Vientiane Capital, 02 July 2025 — Phomsoupha & Son Law Company Limited successfully hosted a professional workshop titled “Commercial Arbitration with Respect to International Law” at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Vientiane Capital. The event brought together senior representatives from the Lao energy sector to strengthen legal capacity in resolving commercial disputes through arbitration, with a particular focus on the energy industry and international best practices.
Dr. Xaypaseuth Phomsoupha, Managing Partner of Phomsoupha & Son Law and a leading Lao lawyer in international arbitration and energy law, led the workshop. Dr. Xaypaseuth delivered a comprehensive presentation on the practical and legal aspects of conducting commercial arbitration, with a focus on disputes arising from Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between Inde
pendent Power Producers (IPPs) and both domestic and international off-takers.
Dr. Xaypaseuth’s presentation provided a detailed overview of the arbitration process under internationally recognised institutional rules, with a particular emphasis on the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). The session covered key procedural steps, including the commencement of arbitration, the appointment of arbitrators, the conduct of proceedings, interim measures, hearings, and the enforcement of arbitral awards under the New York Convention, to which the Lao PDR is a signatory. He also discussed common legal issues in the energy sector, such as payment defaults, force majeure claims, and contract termination, highlighting how arbitration can offer a neutral and enforceable mechanism for resolving such disputes.
The workshop aimed to promote a deeper understanding of international arbitration among Lao stakeholders, particularly in the context of Laos’ increasing engagement with foreign investors in infrastructure and energy projects. The forum also highlighted the strategic importance of effective dispute resolution for state-owned enterprises and their role in safeguarding public interest in complex, long-term commercial contracts.
The event was honourably attended by Mr. Souksavart Sosouphanh, Managing Director of EDL-Generation Public Company and Deputy Managing Director of Electricité du Laos (EDL), who delivered the opening address. In his remarks, Mr. Souksavart emphasised the crucial role of arbitration in the energy sector, noting that as the primary electricity off-taker in the Lao PDR, EDL must be prepared to operate within the framework of international dispute resolution. He further emphasised the need for state-owned enterprises to develop internal legal capacity and be well-versed in arbitration processes to manage legal risks in cross-border transactions effectively.
Senior management and legal personnel from EDL and EDL-Gen actively participated in the discussions, reflecting a strong institutional commitment to advancing legal expertise and adopting international standards in dispute resolution.
The workshop is part of Phomsoupha & Son Law’s broader initiative to support legal development in Lao PDR by providing expert-led training, legal education, and practical guidance in areas critical to the country’s economic growth. Through such engagements, the firm reaffirms its commitment to delivering trusted legal solutions in complex cross-border and sector-specific matters.
For more information about our legal training programs or arbitration services, please contact:
📧info@phomsouphalaw.com
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