The total number of arbitration cases filed before CRCICA until 15 July 2012 reached 840 cases. In the first half of 2012, 48 new arbitration cases were filed, scoring as such 60% annual increase compared to the first half of 2011 (30 cases).
In the first half of 2012, CRCICA’s caseload involved disputes relating mainly to media and entertainment, construction, sports-related, industrial, commercial and urban development, information technology, petroleum services, real estate, services, gas supply, lease agreements, sale and purchase of shares, agency agreements, escrow agencies, hotel management and subcontracting agreements. It is worth noting that 2012 witnessed the filing of an inter-Arab investment arbitration based on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) concluded between two north African Arab states, referring investment disputes between the investors of the contracting states and the host state to arbitration under CRCICA’s auspices. Sports-related disputes and those arising out of information technology and real estate are witnessing a remarkable increase. Also, three cases relating to the industrial, commercial and urban development in three Egyptian governorates (Luxor, Damanhur and Suez) are of particular importance. A maritime case arising out of a charter-party was also brought before the Centre. Another dispute relating to a franchise agreement was also filed.
The following pie shows a breakdown of the types of disputed contracts during the first half of 2012:
The rich variety of the types of disputed contracts referred to CRCICA in 2012 clearly illustrates the importance of arbitration as a means of dispute settlement and confirms the credibility of institutional arbitration under CRCICA’s auspices.
In the first half of 2012, arbitration proceedings also involved parties from different countries including Saudi Arabia, Libya, China, Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco and the Netherlands. The following pie shows a breakdown of the nationalities of non-Egyptian parties during the first half of 2012:
CRCICA is pleased to see that in the first half of 2012, its Arbitration Rules have been selected by European and Asian parties from the Netherlands and China. CRCICA is also very satisfied with the variety of Arab representation in its 2012 caseload covering both the Gulf and North Africa.
In the first half of 2012, arbitrators acting under the auspices of CRCICA came from Tunisia, Lebanon and the United Kingdom.
