Easier conflict resolution

Chamber of Commerce sets new mediation center to settle commercial disputes outside courts

The Lebanese Mediation Center (LMC) was officially launched on Wednesday (April 4) by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIABML).

The center was established in cooperation with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC). It was financed through an $840,000-donation offered by the Swiss government.

The objective of the LMC is to help the business community settle commercial disputes without resorting to judicial procedures, which are often long and costly. The LMC will act as an alternative medium for resolving disputes outside courts.

“Businesses need fast and efficient methods to resolve commercial disputes, which courts aren’t able to offer due to complicated procedures,” said Mohamad Choucair, the president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture.

The CCIABML will cooperate with the IFC to train mediators. Candidates will be trained by British training and consultancy firm CEDR. Eligible candidates will be offered a contract to work as an accredited mediator for the LMC.
According to Rana Nader, coordinator at the LMC, the mediator will help the two conflicting parties reach a compromise documented through a bilateral contract.

The LMC is ready to receive claims from local and foreign parties, regardless of if they are members of the CCIABML.

Reported by Rania Ghanem