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< Back G20 engagement ICC WBO Feb 2, 2024 News from the G20 Engagement in Brazil. John Denton was in Brazil this week for the opening ceremony of the B20, the business engagement group of the G20. Appointed Co-Chair of the B20 task force on Finance and Infrastructure, John was invited to address the role of global policies to enable business in a changing geopolitical and environmental landscape ( see photos ). Among other B20 Task Force or Action Council Co-Chairs announced this week are ICC Chair Maria Fernanda Garza (Integrity and Compliance), ICC Board Member Lama Al-Sulaiman (Employment and Education), and World Chambers Federation Vice-Chair Marie Christine Oghly (Women, Diversity and Inclusion in Business). John underscored the role of the private sector in unlocking diplomatic negotiations within the G20 in this interview with leading Brazilian newspaper O Globo. Previous Next

Digital Economy Digital transformation is rapidly changing how people live. Emerging trends have significant influence in re-shaping the business landscape, opening uncharted potential that can unlock new opportunities. Discover the Commission's Key Initiatives Digitalisation for People, Planet and Prosperity Download Digital Economy work streams Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) DSI accelerates the development of a globally harmonized, digitized trade environment, as a key enabler of dynamic, sustainable, inclusive growth. Learn more Cyber Business insight and experience on new ICTs and the impact of regulations on their use Learn more Internet Governance Creating opportunities and addressing challenges through ICTs and the Internet. Learn more Data Flows Harnessing the opportunities of the digital economy and support the trade of goods and services through data flows. Learn more

< Back Marieke van Hooijdonk A&O Shearman Arbitrator Contact Details Netherlands +31 20 674 1123 marieke.vanhooijdonk@aoshearman.com Additional Links: Link Contact Details Biography Marieke is a renowned international arbitration counsel. She handles complex and high-stake disputes across various sectors and jurisdictions, involving joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, trade, contracts and more. She also represents clients in arbitration related court proceedings. Marieke is recently elected as new Vice-President to the ICC International Court of Arbitration for 2024-2027. In addition, she is a member of the ICC Dutch Nominations Commission and the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR. She has served as the Dutch member on the ICC Court in Paris from 2014 until 2021. She often acts as arbitrator, including as chair and emergency arbitrator. Marieke also has a long standing role as deputy judge at the Court of Appeal in Arnhem-Leeuwarden. Marieke regularly speaks and writes on arbitration related issues. Her book "Litigation in the Netherlands" published by Kluwer, is still widely used. Marieke is ranked as Band 1 – Arbitration Counsel (Chambers Europe, Netherlands, 2024-2014), appears in the "Hall of Fame" in Legal 500 and is named Thought Leader in Who's Who Legal Arbitration. Clients praise Marieke for her knowledge, strategy, advocacy and teamwork. Some of her recent testimonials include: “Marieke van Hooijdonk is an absolute force of nature in arbitration in the Netherlands. A fearless advocate for her client and completely on top of the detail. ” “Marieke van Hooijdonk is top-notch and has been the best arbitration lawyer in the industry for many years, if not decades – very strong and confident advocacy, razor sharp and very committed to reaching the client’s goals and needs, creative and persuasive, drawing on extensive arbitration experience and expertise .” (Legal 500 2024 Dispute Resolution). "She is a highly esteemed lawyer for ICC and NAI arbitrations. " (Chambers Global 2024 Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Counsel). “Marieke van Hooijdonk is the grand lady of the Dutch arbitration scene, brilliant sharp mind and excellent analytical and tactical skills. A pleasure to work with. ” (Legal 500 2023 Dispute Resolution). “She is absolutely brilliant. ” (Chambers Global 2023 Dispute Resolution. Languages Spoken Dutch, English Specialisation Corporate Law / M&A, Investment / Public International Law, Financial Services, Biotech, Pharmaceutical, Technology, Media, Life Sciences and Healthcare Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

< Back Public-private partnership to tackle trade barriers and foster inclusive growth in Agri-food sector ICC NL Feb 15, 2024 Looking back at a successful workshop focused on unlocking borders and empowering growth in the Agri-food sector with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation In an effort to streamline trade processes and foster inclusive economic growth , the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation recently organized a workshop om the Netherlands focusing on the agrifood sector. The Alliance, a public-private partnership dedicated to promoting trade-led growth, collaborated with ICC NL and VNO-NCW to address key challenges hindering cross-border trade within the Dutch market. The workshop, attended by representatives from both the public and private sectors, aimed to identify trade barriers specific to the Netherlands and explore solutions to enhance the flow of goods across borders, particularly to and from developing and least-developed countries (LDCs). By bringing together government officials and businesses as equal partners, the Alliance endeavors to cut through bureaucratic red tape and eliminate costly delays at borders. One of the central themes of the workshop was the importance of streamlining data flow and reducing reliance on paper documents within Dutch trade processes, which often contribute to inefficiencies. Participants also delved into issues surrounding traceability of goods in the Dutch agrifood supply chain and explored ways to ensure mutual agreement in interpreting trade agreements within the Dutch context. The Alliance's approach emphasizes collaboration between the public and private sectors, recognizing the critical role of Dutch businesses in identifying trade issues and driving meaningful change within the international trade. While the Alliance receives funding from organizations such as USAID, the Government of Canada, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, it relies on the expertise and insights of Dutch private sector stakeholders to address targeted trade reforms within the Netherlands. Moving forward, the Alliance plans to engage in individual meetings with Dutch sector representatives to further explore identified challenges and develop tailored solutions specific to the Dutch market. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both the public and private sectors within the Netherlands, the Alliance aims to facilitate smoother trade processes and enhance trade competitiveness, ultimately contributing to inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction. Reach out for more information or to participate as we work collaboratively to overcome trade barriers and create a more conducive environment for global trade. Previous Next

