“Mauritius can structure ADRs and establish a centre of excellence to serve the IORA region”

At the symposium on Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, General Secretary of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), emphasised the importance of a clear, precise, and cost-effective framework for resolving commercial disputes. The event, which aligned with the findings of a study by the Core Group of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), highlighted Mauritius’ potential to structure ADRs and establish a centre of excellence to serve the IORA region. “With the economy increasingly focused on services and external investments, the symposium aimed to increase awareness about ADR among global business operators and lawyers, and showcase Mauritius’ commitment to swift dispute resolution,” Dr. Ramdenee states in a Q&A with BIZWEEK. He also highlights the evolution of the MCCI’s arbitration centre, established in 1855, and its efforts to expand its vision and scope, particularly in Africa.

What are the objectives of holding this symposium on Alternate Dispute Resolution in Mauritius?Our economy, and the economic cycle, is increasingly focused on services and the need for external investments, especially in innovative and productive sectors. Therefore, what investors seek is reassurance across all aspects. In Mauritius, we have made progress on several fronts, notably in the Ease of Doing Business. However, having a clear, precise, time and cost-effective framework is essential for resolving commercial disputes.

Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), including arbitration and mediation, is vital. For us, the Symposium aligns with the conclusion of the study conducted by the Core Group of the IORA. This research indicates that Mauritius has all the necessary resources not only to structure ADRs, but also to establish a centre of excellence to serve the IORA region. The primary goal is to disseminate this insightful information, thereby outsourcing ADR services through Mauritius. Additionally, we aim to increase awareness about ADR among various stakeholders who can formalize and officiate this type of service, particularly global business operators and lawyers. Most importantly, we want to convey that in Mauritius, we are continually building and structuring, through a robust network of experts, the ability to resolve disputes swiftly. This provides investors comfort in these new economic sectors, whether they be services or significant infrastructural investments.

The Chamber of Commerce has maintained its arbitration centre for a long time. How have the Chamber of Commerce’s arbitration services evolved?

Indeed. It’s important to understand that ADR, specifically arbitration and mediation, has been practiced since the inception of the MCCI, which dates back to 1950. The first case was handled in 1955.

This historical context serves as a reminder that from early on, Mauritius, the private sector, and operators understood the importance of ADR. It’s in our DNA, and it has evolved positively, demonstrating longevity as a centre that has been in existence for nearly 175 years. Moreover, our visibility, as demonstrated through networking with international experts, is noticeable. Interestingly, we are trying to expand the vision and scope of MARC, particularly in Africa. As seen today, we had nearly 100 virtual participants, mainly from the COMESA and SADC regions. This indicates their keen interest and presence in the Mauritian jurisdiction, especially for the IFC, to resolve all disputes, seek commercial resolutions, and facilitate investments in Africa. In short, MARC is consolidating and diversifying its services, focusing on regional and international visions. Additionally, we aim to train all participants to be ambassadors and competent mediators and arbitrators.