Cairo, Egypt – March 13, 2025 – The Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) and Alexandria University’s Faculty of Law successfully concluded the 6th edition of their joint Arbitration Conference, a pivotal event focusing on pressing legal issues in international trade and dispute resolution.
The conference featured a series of insightful discussions, attracting legal professionals, academics, and practitioners from across the region.
CISG Spotlight: Bridging the Gap in International Trade
A highlight of the event was the keynote speech delivered by Mr. Sherif El Saadani, partner at AMERELLER law firm, focusing on the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). Mr. El Saadani addressed the concerning “alienation” of the CISG within Arab legal systems, emphasizing its crucial role as the applicable law in international sale of goods contracts. His presentation detailed the scope, governed matters, and key features of the CISG, aiming to increase awareness and implementation of this vital legal framework.
Navigating State Party Contracts and Arbitrations
The conference delved into the complex legal landscape of contracts and arbitrations involving state parties. A panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Youssef Al Saman, partner at Zulficar & Partners Law Firm, explored the unique challenges and legal aspects inherent in these cases. Distinguished panelists included Coun. Fatma Khalifa from the Egyptian State Lawsuits Authority (ESLA), Mr. Ibrahim Shehata of Shehata & Partners, Mr. Georges Ghali from Shahid Law Firm, and Mr. Mohamed El Mahdy from Barakat, Maher & Partners in association with Clyde & Co. Their expertise provided valuable insights into the intricacies of state party involvement in arbitration.
Pre-Arbitral Steps: Condition Precedent or Procedural Detail?
Another critical discussion focused on the exhaustion of pre-arbitral steps in multi-tier dispute resolution agreements. Moderated by Mr. Abdallah El Shehaby, FCIArb, founding partner of Jurisera law firm, the panel addressed whether these steps constitute condition precedents to arbitration. Dr. Ismail Selim, Director of the CRCICA, Coun. Mahmoud Elkharashy from the ESLA, Mr. Mohamed Shelbaya of Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes, and Mr. Muhammad Ussama from Shalakany Law Office contributed to a robust debate on this crucial aspect of arbitration practice.
Collaborative Success
The conference was organized through the collaborative efforts of Alexandria University, its Faculty of Law, and the CRCICA. The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors Shahid Law Firm, Eldib Advocates, and Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy. Media support was provided by Swiss Arbitration S., the African Arbitration Association, CIArb Egypt Branch, ArabArb, and the Moot Alumni Association, ensuring widespread dissemination of the conference’s valuable insights.
This successful 6th edition underscores the commitment of CRCICA and Alexandria University to fostering legal expertise and promoting best practices in international arbitration within the region.
