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issue #02, week 42. 15 October 2014
Prepared by TDM and Aloysius Gng (CEPMLP/Dundee)

TDM News Digest

provides a condensed overview of recent events of interest to the international arbitration community.

Comments, suggestions, news?

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NEWS

African disputes should be heard in Africa by African arbitrators - Edward Torgbor

Oct 10, http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/546/119880.html

Former high court Kenyan judge Edward Torgbor, now practicing as a specialist arbitrator, says that the parties in 99% of all African disputes are represented by lawyers and law firms based in the UK, USA and France.

...

COMESA Regional Competition Policy now Appreciated

Oct 06, http://www.comesa.int/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1339:stakeholders-now-appreciating-the-need-for-regional-competition-policy&catid=5:latest-news&Itemid=41

“They are beginning to realize that competition policy is the best instrument available in order to ensure that regional integration remains a source of advancing welfare for the citizens and the firms in our respective countries,” Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya said.

In a speech presented by the Director of the COMESA Competition Commission Mr George Lipimile during a business reporter’s sensitization workshop in Livingstone, Zambia today, Mr Ngwenya said competition was a central element in the regional economic integration agenda in the context of the Common Market.

...

Estonia: Tallinna Vesi Takes Estonia to International Arbitration Tribunal

Oct 15, http://news.err.ee/v/economy/f341c535-efb4-4521-9653-b280ee213aa4

AS Tallinna Vesi, the capital's water utility, and its controlling shareholder United Utilities (Tallinn) B.V. have launched international arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Estonia for what the complainants say was a breach of the bilateral investment treaty with the Netherlands.

See also:

ASEAN-ICC: Arbitration law urgently needed

Oct 06, http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Arbitration-law-urgently-needed-30244811.html

THE International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) said an arbitration law will be needed to facilitate a settlement between Thai and foreign companies, as it can increase foreign investor confidence while serving as a good preparation for the upcoming Asean Economic Community (AEC) next year.

Belgrade Arbitration Center (BAC) names Marina Matic as new Secretary

Sep 29, http://www.arbitrationassociation.org/events-and-activities/aktivnosti-en/392/bac-names-new-secretary/

The BAC has named Belgrade lawyer Marina Matic as its new Secretary. Matic will take up the position on 8 September.

Bhutan and Guyana accede to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards

Sep 29, http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/pressrels/2014/unisl207.html

VIENNA, 26 September (UN Information Service) - Bhutan and Guyana have deposited instruments of accession to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, commonly known as the New York Convention. An accession ceremony took place during the annual Treaty Event held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. With their accessions, Bhutan and Guyana become the 151st and 152nd State parties to the Convention. The Convention will enter into force for both countries on 24 December 2014.

Bolivia: TriMetals Mining Inc.'s Subsidiary, South American Silver Limited, Seeks US$ 385.7 million in its Statement of Claim in the Treaty Arbitration against Bolivia

Sep 25, http://www.trimetalsmining.com/pr-14-21.asp

September 25, 2014, Vancouver, British Columbia-TriMetals Mining Inc. (TSX: TMI and TMI.B, US OTCQX: TMIAF & TMIBF) (the "Company") reports that its Bermudian subsidiary, South American Silver Limited ("South American Silver"), filed yesterday a Statement of Claim in its international arbitration proceedings against the Plurinational State of Bolivia ("Bolivia") for the expropriation of its Malku Khota project in Bolivia in July 2012.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague in the Netherlands is the administrating authority in this arbitration under the Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). The arbitration is brought under the UK-Bolivia Bilateral Investment Treaty ("UK-Bolivia Treaty").

...

Brazil: PCA signs a Cooperation Agreement with CAM-CCBC

Sep 29, http://www.pca-cpa.org/shownews.asp?ac=view&nws_id=443&pag_id=1261

At a ceremony held on 15 September 2014 at the Peace Palace, the Secretary-General of the PCA, Mr. Hugo H. Siblesz, and the President of the CAM-CCBC (Arbitration and Mediation Center of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Frederico José Straube, signed a cooperation agreement with the purpose of strengthening ties between the CAM-CCBC and the PCA.

The cooperation agreement establishes a legal framework according to which both organizations join forces to promote the use of international arbitration and to raise awareness about developments in the field. In addition, it recognizes formally the benefits of promoting cooperation and of strengthening ties among international arbitral institutions.

On a practical level, under this agreement, each institution will be able to hold hearings and meetings at the other's premises and will assist with the arrangement of local support services for such events.

The PCA has also signed cooperation agreements with other arbitration institutions and international organizations worldwide, such as the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), American Arbitration Association (AAA), China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), Association for the Promotion of Arbitration in Africa (APAA), Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA), Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR-AAA), Center for Arbitration and Conciliation of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CAC-CCB), Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR), Organization of American States (OAS), Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA), and Central American Court of Justice (CACJ).

In recent years, the PCA caseload in Latin America has increased sizably, with approximately 15% of the cases currently administered by the PCA involving a Latin American State or entity, including cases with arbitrators of Brazilian nationality, with the legal seat of the arbitration in Sao Paulo, or with Portuguese as the language of the arbitration.

