The Indian Ocean Rim Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (ARD) Symposium 2024 was held at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, Port Louis, Mauritius on 8 February 2024. It attracted a diverse audience of industry leaders, legal experts, and representatives of private and public sector organisations.
The Symposium, organised by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) with the support of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Mediation and Arbitration Center of Mauritius (MARC) explored how mediation and arbitration could contribute to facilitating investment in the region by improving certainty, efficiency and competitiveness in resolving financial disputes.
The Secretary-General of IORA, H.E. Salman Al Farisi acknowledged the progress made through the Indian Ocean Rim Association Dispute Resolution Centre Project. “The IORA Dispute Resolution Centre Project stands as a testament to our commitment to collaboration, peace, and prosperity. By strengthening our dispute resolution mechanisms, we fortify the foundations of our shared vision for the Indian Ocean region.”
The panel discussions focused on mediation as a means of resolving disputes and attracting foreign direct investment in the IORA region, investment disputes and arbitration and maritime disputes in the IORA region and emerging trends and hot topics in ADR such as the need for capacity building and the latest trends in valuation methods for damages in international arbitration. Panellists shared their perspectives and experiences on the increasing importance of mediation in the global business climate and emerging trends in investment dispute resolution and emphasised the importance of a robust legal framework to promote investor confidence.
The Symposium reflected Mauritius’ commitment to fostering a conducive environment for dispute resolution and investment facilitation. With insightful discussions and strategic collaborations, the Symposium aimed to position Mauritius as a hub for international arbitration and mediation, strengthening its role as a leading financial services destination in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. It featured a series of panel discussions bringing together world-renowned experts to examine the challenges and opportunities in ADR in the Indian Ocean region.
