The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) is an international treaty ratified by 94 States from different legal traditions with varying levels of economic development, covering more than two-thirds of the global economy. By ratifying the CISG, these States enjoy the certainty and convenience of a fair, transparent, and uniform legal regime for cross-border sale of goods contracts.

In the 40 years since its establishment, the CISG continues to evolve and develop through various challenges. To kick off the 19th Willem C. Vis (East) International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Hong Kong, this conference brings together international experts to share their perspectives on the CISG’s achievements in the past, developments presently in the works, as well as the anticipated challenges and impacts for the future. In particular, the presentations will focus on the developments of the CISG in the APAC region, including Hong Kong, as well as its potential impacts on the future work of railway consignment. The conference will also showcase an exciting debate on ‘hot topics’ involving the CISG, topics of which will not least be familiar to Mooties and arbitrators from this year’s Vis Moot Problem, but also be of key interest to practitioners worldwide as they involve common issues faced in international commercial transactions.