Canada and South Korea Sign Free Trade Agreement

Sep 29, http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/canada-south-korea-sign-free-trade-agreement-1466725

Canada has inked its first free trade agreement with an Asian country, after South Korea President Park Geun-hye jetted into Ottawa to sign on the dotted line.

CEPANI Arbitration Rules are now also available in Turkish

Sept, http://www.cepani.be/

The CEPANI Arbitration Rules are now also available in Turkish. You can download them by clicking here http://www.cepani.be/sites/default/files/images/cepani_-_rules_turkish.pdf

China: AMSC Provides Update on Litigation With Sinovel Wind Group, Ltd

Sep 16, http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/AMSC/3368157401x0x781849/cb666e02-4f3f-4919-8565-51caafa1169b/AMSC_News_2014_9_16_Commercial.pdf

DEVENS, Mass., Sept. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMSC (Nasdaq:AMSC), a global solutions provider serving wind and power grid industry leaders, today issued several updates regarding its litigation with Sinovel Wind Group, Ltd (Sinovel). In the trade secret infringement case, the Beijing Higher People's Court upheld AMSC's position by rejecting Sinovel's appeal to transfer the case to the Beijing Arbitration Commission. Additionally, the first substantive hearing in the Beijing copyright infringement case took place at the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court. Finally, in the U.S. Department of Justice's case against Sinovel, members of its senior management team, and AMSC's former employee, the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin upheld an earlier ruling that the service of summons of the criminal complaint was valid.

...

China: Cooperation Agreement between ICDR and SHIAC

Sep 29, http://www.cietac-sh.org/English/NewsDetails.aspx?tid=7&nid=748

On the date of September 3rd, 2014, the International Center for Dispute Resolution ("ICDR") of American Arbitration Association ("AAA") and SHIAC signed an official Cooperation Agreement. ICDR and SHIAC will develop cooperation in promoting arbitration, mediation and other ADRs in international commercial disputes.

China: Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) rules loosened

Sep 29, http://www.ecns.cn/business/2014/09-29/136626.shtml

On the eve of its one-year anniversary, the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) saw a loosening of ownership rules and market access for companies in more than two dozen categories, in a bid to draw foreign investors.

Dubai: DIAC training course provides updates on commercial arbitration

Oct 08, https://www.zawya.com/story/DIAC_training_course_provides_updates_on_commercial_arbitration-ZAWYA20141008104201/

Three-day interactive workshop teaches lawyers and non-lawyers practical techniques of handling international arbitration cases

EFTA and Malaysia hold second round of negotiations

Sep 08, http://www.efta.int/free-trade/news/efta-and-malaysia-hold-second-round-negotiations-3101

The first round of negotiations was held in Geneva in March 2014. During the second round, the negotiation teams addressed a broad range of issues covering trade in goods, trade in services, investment, rules of origin, trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade (TBT), sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, trade remedies, intellectual property rights, competition, sustainable development, cooperation, as well as legal, horizontal and institutional issues.

...

EFTA and Turkey review Free Trade Agreement

Sep 22, http://www.efta.int/free-trade/news/efta-and-turkey-review-free-trade-agreement-3136

Representatives of the EFTA States and Turkey convened in Ankara on 16 and 17 September 2014 for a round of negotiations concerning the review of their existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force in 1992.

The round was chaired on the EFTA side by Mr Erik Andreas Underland, Chief Negotiator from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, while Mr Emre Orhan Öztelli, Deputy Director-General of EU Affairs from the Ministry of Economy, headed the Turkish delegation.

The parties achieved good progress relating to the update and expansion of the FTA in a number of areas. They set out the agenda for future work and agreed to meet again in December 2014.

Bilateral EFTA-Turkey merchandise trade has increased steadily since 2001 and reached USD 5.2 billion in 2013. EFTA's main exports to Turkey are pharmaceuticals products, machineries, mineral/fuel oil, chemical fertilisers and fish. Merchandise imports from Turkey consist mainly of apparel articles and accessories, and vehicles.

Egypt: CRCICA Recent Caseload: The 1000th Case Scored

Oct 14, http://crcica.org.eg/newsletters/nl032014/nl032014a001t.html

The total number of arbitration cases filed before CRCICA until 30 September 2014 reached 1000 cases. In the third quarter of 2014, 23 new arbitration cases were filed compared to 18 cases filed in the same quarter last year.

Egypt: Government Forms Panel to Settle Investor-State Disputes

Sep 05, http://allafrica.com/stories/201409051643.html

The committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, will include ministers of justice, transitional justice, investment and international cooperation along with representatives from other bodies concerned.

Egypt: Investment minister - unified investment law will be approved before the end of the year

Oct 14, http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/10/14/six-projects-worth-1-25bn-ready-showcased-february-summit-investment-minister/

The minister stated that the unified investment law will be approved before the end of the year, adding that the ‘one-stop shop’ system will transformed into the only source of licensing, which means that the entanglement of various government agencies that currently impede this law will cease.

