WHEREAS

A.         BCICAC and ACICA wish to affirm their commitment to prompt and equitable settlement, on an amicable basis, of commercial disputes which may arise;

B.         BCICAC and ACICA are convinced that wider use of dispute resolution by negotiation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration enables fair, inexpensive and expeditious procedures for the settlement of disputes which will lend confidence and stability in trade and economic transactions between parties in Australia, British Columbia and the countries in the Asia region;

C.         BCICAC and ACICA are recognized Centres for international commercial arbitration in Canada and Australia;

D.         BCICAC and ACICA wish to record their willingness to extend friendly cooperation.

THEREFORE THE PARTIES AGREE TO USE THEIR BEST EFFORTS

a.         to promote the efficient resolution of commercial disputes by negotiation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration;

b.         to endeavor to promote wider use of the processes of negotiation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration under the rules or auspices of their respective institutions;

c.          to provide each other with appropriate assistance in:

i. the establishment of panels or lists of suitable mediators, conciliators and arbitrators,

ii. the appointment of experts,

iii. the appointment of mediators, conciliators and arbitrators,

iv. the provision of facilities and services as required, including administrative services, recording of evidence and storage of documents,

v. the communication of information and advice, and

vi. any other matters relating to dispute resolution,

(Such expenses as are incurred for this purpose shall be reimbursed by the institution requesting the facilities.)

a. to receive visits from duly appointed representatives from each institution for purpose of furthering this agreement,

b. to cooperate in popularizing the process of arbitration as a means for settling disputes arising out of international economic and commercial transactions and for that purpose to undertake in particular the organization of seminars, conferences and educational programs wherever appropriate, and

c. on request, to consult together on any question concerning the interpretation or operation of this agreement.

IN WITNESS thereof the authorized representatives of the AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION and BRITISH COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION CENTRE have appended their signatures on this agreement.

For and on behalf of the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration

“Ronald Fitch”
President
Date: 20 October, 1986

For and on behalf of the British Columbia International Commercial Arbitration Centre

“F. Michael P. Warren, Q.C.”
Governing Trustee
Date: July 14, 1986