Countries enter into bilateral investment treaties ("BITs") to attract foreign investment, and in return, guarantee nationals of the investing country minimum standards of protection.  Over 2600 BITs have been entered into globally, and in Asia, China alone has entered into approximately 120 such treaties.  There are over 360 known investor-state disputes, involving over 75 countries, and 60% of these have been entered into in the last five years.  Most of these disputes arise from alleged breaches of BITs, and a significant number involve actions against states for interference during the design, construction and operation of projects.  Investment arbitrations have therefore become a serious alternative to commercial, contract based arbitration.  Some claims have resulted in huge awards, and decisions have generated much academic interest.  For example, a major claim based on a FIDIC contract has resulted in two awards of interest to international contractors in dispute with a host government.
 
Our speaker, John Uff QC, will examine in his talk investor state issues in the context of construction disputes, including how contractors and other stakeholders in construction projects can benefit from the protection offered by BITs.  His talk will include a review of the basic principles of investment arbitration.

To secure your place, please download, complete and send us the REGISTRATION FORM [click to download] or you may REGISTER ONLINE by 31 August 2011!