Energy Charter: Palestine Becomes 65th Signatory to the 1991 Energy Charter

Sep 15, http://www.encharter.org/index.php?id=21&id_article=545&L=0

The Ambassador of Palestine to the EU H.E. Mrs. Leila Shahid signed the 1991 Energy Charter during a special visit to the Energy Charter Secretariat in Brussels on 15 September 2014. Palestine has been an observer to the Energy Charter Conference by invitation since 2008. By signing the Charter it made the first step towards accession to the Energy Charter Treaty.

...

Ethiopia to Join COMESA's Free Trade Area

Sep 09, http://allafrica.com/stories/201409091465.html

The government of Ethiopia is on the move of joining the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Area (FTA) which enables the country to have preferential trade interaction between member countries.

EU and Ecuador publish text of trade agreement

Sep 29, http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1156

The EU and Ecuador are publishing the documents of their trade agreement, which will see Ecuador joining the EU's existing accord with Colombia and Peru. Both the EU and Ecuador are currently carrying out a legal revision of the texts, after which the necessary administrative and legal steps will be taken to approve Ecuador's accession to, and application of, the Agreement.

Colombia and Peru will also be involved in the approval process by the Trade Committee.

...

EU and Vietnam complete ninth round of FTA talks

Sep 30, http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1157

The EU and Vietnam completed the ninth round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The talks were held in Danang, Vietnam, from 22-26 September.

Both teams made good progress on finding common ground on all outstanding issues and are looking for a swift conclusion to the negotiations.

...

EU-Canada agree deal to boost trade and investment

Sep 29, http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-542_en.htm

The EU-Canada summit taking place today in Ottawa marks the end of the 5-year talks for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Canada is one of the most advanced non-European countries with which the EU has ever negotiated a trade agreement. The EU has much to gain from closer trade ties with a like-minded partner: Canada is a sizeable market, an important destination for European investment and a country rich in natural resources. Also, this agreement will allow EU companies to compete with US exporters on the Canadian market on a level playing field, as the US and Canada have already liberalised their trade under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Once implemented, the agreement is expected to increase EU-Canada trade in goods and services by 23% and boost EU GDP by about €12 billion a year. It will create major opportunities across all areas of the economy.

CETA will...

EU: Statement by President Barroso at the press conference following the Canada-EU Summit

Sep 29, http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-14-631_en.htm

Joint press conference together with Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council

Georgia is preparing to become a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

Sep 29, http://en.trend.az/scaucasus/georgia/2315855.html

Georgian foreign minister, Maia Panjikidze and the PCA secretary-general, Hugo Siblesz discussed the country's upcoming accession to this institution.

Ghana fully prepared for maritime boundary arbitration - Secretariat

Sep 29, http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=327179

The institution responsible for delineating Ghana's land and maritime boundaries says, the country has been prepared for the maritime boundary arbitration with Ivory Coast for more than two years.

...

Guinea: Getma Asks U.S. Court to Enforce $49 Million of Guinea Damages

Sep 29, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-29/getma-asks-u-s-court-to-enforce-49-million-of-guinea-damages.html

Getma International, a French cargo company seeking damages over a canceled port contract in Guinea, filed a claim in a U.S. court to get the West African nation to pay 38.5 million euros ($49 million) awarded by arbitrators.

...

Guyana accedes to the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG)

Sep 29, http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/pressrels/2014/unisl208.html

VIENNA, 26 September (UN Information Service) - With its accession to the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), Guyana becomes the eighty-third State Party to the Convention. Guyana deposited the instrument of accession during the annual Treaty Event held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Convention will enter into force for Guyana on 1 October 2015.

India signs free trade agreement in services, investments with ASEAN

Sep 29, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-signs-free-trade-agreement-in-services-investments-with-asean/articleshow/42044509.cms

NEW DELHI: India signed a free trade pact in services and investment with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Monday in New Delhi. The accord is aimed at allowing freer movement of professionals and encouraging investment.

India: ONGC-RIL gas exploitation dispute: High Court intervention sought

Sep 05, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/ongc-ril-gas-exploitation-dispute-high-court-intervention-sought/articleshow/41632905.cms

NEW DELHI: An activist lawyer and a former bureaucrat today moved the Delhi High Court seeking its intervention in ONGC's petition accusing Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) of exploiting gas worth Rs 30,000 crore from the PSU's natural gas block in Krishna-Godavri basin.

India: Vodafone ready to settle tax row outside arbitration

Sep 29, http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/vodafone-ready-to-settle-tax-row-outside-arbitration-114092400634_1.html

Vodafone Group chief executive officer (CEO) Vittorio A Colao does not rule out the possibility of a settlement of his company's Rs 16,000-crore tax dispute with the Indian government through a route other than the ongoing arbitration process that has just begun.

