International dispute resolution mechanism outlined at ICEF
03 July 2013
Virginie Colaiuta, a partner at law firm Pinsent Masons, will speak at this year’s International Construction Economic Forum (ICEF) on a crucial legal issue for the global construction community.
Investment treaty arbitration is a new form of dispute resolution that can help contractors when they are experiencing business difficulties in a foreign country. It covers behaviour or omissions by the host country, and can be of help to a foreign contractor in cases such as expropriation of profits or unfair treatment in comparison to a local company.
Crucially, the right to settle disputes through this mechanism exists outside of any contract that might be in place, as it is under-pinned by thousands of bilateral and multi-lateral legal treaties.
Ms Colaiuta joined Pinsent Masons as a partner in 2011, having previously practised law in France. She is a member of both the New York and Paris Bar. Pinsent Masons is one of the world's largest legal firms in the construction sphere. It counts more than half of the world’s 100 largest contractors among its clients.
Conference details
ICEF will run from 20 to 22 November at the Hotel Okura in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The conference, networking event and awards dinner will focus on core themes of trends and forecasts in the global construction industry, project finance, successful project management and delivery, equipment technology and asset management.
The programme is designed to appeal to a broad range of executives and senior managers throughout the construction industry from disciplines such as contracting, equipment manufacture, materials production, equipment rental, finance, project management and consultancy.
The evening of 21 November will also see a gala dinner and the award of prizes in nine categories for outstanding performance in the construction industry. The most sought-after is expected to be the International Construction Project of the Year award, which will recognise a scheme worth US$ 100 million or more, of international significance.
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