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Courting success: retired Chinese official sets up one-stop dispute resolution shop in Shanghai

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Zhang Wei, chairwoman of the Shanghai Commercial Mediation Centre, says mediation can be used to help settle business disputes and foster a sense of integrity among Chinese entrepreneurs. Photo: SCMP Pictures
Daniel Renin Shanghai

ZHANG WEI, 61, a retired Shanghai district justice official, took the lead in establishing the Shanghai Commercial Mediation Centre, a first for China, in 2011.

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She tells DANIEL REN how the power of mediation can be used to help settle business disputes in Shanghai and also foster integrity among Chinese entrepreneurs.

What role does your organisation play and what benefits can businesses reap from it?

Mediation centres have been around in China for a long time, but they mainly deal with civil cases, such as settling marital disputes and ignore the business side of things.

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A mediation centre is run by a group of professionals who understand both business and the rule of law to help conflicting parties work out a win-win situation.

It’s not an easy job. We want to be a pioneer in this field. Besides, it will help Shanghai improve its business climate as companies and individuals will have an alternative to courts and arbitration commissions to protect their interests.

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