International Seminar
on
INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAWS:
Bangladesh Context
Dated 7 May 2016
EVENT SUMMARY
Organized by
RAHMAN’S CHAMBERS
&
BANGLADESH FOREIGN TRADE INSTITUTE
Supported by
THE NEED FOR CHANGE
The volume of international trade of Bangladesh is increasing day by day. Commercial Disputes and
claims arising out of Letter of Credit, back to back Letter of Credit, outstanding payment, loss of
goods, loss of cargos, short supply of goods, rejection, discrepancies etc are increasing at a
considerable rate. Timely resolution of commercial disputes is an essential requirement for
economic development. Besides, harmonization of laws on international sales of goods is essential.
Rahman’s Chambers has over the years has been part few reported landmark international trade
related and Letter of Credit related cases, and a number of maritime and arbitration matters. It was
deeply felt while dealing with such cases that the country would only benefit if one or more of the
above mentioned conventions in particular CISG are ratified. Presently 84 countries including
USA(1988), Germany(1991), Demark (1990) and most EU countries, Japan (2009), Russia(1991),
Australia, China (1988), Singapore, Brazil (2014), Bahrain(2014) Canada, Congo(2015),
Madagascar(2015) ratified CISG. On 18/12/2015, Vietnam also ratified CISG.
THE INITIATIVE
a) Rahman’s Chambers
Rahman’s Chambers, being a responsible firm of lawyers and as part of its pro bono
not-for-profit held an event in commemoration of World Fair Trade Day 2015 in
May 2015 which caught UNCITRAL’s attention. Upon invitation of Rahman’s
Chambers, UNCITRAL explored the option to support any event in Bangladesh in
order to raise awareness and discuss the potential benefits from implementing UNCITRAL texts.
Photo: Seminar in Commemoration of World Fair Trade Day 2015
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b) BFTI
Considering the importance of the matter and potential public interest in this matter the Bangladesh
Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) has expressed interest in joining hands to organize
this event as co-organizers. Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) is a nonprofit research and training institution. Founded in 2003, it traces its inception to
the concept of public-private partnership (PPP) between the Ministry of
Commerce (MoC), Government of Bangladesh and the private sector. Its prime focus is on research,
education, training and policy advocacy on international trade-related issues. The beneficiaries of
the institute comprise both the public and private sectors, engaged in trade-related activities.
b) Introduction to UNCITRAL
UNCITRAL has been recognized as the core legal body of
the United Nations system in the field of international
trade law. A legal body with universal membership
specializing in commercial law reform worldwide for over
40 years, UNCITRAL's business is the modernization and
harmonization of rules on international business.
The key goals of UNCITRAL Regional Center for Asia and the Pacific, South Korea are outlined below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
To enhance international trade
To enhance development in the Asia-Pacific region
Promoting certainty in international commercial transactions
Dissemination of international trade norms and standards
To provide bilateral and multilateral technical assistance to States with respect to adoption
and uniform interpretation of UNCITRAL texts through workshops & seminars
f. To engage in coordination activities with international and regional organizations active in
trade law reform projects in the region.
g. To function as a channel of communication between States in the region and UNCITRAL
Position of Bangladesh:
Bangladesh has ratified so far a few of the policies and texts of UNCITRAL including the NY
Convention of 1958, Model Law on Arbitration & Model law on E-Commerce. However, the majority
of UNCITRAL texts as mentioned below has not been ratified yet:
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SL
Model Law/Convention
Ratification Status
1
Model Law on Public Procurement
NO
2
New York Convention 1958
YES
3
Model Law on Arbitration
YES
4
Model Law on Conciliation
NO
5
Convention on International Sale of Goods(CISG)
NO
6
Convention on International Sale of Goods Limitation
NO
7
Rotterdam Rules
NO
8
Electronic Communications Convention
NO
9
Model Law E-Commerce
YES
10
Model Law on Electronic Signatures
NO
11
Model Law on Cross Border Insolvency
NO
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
a) UNCITRAL
After Rahman’s Chambers successfully organized an event in commemoration of World Fair Trade
Day 2015, it received praise from several frontiers. The Chief Guest’s speech from that event was
also uploaded to UNCITRAL web-site and in the talks preceding the event with UNCITRAL, it showed
interest in supporting an event held for the first time in Bangladesh about UNCITRAL model laws,
conventions and texts. UNCITRAL has agreed to support by providing resources and sharing of
information by key personnel during the workshop.
b) BIAC
Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre is the first international arbitration
institution of the country. It is registered as a not-for-profit organization and
commenced operations in April 2011 under a license from the Government.
