Commercial Law

Commercial law is one of the main deficit areas in transition economies and in countries seeking to move up the economic value chain. Globalization has vastly expanded the need for competence in this field. A sound knowledge and practice of commercial law facilitates economic integration. It enables poorer nations to secure better terms in international or bilateral trade agreements, and empowers resource-rich ones to handle large foreign investment flows. Where investment is scarce, commercial law capacity encourages it by improving the overall business climate.

Investment Support Programme for Least Developed Countries goes live

IDLO and the European Union are partnering to boost foreign direct investment in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by providing advice and pro bono support to their governments and private sector entities as the Investment Support Programme for Least Developed Countries kicks off.

IDLO and AALCO sign agreement for Africa-Asia collaboration

IDLO has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), seeking to promote the rule of law and provide support on investment and economic law to developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Investment and Negotiation Support to the Republic of The Gambia

The Gambia’s transition to democracy has led to an increase in foreign investors wishing to undertake commercial and infrastructure projects in the country. While an opportunity to strengthen the country’s markets, The Gambia recognizes that foreign investment may easily turn into a potential liability if not properly managed and regulated. To address this concern, IDLO has been requested to provide State Counsels and relevant government actors with specialized knowledge in commercial and investment law to be able to provide effective legal advice on transactional matters.

Mediation: Kyrgyz supermarket and supplier resolve dispute

A disagreement between Kyrgyz retail suppliers and a large supermarket chain could have led to protracted and costly litigation had the dispute not been settled thanks to a mediation procedure supported by IDLO and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Western Balkans: boosting business through tax law cooperation

Representatives from a range of judicial institutions convened in Sofia for a regional event aimed at improving the investment climate in the Western Balkans by increasing the uniformity of judicial practice in tax related cases.

Leaving no one behind: Economic development in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

By Margarita Meldon, Regional Program Manager for Central Asia; Filippo Ghersini, Program Coordinator for Commercial and Economic Law; and David Tanenbaum, Commercial and Economic Law Advisor

IDLO and Tunisia seal new agreement to promote investment

IDLO and Tunisia’s Ministry of Development, Investment and International Cooperation have signed a new cooperation agreement to strengthen the country’s capacity to negotiate and implement international investment treaties.

Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Investment Agreements in Tunisia

Tunisia has achieved considerable economic progress in recent years despite regional challenges affecting foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Because FDI is so critical to the economic growth necessary to underpin economic growth and stability, Tunisia recognizes the need to attract and retain more FDI, building on the investments already made in the country. With the guidance and support of the Ministry of Development, Investment and International Cooperation (MDICI), Tunisia has engaged with IDLO to strengthen Tunisia's institutional capacity in relation to intern

Capacity Building of the Mediation Center in Tajikistan

Alternative dispute resolution, and in particular mediation, is finally gaining momentum in Tajikistan. Previous attempt to introduce law on mediation in Tajikistan have not been successful and consequently there is currently no formal legal framework for mediation. In the first phase of the project, the International Development Law Organization worked to promote commercial mediation and build momentum for its expansion. However, there is still the need to provide assistance to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mediation Center and improve its effectiveness.

Commercial Mediation in Serbia

Serbia has recently implemented several judicial reforms to modernize and improve the regulatory framework for mediation, such as the new Law on Mediation in 2014. By implementing the new legal framework on mediation, the number of registered mediators and of mediation cases in Serbia have both increased. However, the Supreme Court of Cassation still registers an excessive amount of backlogged cases.

Key Initiatives

Evaluation of the project “Implementation of a Commercial Law Judicial Training Program in Tajikistan”

As part of IDLO’s continuous commitment to accountability and results-based management, IDLO is pleased to share this Evaluation Brief (summarised evaluation report): “Implementation of a Commercial Law Judicial Training Program in Tajikistan” (2011-2014). The evaluation has been conducted by independent evaluation experts, supervised by IDLO’s Evaluation Unit. This exercise utilized a theory-driven, mixed-method approach, in line with the IDLO Evaluation Guidelines and OECD DAC standards.
Evaluation of the project "Commercial Law Judicial Capacity Building in Mongolia"

As part of IDLO’s continuous commitment to accountability and results-based management, IDLO is pleased to share this Evaluation Brief (summarised evaluation report): “Commercial Law Judicial Capacity Building in Mongolia”. The evaluation has been conducted by independent evaluation experts, supervised by IDLO’s Evaluation Unit.