from his extensive experience, from serving as Chief of NAFTA, CAFTA, and DR at the U.S. State Department to teaching law in China. The conversation explores:

• The growth and reform of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) globally and regionally.
• How Asia, particularly the Pacific Rim, maintains traditional ISDS practices while ensuring consistency and clarity for investors.
• The role of mega-regional agreements like CPTPP and RCEP in shaping investment rules.
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the development of foreign-related rule of law.
• ASEAN centrality and Singapore’s growing position as a hub for investment treaty rulemaking.
• Emerging trends in FDI across Asia, including digital and infrastructure investments in Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond.
• Efforts to build capacity for outbound investors, especially startups and smaller enterprises, through advisory centres and education.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive view of how Asia is shaping global investment governance, balancing innovation with consistency, and preparing the next generation of investors and legal experts.