By Alfred Ip, Partner, Notary Public and CEDR Accredited Mediator

China and Hong Kong have become a magnet for international business over the past couple of years. At the same time, this "boom" has produced an increase in the complexity and the number of disputes between businesses each year. In the past, it has been a company's first priority to jump straight into litigation or arbitration. However, due to the increase in court costs and lawyer's fees, as well as the possibility of a trial or conflict lasting a number of years, many companies are searching for an alternative to resolve their differences.