ADB Co-Organizes Inaugural Armenia Arbitration Conference and Official Launch of the Arbitration and Mediation Center of Armenia

The Inaugural Armenia Arbitration Conference was held in Yerevan on 4 September 2023, marking a significant step in the development of international commercial arbitration in the region. The Conference, which was part of the Inaugural Armenia Arbitration Week, brought together a diverse group of international experts, including government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and legal practitioners from around the globe. The event also served as the official launch platform for the Arbitration and Mediation Center of Armenia (AMCA), a vital initiative aimed at boosting business confidence in Armenia by establishing a world-class alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system.

The Conference was organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Law and Policy Reform Program, together with its partners, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), USAID, Counterpart International, Center for Legislation Development Foundation, AMCA, and A.R.S. Progetti S.P.A. 

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan of the Republic of Armenia delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the importance of developing ADR methods to ease the burden on the judiciary. Professor Gary Born, Chair of the International Arbitration Practice Group of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, gave the keynote address, highlighting the paramount necessity of upholding the rule of law in international commerce, as well as the broader global arena.

The Conference sessions explored a wide range of topics,  from the role of arbitration in stimulating economic growth to the types of commercial disputes commonly encountered in the region and globally. The panel discussions examined disputes in construction and mining, energy and climate change,  and finance. Experts also shared insights on the evolving landscape of international arbitration, including recent developments in arbitration, such as expedited arbitration procedures, the application and optimization of artificial intelligence, and third-party funding.  

A key element of the Conference was a session on the establishment of the AMCA. The panelists analyzed AMCA’s mandate, services, governing structures, and the responsibilities of its governing bodies. The panelists also examined the salient features of AMCA’s rules which are grounded in international best practices while also addressing the needs and current conditions in Armenia. The establishment of AMCA is expected to significantly enhance Armenia's attractiveness as a destination for international business by providing companies with a reliable alternative to often lengthy and complex litigation in national courts.  

As part of the Inaugural Armenia Arbitration Week, and following the 4 September Conference, ADB also conducted capacity-building workshops for key stakeholders.  These initiatives included training for the judiciary on their role in supporting ADR mechanisms, focusing on topics like interim awards and the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. ADB also briefed entrepreneurs on essential aspects of ADR and held a session for the AMCA on global best practices in international commercial arbitration.