Japan: Funai Electric Co., Ltd. Notice regarding Filing of arbitration statement including indication of amount of damages claimed against Philips (Update on previously disclosed matter)

Oct 02, http://www.funai.jp/usr/dl_en.php?path=http://funai.sakura.ne.jp//images/news/1412140370/1412140370_4.pdf

Osaka, Japan ­ Funai Electric Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Daito, Osaka; hereinafter, "Funai")) hereby announces today that in the course of its arbitration proceedings with Koninklijke Philips N.V. (hereinafter, "Philips"), Funai filed a statement with the International Court of Arbitration (ICC) on October 1, 2014 (Netherlands time) that includes an indication of the amount of compensatory damages claimed against Philips.

...

Jordan: EU and Jordan sign Memorandum on further cooperation

Oct 14, http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-316_en.htm

Amman (13 October) - Commissioner Štefan Füle, responsible for the Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy of the European Union, visited Jordan. During the visit, the European Union and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning EU-Jordan bilateral cooperation for the period of 2014-2017, which included an indicative financial allocation of up to €382 million. This is what he said to the press after the signature:

"I am happy to sign this Memorandum of Understanding on EU-Jordan cooperation for the next four years. It is an important document which sets out the priorities of our cooperation for the next four years. These priorities are: ...

Jordan: Mexico Begins Free Trade Negotiations With Jordan

Sep 05, http://www.tax-news.com/news/Mexico_Begins_Free_Trade_Negotiations_With_Jordan____65732.html

Mexico and Jordan held the first round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) in Amman, Jordan, on August 26-27, 2014.

Kenya-EU: Civil Society Raises Concerns Over EAC-EU Trade Deal

Sep 15, http://allafrica.com/stories/201409150384.html

Delays in signing the pending trade agreement between the EAC and EU will potentially hurt half a million people in Kenya who rely on horticultural sector, the civil society has warned.

Kenya: Arbitration centre in Nairobi to reduce case backlog

Oct 01, http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000136635&story_title=Kenya-arbitration-centre-in-nairobi-to-reduce-case-backlog

NAIROBI, KENYA: Resolution of legal disputes may reduce by over 50 percent following the construction of an international arbitration centre in Nairobi.

Kenya: EAC strikes economic partnership deal to join EU

Sep 29, http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2014/09/eac-strikes-economic-partnership-deal-to-join-eu/

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 21 - The East African Community (EAC) has reached a common position on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which it intends to sign with the European Union.

The agreement was reached following a two-day Ministerial meeting held in Arusha on Friday and Saturday, according to Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed.

Korea: Lopez Group wins arbitration over aborted joint venture with Korean company

Oct 09, http://www.interaksyon.com/business/96978/lopez-group-wins-arbitration-over-aborted-joint-venture-with-korean-company

MANILA - First Philippine Holdings Corp (FPH) won arbitration against a Korean solar wafer giant over an aborted joint venture.

Korea: Samsung seeks arbitration in Hong Kong against Microsoft in patent royalty lawsuit

Oct 08, http://www.geekwire.com/2014/samsung-seeks-arbitration-hong-kong-microsoft-patent-royalty-lawsuit/

Samsung Electronics is seeking arbitration in Hong Kong to resolve issues that have sprung up in a 2011 patent agreement with Microsoft.

...

Lithuania presses on with arbitration case against Gazprom

Sep 29, https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/world/a/25112401/

VILNIUS (Reuters) - Lithuania is continuing with international arbitration against Russia's gas giant Gazprom , which sold its assets and pulled out of the Baltic state earlier this year.

Lithuania presses on with arbitration case against Gazprom

Sep 29, https://uk.news.yahoo.com/lithuania-presses-arbitration-case-against-gazprom-132933689--finance.html#r2XkFro

VILNIUS (Reuters) - Lithuania is continuing with international arbitration against Russia's gas giant Gazprom , which sold its assets and pulled out of the Baltic state earlier this year.

Malaysia: Astro wins arbitration against AV Asia

Oct 14, http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2014/10/14/Astro-wins-arbitration-against-AV-Asia/

PETALING JAYA: The Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) has ruled in favour of Astro Malaysia Holdiongs Bhd in relation to an arbitration proceedings between its wholly-owned subsidiary, Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd (MBNS), and AV Asia Sdn Bhd.

Malaysia: Proceedings Against Malaysian Port Begin (KLRCA)

Oct 10, http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/Proceedings-Against-Malaysian-Port-Begin-2014-10-10

Malaysia's Centralised Terminals, owned by MISC Bhd and Dialog Group Bhd , has started arbitrage proceedings against Tanjung Langsat Port Sdn Bhd, both companies said in separate filings to stock exchange Bursa Malaysia.

...

The arbitration has been referred to the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration, the companies said.

Montenegro ratifies the United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts

Sep 29, http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/pressrels/2014/unisl205.html

VIENNA, 24 September (UN Information Service) - With its ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts (the Electronic Communications Convention), Montenegro becomes the sixth State Party to the Convention. Montenegro deposited the instrument of ratification during the annual Treaty Event held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Convention will enter into force for Montenegro on 1 April 2015.