Considering the importance and relevance of the event in the current climate, BIAC has expressed
interest in joining as a support organization.
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THE EVENT
a) Summary
This event will focus on the current legal landscape of Bangladesh in relation to International Trade
Laws and promote awareness and discuss the advantages & disadvantages of ratification of several
UNCITRAL Texts, Model Laws & Conventions. The event will be kindly graced by Hon’ble Minister of
relevant ministry of the Peoples republic of Bangladesh, Hon’ble Justices of the Appellate Division &
High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and also Head of UNCITRAL, Regional
centre, South Korea among other notable guests. The full Programme Schedule is provided in a
separate sheet.
b) Place
The workshop will take place at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka. A panel of notable speakers
both local and foreign including UNCITRAL senior officials as well as a number of resource personnel
who will come from different countries upon invitation from UNCITRAL shall speak on different
issues relating to UNCITRAL text and position of Bangladesh.
c) Participation:
Guest-participants: The Guest-participants will be invited by Chambers on due course of time.
Sponsors: This is a pro bono event, hence strictly not for profit. However, sponsors are invited to
join hands to share cost on not for profit basis.
Registered-Participants: A few numbers of persons who are related to trade and are not sponsor or
invited guests will be allowed to join by registration on payment of cost (No income generation
basis) of BDT 5, 000/- (Taka Five Thousand) only.
d) Sponsorship
We are pleased to invite you to be one of the sponsors for this upcoming event. This is a pro bono
event, hence strictly not for profit of any organizers involved. However, sponsors are invited to join
hands to share cost on not for profit basis. The estimated total cost is BDT 5,00,000/- (Taka Five lac)
only. A statement of accounts will be circulated by us. Any remaining amount after the event
expenditure will be refunded among the sponsors proportionately.
As a sponsor, you will receive thanks and recognition in the event programme and will be entitled to
join the event as Guest Participant.
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e) Type of Sponsorship and Benefits
Categories
Platinum
Sponsorship
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Banner
Materials
Guests
Logo
on
the
Banner of the
Event at top row
Logo
on
the
Invitation
Materials of the
Event at top row;
Additional
material may be
displayed at the
event.
Up to Five persons
can join as Guest
Participants
Logo
on
the
Banner of the
Event at middle
row
Logo
on
the
‘Invitation
Materials of the
Event at middle
row.
Up to Three persons
can join as Guest
Participants
50,000/=
Logo
on
Banner of
Event
Logo
on
the
Invitation
Materials of the
Event
Up to Two persons
can join as Guest
Participants
30,000/=
the
the
Amount
(Tk./USD)
75,000/=
If your esteemed organisation is interested to take part in this event, please see below for contact
details.
Contact Details
RAHMAN’S CHAMBERS
Barristers & Advocates
Banani Main Chamber
Rangs Shawpnil
Flat No. 2A, 2nd Floor
House No. 02, Road No.2/3
Banani, P.O.: Gulshan-1
Dhaka.1212, Bangladesh
Phone: (+8802)8815415, 9852821
Fax: (+8802)8835936, 9362673
www.rahmansc.com
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Sponsorship related queries:
Mr. Rashedul Haque
LL. B. (Hons.) (DU)
Coordinator & Associate
Phone: (+8802) 8815415 [Ext: 103]
Mobile: (00880)1793549654
E-mail: coordinator@rahmansc.com
General Queries/Booking a Place
Mr. Monir Hossain
Manager, Communication
Phone: (+8802) 8815415 [Ext: 105]
Mobile: (00880)1788626815
E-mail: communication@rahmansc.com
Head of Chambers (Direct)
Mohammed Forrukh Rahman
Barrister-at-Law
Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh
Mobile:(+88)(0)1755574256
Phone: (+8802)8815415, 9852821, Ext:101
Email: head@rahmansc.com; rahmansc@gmail.com
Skype: rahmans.chambers
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