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FDI Moot Global Finals: A Historic Event in Shenzhen

The 2026 Foreign Direct Investment International Arbitration Moot (FDI Moot) Global Finals recently took place in Shenzhen, China, from October 23rd to October 26th. This event marks the very first occasion that the esteemed competition has been held in China. The Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) served as the host, welcoming a total of 72 teams from 33 countries and regions, along with nearly 200 arbitration experts and arbitrators from 37 regions, all gathered to partake in this prestigious legal competition.

Widely recognized as one of the leading international moot court competitions, the FDI Moot has gained prominence since its inception. Initially introduced to China in 2020 with the establishment of the FDI Moot Shenzhen National Round, this year’s event signifies a pivotal achievement. Huang Guoyong, assistant president and director of the International Cooperation and Development Department of SCIA, heralded the occasion as a historic moment for both the city and the realm of international arbitration, as it reflects the acknowledgment of China’s efforts in investment arbitration on the global stage.

The growth of Chinese universities in the field of international arbitration has been significant. Vice President of the German Arbitration Institute, Rouven Bodenheimer, noted that participation from Chinese university teams has skyrocketed, increasing from a mere handful to over 40 annually, and their performance has demonstrated consistent improvement. Participants from around the world have expressed enthusiasm for the competition and the venue. Hanna Tobiasz from Poland remarked on Shenzhen’s vibrant atmosphere, whileher counterpart from the Czech Republic, Tobias Orbay, highlighted the city’s modernity and its role in enhancing legal skills critical for aspiring lawyers.

Shenzhen’s recognition as a leading arbitration center further underscored the significance of hosting the finals. According to the 2025 International Arbitration Survey by Queen Mary University of London and White & Case LLP, Shenzhen ranked among the top 5 arbitration seats globally for the first time. Moreover, SCIA's arbitration rules are now listed among the top 10 most widely preferred globally. In 2025 alone, SCIA reported handling over 14,000 commercial arbitration cases, with a staggering total dispute amount exceeding 154.34 billion yuan (approximately $23.13 billion), marking the fourth consecutive year surpassing the 100 billion yuan threshold.

Prominent figures in the arbitration sector, like Ignazio Castellucci, a professor of comparative law and SCIA arbitrator, conveyed that the timing for such an event is impeccable. He noted that Shenzhen has emerged as a key arbitration hub worldwide, and the successful hosting of the finals benefits both the city and the global legal community at large. Peter Ong Lip Cheng, an SCIA arbitrator and founder of Singapore’s Peter Ong Law Corporation, observed that the moot serves as a gateway, introducing Shenzhen to the world and positing SCIA's rules at an international benchmark.

The overarching message from various arbitrators encourages young lawyers to pursue their studies ardently and to maintain a curious mindset. Castellucci emphasized the significance of this region's rising prominence as a central point for legal professionals around the globe to convene and engage. Not only does the FDI Moot bolster Shenzhen’s stature on the global arbitration map, but it simultaneously sets the stage for future advancements in the international arbitration arena. As the next generation of legal professionals prepares to enter a fast-evolving field, the experiences and connections gained through such competitions will undoubtedly be instrumental in their careers.