By Sachin Kumar
DOHA: The Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada said yesterday that Qatar strives to produce clean energy and is always keen to keep its contracts dispute-free so that there would not be a need in future to take matters to arbitration mechanisms.
Speaking during the opening session of first International Arbitration Conference on Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Qatar, Dr Al Sada said that Qatar enjoys good reputation with its trade partners because of its commitment to fulfill agreements.
He said that commercial arbitration is significant because of its important role in maintaining international peace and security and preventing the deterioration of disputes. Jointly organised with the International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) and the International Court of Arbitration and in partnership with Squire Patton Boggs, the event was sponsored by Al Sulaiti Law Firm.
He added that Qatar is a state of institutions where the judiciary has integrity and independence. The minister praised the experience of Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration and the qualified national cadres who managed to develop it and take it the current level.
The Minister said that the importance of energy-related arbitration is clearly visible if the volume of global trade associated with energy sources and the contribution of the energy sector to global gross domestic product is considered. This underlines the importance of having a mechanism to settle disputes and explain the basics that were agreed between parties to trade transactions and collect them as a an independent and experienced reference whose rulings are accepted by all sides.
Andrea Carlevaris, ICC International Court of Arbitration Secretary General spoke about the growing significance of arbitration, locally and regionally. He said more companies in Qatar and in the Middle East are taking arbitration route to settle disputes.
ICC Qatar Chairman H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani said energy is the major driver of development in the world and its operations require contracts at company and country levels and, hence, there has to be an unconventional mechanism to settle disputes between contracting parties.
He noted that ways of settling disputes and international arbitration have been widely accepted in several agreements because they have assurances for investors and save them the long wait and complications in regular judicial procedures.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim said this conference aims to shed the light on international arbitration with the participation of a group of experts and specialists, which, he added, is one of the objectives of ICC Qatar and Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration.
