DOHA: A research project by Qatar University (QU) law faculty and external collaborators will engage Qatari lawyers and national businesses on the issue of accessing trade and investment agreements provided under international institutions such as World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The project ‘Legal Innovation to Empower Development: Designing and Building an Online ‘TradeLab’ in Qatar’ (‘Trade and Investment Legal Advisory Broker’), will benefit both groups.
On the one hand, businesses, especially SMEs and NGOs, will be provided with legal assistance by lawyers to access rules, regulations and procedures of the agreements, and on the other, lawyers will be provided with opportunities to train in world trade law.
Recently awarded a $900,000 grant under the National Priorities Research Programme seventh cycle, TradeLab brings together Prof Talal Al Emadi and Prof Jon Truby from QU College of Law, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Georgetown University, University of Arizona, and Qatar policy research institute, Fikhra.
Prof Al Emadi said: “This is a timely moment for research of this kind that has benefits for all stakeholders not least young Qatari prospective lawyers who will gain knowledge and expertise in an area of law that is critical in this globalised world”.
Prof Truby said findings from the study will add value to the fast-growing legal profession in Qatar and beyond, and serve as a model for countries involved in WTO and other agreements but lack the capacity to offer expert guidance and advice to enhance their positions for trade negotiation relevant to their needs and interests.
Background to the research is the inability of small countries (like Qatar) and small and medium enterprises and civil society organisations to keep pace with current legal rules of cross-border trade and investment that are established pathways to economic development.
The project aims at facilitating diverse groups to access legal expertise to gain influence for the process of negotiation, implementation and settlement of disputes under world trade and investment treaties.
The three-year project combines academic research with innovations in Internet technologies and legal education. It comprises research, ICT and education and includes analysis of trade access barriers, building an online platform and establishing a law school clinic.
Research will involve assessing current lack of access and attempts to overcome barriers and promote awareness of global trade and investment instruments and treaties and capacity constraints. The Peninsula
