The Suzhou International Commercial Court handled two cases filed by Ukrainian companies for the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in accordance with the New York Convention on January 4, the first such rules since the establishment of the court by the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court in last year.

The Convention's principal aim is that foreign and non-domestic arbitral awards will not be discriminated against and it obliges Parties to ensure such awards are recognized and generally capable of enforcement in their jurisdiction in the same way as domestic awards.

The two companies paid an advance of $79,235 and $171,250 respectively to a materials firm in Suzhou to purchase steel coil after signing ideas in March 2017. After the Suzhou firm failed to deliver the products, the two buyers applied for settlement by the International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which ruled the Suzhou firm should pay the full refund and arbitration fees.

The two companies then submitted the application to the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court, requiring the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Then the Suzhou International Commercial Court announced the decision on January 4.

Yu Shuijuan, head of the Suzhou International Commercial Court, said the handling of the case fully reflects the equal protection of the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese and foreign parties. It also demonstrates the judicial commitment to abiding by rules and optimizing the business environment.

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