Morocco: Joint Statement of the Labor Subcommittee of the United States – Morocco Free Trade Agreement

Sep 26, http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2014/September/Joint-Statement-Labor-Subcommittee-US-Morocco-Free-Trade-Agreement

The Labor Subcommittee of the United States – Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) convened its second meeting on September 25-26, 2014, in Rabat, Morocco. Article 16.5 of the FTA recognizes that cooperation between Morocco and the U.S. provides enhanced opportunities to improve labor standards, and the Subcommittee is a formal mechanism for our two countries to work together to better understand each country’s labor situation, cooperate on labor issues, and facilitate interaction with the public on labor matters.

The Subcommittee comprises senior officials from the labor, trade and other appropriate ministries:

...

Pakistan: Govt may go for deal rather than wait for verdict on Reko Diq

Oct 13, http://www.dawn.com/news/1137605/govt-may-go-for-deal-rather-than-wait-for-verdict-on-reko-diq

ISLAMABAD: Arbitration proceedings between Pakistan and the Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) over Balochistan’s multi-billion dollar Reko Diq Copper and Gold reserves before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) — now in their final stages — are expected to conclude this weekend.

Pakistan: Reko diq project: Dar reviews arbitration case progress

Sep 29, http://tribune.com.pk/story/766299/reko-diq-project-dar-reviews-arbitration-case-progress/

Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting to review progress of arbitration in International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) on the Reko diq Project.

...

Peru, Honduras To Conclude FTA By Year-End

Sep 29, http://www.tax-news.com/news/Peru_Honduras_To_Conclude_FTA_By_YearEnd____65967.html

The President of Peru, Ollanta Humala Tasso, and his Honduran counterpart, Juan Orlando Hernandez, have agreed to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of this year.

Romania sues Enel in international court over local supplier

Sep 24, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/24/romania-enel-idUSL6N0RP32O20140924

(Reuters) - The International Court of Arbitration in Paris accepted Romania's case against Italy's Enel over an outstanding stake in a local power supplier, the energy ministry said on Wednesdsay.

Scottish Arbitration Centre launch new premises

Oct 09, http://www.dundee.ac.uk/cepmlp/news/2014/article/scottish-arbitration-centre-launch-new-premises.php

On Monday, Kenny MacAskill MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, launched the new Scottish Arbitration Centre premises. CEPMLP joined forces last year with the Scottish Arbitration Centre to jointly launch the International Centre for Energy Arbitration.

The Cabinet Secretary was welcomed to 125 Princes Street by Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive of the Centre.

...

South Africa can help pull African arbitration from overseas hands - Opinion

Oct 06, http://www.iol.co.za/business/opinion/sa-can-help-pull-african-arbitration-from-overseas-hands-1.1760255

FORMER Kenyan High Court judge Edward Torgbor, now practising as a specialist arbitrator, says the parties in 99 percent of all African disputes are represented by lawyers and law firms based in the UK, the US and France.

Sweden awaits Indo-EU FTA to push business plans

Sep 29, http://www.deccanherald.com/content/432268/sweden-awaits-indo-eu-fta.html

Sweden is keen to take advantage of the long overdue and negotiated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and its largest trading partner European Union (EU), said Swedish ambassador Harald Sandberg on Monday.

Sweden: Stockholm Chamber of Commerce launches a blog on ISDS

Oct 08, http://www.sccinstitute.com/?id=23696&newsid=47559

Blog: http://isdsbloggen.se/ttip-fakta/

The Stockholm Chamber of Commerce recently launched a blog about the dispute resolution mechanism Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS).

ISDS is the proposed dispute resolution method for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and is a well-established legal method included in some 3000 bilateral investment treaties concluded by 200 states worldwide.

...

TPP ministerial talks set for Oct. 25-27 in Sydney

Oct 06, http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001615456

SYDNEY (Jiji Press) — Japan, the United States and 10 other countries taking part in Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations will hold a ministerial session in Sydney on Oct. 25-27, according to Australian Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb.

TPP Negotiators Make Important Progress on Agreement

Sep 29, http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2014/September/TPP-Negotiators-Make-Important-Progress-on-Agreement

Hanoi - Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) chief negotiators completed 10 days of intensive meetings today, making important progress across a range of issues as they continue their drive toward a comprehensive, high-standard agreement.

...

TPP: Remarks By Ambassador Michael Froman at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Center for Strategic and International Studies Symposium on the TPP

Sep 18, http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/speeches/2014/September/Remarks-by-Ambassador-Froman-at-US-Chamber-CSIS-TPP-Event

"The stakes for U.S. trade policy have always reached beyond the economic realm. As nuclear strategist and Nobel Prize winning economist Thomas Schelling once noted, "Trade is what most of international relations are about. For that reason trade policy is national security policy."

...

TTIP: 7th Round Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Negotiations

Sep 29, http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1154

On the margins of the seventh round of negotiations, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will host a forum to provide an update to all interested stakeholders on the status of the negotiations and to solicit their input and feedback. The forum will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at a TBD location in Chevy Chase, Maryland and will feature two separate components:

TTIP: EU-US trade – 7th round of talks on transatlantic trade pact ends in the US

Oct 06, http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1158

EU and US officials today ended a 7th round of week-long negotiations in Washington, D.C. (US) on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), a new EU-US trade and investment deal. The EU’s Chief TTIP Negotiator, Ignacio Garcia Bercero, made a statement at the end of the round.

