The ICSID arbitration and its contribution to development in the light of direct investments in emerging markets

Abstract

The international investment disputes between states and companies have a procedural framework of dispute resolution through arbitration. This is the service provided by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), which was established by the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States, 18 March 1965. ICSID is a member of the World Bank Group, which also encompass the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Agency multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The goal of the Center is to facilitate the settlement of disputes between foreign citizens and local authorities where the business is conducted through arbitration. To achieve this, all Bilateral Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments Treaties (BITs) contain mechanisms for resolution of disputes between investors and States similar to the ICSID Convention or refer to it. The latter, joined to an efficient implementation of awards rendered in this context, should serve emerging markets to attract the capital required to contribute to their final expansion.