In Cambodia:
Julia Brickell
Phone: +855 23 210 922
E-mail: JBrickell@ifc.org

In Vietnam:
Chu Van Anh
Phone: +844 3934 2282 ext 608
E-mail: canh1@ifc.org


Phnom Penh, Cambodia, August 10, 2009—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Cambodia’s  Ministry of Commerce today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement a three-year project to set up a National Arbitration Center to resolve business disputes and bolster confidence in the commercial system.

The National Arbitration Center will be the first commercial arbitration body in Cambodia offering the business community an alternative commercial dispute resolution mechanism to the courts and enabling businesses to resolve their disputes quickly, inexpensively, fairly, and with certainty. It thus promises to enhance the private sector’s comfort level with engaging in business transactions.

IFC will support the establishment and operation of the center for the first three years, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and other partners. The support will include advisory services to the Secretariat of the Inception and Selection Commission in selecting and training an initial group of arbitrators, establishing procedures, and supporting the center’s initial operations.

“The government has worked hard to create the legal framework for alternative dispute resolution by passing the commercial arbitration legislation in 2006 and recently issuing a sub-decree on the operations of the National Arbitration Center,” said Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce, speaking at the signing ceremony. “We are committed to supporting its development, and I believe it will be an effective mechanism for resolving commercial disputes.”

Trang Nguyen, Head of IFC Advisory Services in the Mekong, said, “IFC is pleased to work with the Ministry of Commerce and the private sector on this important initiative. As the Cambodian economy grows and there are more commercial transactions, a streamlined dispute resolution mechanism gives the private sector more comfort to engage in business transactions.”

In Cambodia, IFC Advisory Services are delivered in partnership with the European Union, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, creates opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives. We foster sustainable economic growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development, mobilizing private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. Our new investments totaled $15 billion in fiscal 2009, helping channel capital into developing countries during the financial crisis. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.