We have again had a week of productive discussions. Negotiations are now moving smoothly into the textual phase, where discussions are based on specific textual proposals.

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TTIP: France's latest calls for TTIP transparency fall on deaf ears

Sep 29, http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-industry/frances-latest-calls-ttip-transparency-fall-deaf-ears-308652

Matthias Fekl, the new French Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, has joined his predecessors in calling for the publication of the trade negotiation mandate between the EU and the United States. The continued lack of transparency in the negotiations could lead to the failure of TTIP.

Venezuela - Rafael Ramírez Carreño: A Favorable End For The Republic In The Long Legal Battle Of ExxonMobil Against The Country

Oct 09, http://www.pdvsa.com/index.php?tpl=interface.en/design/salaprensa/readnew.tpl.html&newsid_obj_id=12398&newsid_temas=1

The statement released by the the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Rafael Ramírez Carreño, facing the decision of the arbitral tribunal ICSID...

Venezuela: ConocoPhillips files for arbitration against PdV

Oct 10, http://www.argusmedia.com/News/Article?id=934257

Caracas, 10 October (Argus) — ConocoPhillips has filed for arbitration against Venezuelan state-owned oil company PdV at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris seeking compensation for the expropriation of its stakes in the Petrozuata and Hamaca extra-heavy crude upgraders in Venezuela.

Venezuela: Gold Reserve Awarded $740.3 million by ICSID for the Expropriation of the Brisas Project

Sep 24, http://www.goldreserveinc.com/documents/grz%20nr%2014-09(1).pdf

Gold Reserve Awarded $740.3 Million by ICSID for the Expropriation of the Brisas Project by Venezuela.

Gold Reserve Inc. is pleased to announce that the three member Tribunal at the World Bank's International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID") has awarded the Company $740.3 million in accordance with the provisions of the Canada ­Venezuela Bilateral Investment Treaty ("BIT").

The Award represents $713 million for the fair market value of the Brisas Project, $22.3 million for interest on the Award since April 2008 based on the US Treasury Bill rate compounded annually and $5 million for reimbursement of legal and technical costs expended by the Company. Payment of the Award is due and payable immediately with any unpaid amounts accruing interest at Libor plus 2% per annum.

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Venezuela: Holcim Ltd - Final compensation installment for nationalization of Holcim Venezuela delayed

Oct 06, http://www.holcim.com/media-relations/latest-releases/latest-release/article/final-compensation-installment-for-nationalization-of-holcim-venezuela-delayed.html

Holcim today announces that it has not yet received the last compensation installment in connection with the nationalization of Holcim Venezuela in 2008. The Corporación Socialista Del Cemento, S.A. that is operating the former Holcim plant has not transferred the remaining compensation amount of USD 97.5 million which was due on September 10, 2014. Holcim is in contact with the relevant parties in Venezuela to address this situation and, if necessary, will pursue all legal steps to collect the amounts due.

Events

2026

April 2026

  • Global South and ISDS Forum: Delhi
    The Global South and ISDS Forum is a platform designed to introduce participants to the theory and practice of investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS), while critically examining Global South perspectives on international investment law. Participants will explore substantive standards of investment protection, procedural aspects of ISDS, and current reform debates, including sovereignty concerns and strategic considerations for states and investors. Beyond academic discussion, the forum places strong emphasis on professional skills and career development. Practical sessions focus on oral and written advocacy across cultures, complemented by interactive discussions on career pathways in international arbitration and ISDS. The programme provides valuable opportunities to engage directly with senior practitioners and peers. The workshop is designed not only to deepen substantive knowledge, but also to equip participants with the practical tools and international perspectives.
    24 April 2026 - 25 April 2026. Delhi, India + Online (Zoom),
    More information is available at the organisers website

