Errors in the Employer’s Requirements (“ER”) are a recurring source of disputes in international construction projects governed by International Federation of Consulting Engineers (“FIDIC”) contracts. These requirements define the project’s technical and functional criteria, and errors can have significant legal and financial consequences for both employers and contractors. This note examines how such errors are […]
Managing Construction Disputes: Understanding the Causes
Construction projects are inherently complex endeavours that involve multiple participants, demand coordination, and carry inherent risks.[1] They bring together a wide range of stakeholders, technical experts, and layers of documentation that can run to hundreds or even thousands of pages. Every project operates under tight deadlines and budget pressures, where even minor delays or disruptions […]
China’s New Arbitration Law 2025: Overview of Key Changes
On 12 September 2025, China adopted a comprehensive revision of its Arbitration Law (English version; Chinese version), which will enter into force on 1 March 2026 (“2025 Arbitration Law”), replacing the 2017 version currently in force (“2017 Arbitration Law”) (English version; Chinese version). Brief Legislative History China’s Arbitration Law was first adopted on 31 August […]
Unpaid Invoices and International Arbitration: Is It Worth It?
In today’s global marketplace, unpaid invoices are a persistent headache for businesses trading across borders. When a foreign customer fails to pay, as often occurs in practice, the risks multiply: unfamiliar legal systems, language barriers, and the challenge of enforcing judgments abroad. International arbitration has emerged as a preferred solution for resolving these disputes, offering […]
AI Construction Arbitrator: Revolutionising the Future of International Arbitration?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries worldwide – and now, it is reshaping the field of international arbitration. The American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) and its international division, the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (“ICDR”), are pioneering this revolution with the launch of an AI-powered arbitrator dedicated to construction disputes. Beginning in November 2025, this […]