May 2026

  • 9th Annual Edition: The International Energy Disputes Summit: Middle East - Africa - Central Asia
    After eight successful editions as the Annual Conference on Energy Arbitration & Dispute Resolution in the Middle East and Africa, we are proud to announce our new identity: The International Energy Disputes Summit. This new name reflects our expanded international scope across the Middle East, Africa and for the 9th edition Central Asia, while preserving the quality, expertise and community that delegates have valued since our first edition.
    5 May 2026 - 6 May 2026. London, United Kingdom,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • DIS Spring Conference 2026
    What you always wanted to know about arbitration but were afraid to ask The DIS Spring Conference 2026 will offer a highly engaging and thought-provoking programme. Among other topics, we will: * examine the role of tribunal secretaries, * discuss the limits of fact-finding and witness preparation, * explore the role, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, of party-appointed and tribunal-appointed experts, and * debate the merits and drawbacks of joinder provisions, now included in most arbitration rules.
    12 May 2026. Leipzig, Germany,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • Dispute Resolution in M&A Transactions
    Over the past decade, this biennial event has gained an undisputed reputation as the largest conference dedicated to arbitration in M&A transactions in the CEE region. It is addressed to arbitrators, in-house counsel as well as M&A legal and business advisors. The conference has attracted approximately 250 participants in successive editions, including lawyers specializing in arbitration and M&A transactions, as well as experts and business representatives.
    21 May 2026 - 22 May 2026. Warsaw, Poland,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • ILI Training: Arbitration and Mediation
    The Arbitration and Mediation seminar familiarizes participants with alternative methods of dispute resolution (ADR). The first part of the seminar introduces participants to the goals and techniques of mediation; the second focuses on the legal issues involved in international commercial arbitration. Emphasis throughout is placed on the development of practical skills through lectures and hands-on exercises. Course Advisor: Anne Marie Whitesell, Professor and Faculty Director of the Program on International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution at Georgetown University Law Center and Director of the ILI Center on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
    25 May 2026 - 5 June 2026. Washington, D.C., USA,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • International Arbitration Summer Institute 2026 - Center on International Commercial Arbitration
    An intense four-week certificate program consisting of six courses in English and six in Spanish, that addresses foundational and practical aspects of international commercial arbitration. Participants can take all courses, or select only the ones in either language or just pick out the ones of their individual interest Topics incl: * Evidence; * Damages & Compensation; * Mediation; * Solving Complex Choice-of-Law Issues; * Corruption, Illegality, and Misconduct; * Construction Arbitration; * Las mesas de resolución de conflictos (Dispute Boards); * Arbitraje Inversionista-Estado; * La organización del procedimiento arbitral; * Arbitraje Comercial; * Arbitraje de construcción; * Introducción al arbitraje Deportivo. Networking activities such as special lectures, coffee hours, luncheons, and site visits to D.C. law firms and institutions provide participants with ample opportunities to network beyond the classroom setting. Each courses has a duration of 14 hours.
    26 May 2026 - 18 June 2026. Washington, D.C, United States,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • 20th CEIA International Conference: International Arbitration and Economic Value: From Financial Strategy to Effective Enforcement
    The conference will have simultaneous translation spanish-english-spanish. Topics include: * Keynote Speaker; * Economic Design of Arbitration: Cost Management; * Decisions on Costs: Compensation or Sanction?; * Digital Assets and Arbitration; * Compliance and Enforcement: From the Award to Economic Value; * LATAM 360 Perspective: Strategic Economics of Latin American Arbitration; * Cases of the Year; * 20 Years of CEIA: Past, Present and Future / Closing Ceremony; * Award Ceremony - 5th Arbitration Articles Competition; * An Afternoon with CEIA Women.
    31 May 2026 - 2 June 2026. Madrid, Spain,
    More information is available at the organisers website

June 2026

  • Bucharest Arbitration Days 2026 - Evidence in International Arbitration: Evolving Principles and Practices
    The 7th edition of Bucharest Arbitration Days will examine the evolving role of evidence in international arbitration and its impact on legitimacy, efficiency, and due process. The conference will address admissibility, privilege, standards of proof, and tribunal discretion across legal traditions, while exploring emerging issues such as digital and AI-assisted evidence, data integrity, and cybersecurity. Discussions will also engage with ongoing reform efforts, including the UNCITRAL Working Group III (ISDS Reform) Draft Provisions on Evidence, reflecting a broader movement toward greater transparency and consistency in evidentiary standards. Under the guiding concept of recalibration, the 2026 edition will consider how evidentiary practice can adapt to technological and procedural transformation while remaining faithful to arbitration’s core values.
    4 June 2026 - 5 June 2026. Bucharest, Romania,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • CanArbWeek 2026 - Arbitration in an Era of Change
    CanArbWeek is an annual gathering of leading organizations from across Canada and beyond, who come together to engage with arbitration professionals on topics of current and continuing interest. Along with the main conference, there will be a Ciarb Canada Accelerated Route to Fellowship Course, an ACICA/VanIAC Tribunal Secretary Course, and a Campaign for Greener Arbitration Walk. KEYNOTE: Meg Kinnear: Canada in Arbitration TOPICS include: * ADRIC: Activist or Deferential?; * WCCAS: Enforceability vs. Efficiency; * ICC Canada: Hot Topics in Arbitration; * ICDR Canada: Ad Hoc vs. Institutional; * Ciarb Canada: Cautionary Tales; * Ciarb Canada Award; * TCAS: Economic Challenges; * VanIAC: The Western Canada Story; * ArbitralWomen: Mutual Mentorship; * YCAP: Expert Evidence in Arbitration; * CPR Canada: Corporate Playbook. Early Bird Tickets on Sale Until April 27.
    7 June 2026 - 9 June 2026. Toronto, Canada,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • Italian Arbitration Day 2026 - Arbitration in the Age of Economic and Legal Disruption: of Tariffs, Sanctions and Global Uncertainty
    KEYNOTE SPEECHES: Carlo Altomonte, Alain Pellet; * What disputes? (Moderator: Michele Potestà, Speakers: Aurélia Antonietti - Turgut Aycan Özcan - Constantine Partasides - Reverse Debate conducted by Valentine Chessa); * What remedies? (Moderator: Tina Cicchetti, Speakers: Alberto Fortún - Hamed - Merah Olena Perepelynska - Reverse Debate conducted by: Gabriele Ruscalla); * A View from Our Partners: Carolyn Lamm (ICCA).
    11 June 2026. Rome, Italy,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • London Summer Arbitration School 2026
    The London Summer Arbitration School will feature an interactive five-day programme introducing participants not only to commercial arbitration, but also to less well-known types of arbitration such as maritime, construction and commodities arbitration. The participants will also engage in discussion of related career and business development opportunities with practitioners and representatives of institutions. Topics: * ad hoc arbitration; * maritime arbitration; * construction arbitration; * commodities arbitration; * commercial arbitration; * ethics in international arbitration; * banking & finance arbitration; * climate change arbitration; * outer space arbitration; * investor-state arbitration; * relationship between arbitral tribunals and domestic courts. It will also be possible to attend the school in the online format.
    15 June 2026 - 19 June 2026. Online; London, United Kingdom,
    More information is available at the organisers website

September 2026

  • Brunel Summer Programme on International Arbitration 2026
    A five‑day programme designed for students, graduates, and early‑career professionals eager to explore one of the most dynamic and globally relevant fields of legal practice. Throughout the week, you'll explore the core principles of int'l commercial and investment arbitration and engage with the latest developments shaping the future of int'l dispute resolution. Hosted at Brunel, the programme combines academic excellence with practical perspectives, bringing together Brunel Law School academics and distinguished guest speakers from the int'l arbitration community. In addition to foundational topics, participants will also examine emerging issues such as the impact of AI on arbitration, as well as specialised areas of the field such as sports arbitration. Selected sessions will also be delivered on the premises of leading London arbitration law firms, providing participants with first-hand insight into the professional environments where int'l arbitration is practised.
    7 September 2026 - 11 September 2026. London, United Kingdom,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • Istanbul Arbitration Days 2026
    Istanbul Arbitration Days 2026 brings together leading arbitration practitioners, academics, arbitrators, in-house counsel, and young professionals from around the world-once again in the unique setting where continents, people, cultures, and legal traditions meet. Beyond its strong professional program, Istanbul Arbitration Days is also known for its vibrant atmosphere-where high-level legal discussions meet the rich history, culture, and energy of Istanbul. From thought-provoking sessions to memorable social events, IAD 2026 promises an experience that is as engaging as it is intellectually rewarding.
    29 September 2026 - 2 October 2026. Istanbul, Türkiye,
    More information is available at the organisers website

October 2026

  • ILI Training: Innovations in Investor-State Arbitration
    The seminar features an expert examination of new treaties and agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) draft Protocol on Investment, the investment provisions of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). ICSID and UNCITRAL Reforms, as well as developments at the UNCITRAL Working Group III, are also examined. Sessions will be engaging discussions and include site visits to the U.S. Trade Representative and ICSID. The seminar will run concurrently with the Washington Arbitration Week. Course Advisors: Ian A. Laird is co-chair of Crowell & Moring LLP's Int'l Dispute Resolution Group and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center. Dr. Borzu Sabahi is a Partner in the Int'l Arbitration group of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle LLP in Washington, DC.
    26 October 2026 - 30 October 2026. Washington, D.C., USA,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • ILI Training: Foundations of Advanced Arbitration and Mediation
    The Foundations of Advanced Arbitration and Mediation seminar comprises the first week of the Advanced Arbitration and Mediation seminar and examines foundational material of arbitration and mediation, including advanced legal issues in international commercial arbitration. Participants will learn the principles of mediation through case studies and practical exercises. The seminar is an indispensable asset to all professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge of ADR. Course Advisor: Anne Marie Whitesell, Professor and Faculty Director of the Program on International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution at Georgetown University Law Center and Director of the ILI Center on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
    26 October 2026 - 30 October 2026. Washington, D.C., USA,
    More information is available at the organisers website
  • ILI Training: Advanced Arbitration and Mediation
    The ILI Advanced Arbitration and Mediation seminar examines the practical applications of arbitration and mediation and discusses advanced legal issues in international commercial arbitration. The first week explores the framework of both arbitration and mediation. The second week of the course focuses critically on developing practical skills and knowledge through a simulated arbitration process. The course is intended for lawyers, judges, and non-lawyer professionals who want to understand arbitration and mediation, as well as government officials, judicial officers, officials of judicial and legal training units, and court administrators. Course Advisor: Anne Marie Whitesell, Professor and Faculty Director of the Program on International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution at Georgetown University Law Center and Director of the ILI Center on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
    26 October 2026 - 6 November 2026. Washington, D.C., USA,
    More information is available at the organisers website

Note: a list of prior events can be found here.

ICSID

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