< Back ICC Secretary General addresses environment ministers ahead of INC-4 ICC WBO Apr 10, 2024 ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO has issued a letter to environment ministers, calling on them to prioritise tangible outcomes at the upcoming 4th negotiating session of the UNEP Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to combat plastic pollution. With only two sessions remaining, Mr. Denton emphasises the urgency of forging a clear path forward and mobilising all sectors of society to address this pressing global issue. The open letter represents a call to action for environment ministers worldwide to seize the unique opportunity presented by INC-4 and deliver a strong signal to the real economy of the international community’s commitment to end plastic pollution. In his letter, Mr. Denton emphasises the need for a collaborative and decisive effort during INC-4 to pave the way for an ambitious and effective global plastics treaty. This effort will require an all-hands-on-deck approach to mobilise all actors of society, including setting the frame and direction for accelerated business action. To achieve this goal, Mr. Denton stresses the need to see tangible outcomes in three key areas: Put a circular economy approach at the heart of the instrument Address most problematic and avoidable plastics Establish effective means of implementation for the real economy Download the full statement: 2024-ICC-Open-Letter-to-Environment-Ministers-in-advance-of-INC-4.pdf ( iccwbo.org ) Previous Next

< Back Regional Summits to intensify chamber impact ICC WBO Dec 26, 2023 The ICC World Chambers Federation has unveiled a groundbreaking series of Regional Summits aimed at tackling global challenges through a regional perspective. Building on the resounding success of the World Chambers Congress, the summits serve as platforms for chambers and businesses to collaborate and lead the response to challenges and opportunities. WCF Chair Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “ Regional focus is vital to amplify the voice of the real economy and to ensure the work programme of our World Chambers Federation remains inclusive, regionally relevant and impactful. The WCF Regional Summits mark a significant milestone in our efforts to foster global collaboration and address challenges through a regional lens .” ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton said: “ Inclusivity is our guiding principle for effective multilateralism. Our ICC regional summits will underscore the pressing need for enhanced global cooperation and governance while ensuring chambers and businesses, large and small, have a voice in the decision-making processes that shape international cooperation and economic development .” The summits will enable knowledge sharing and capacity building around the four key pillars of the WCF work plan: Empowerment of women, enhanced access to global markets for MSMEs, digitalisation for MSMEs, and sustainability in business and climate action. Open to WCF members and non-members alike, Regional Summits will be co-hosted with local chambers further extending ICC’s influence and global reach to positively impact the operations of smaller businesses that are the economic backbone of communities worldwide. The inaugural WCF Regional Summit will be hosted by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and take place in Bogotá from May 8-10, 2024. Executive President of the Bogotá Chamber Ovidio Claros said: “ We are thrilled to co-host this groundbreaking regional Summit. This inclusive event aims to unite chamber members, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs in fostering solutions for MSMEs to access new markets, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous future for all globally.” A second WCF Regional Summit, to be hosted by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), is scheduled to take place from 23-25 October in Istanbul. Chambers interested in hosting a WCF Regional Summit are encouraged to contact ICC WCF for more information. For business. For you. Previous Next

< Back Celebrating World Customs Day 2024 ICC WCO Jan 26, 2024 It’s World Customs Day, celebrated in 2024 under the theme ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.’ Businesses worldwide rely on efficient Customs regimes and smooth logistics when exporting and importing goods. That is why, as a long-time partner of the World Customs Organization, ICC helps drive the harmonisation and facilitation of customs procedures in line with our mission to business work for everyone, every day, everywhere. Here are just some of the ways in which we promote trade facilitation and customs modernisation, and help businesses get goods moving across borders. ATA Carnets – working like a passport for goods ATA Carnets are a trusted standard procedure administered by the ICC World Chambers Federation. They eliminate taxes and duties for the temporary import of almost all kinds of goods. For the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2022, more than 118,000 pieces of equipment, from 34 countries, valued at US$94 million were temporarily imported into China. Issued worldwide every year for goods valued at US$25 billion, the ATA will be going for gold again in 2024 as the Olympic games and Paralympics head to Paris. What’s more, the world’s first fully digital ATA Carnet was used in 2023 to complete an entire customs journey using the digital ATA Carnet system pioneered by ICC. ICC Genesis Help is at hand for exporters, importers and customs authorities to reduce fraud risks and facilitate smoother customs checks with our groundbreaking Genesis verification tool. Genesis is a digital certifying tool, launched by ICC in 2022, to enable exporters to obtain the certification of their preferential origin statement on invoice declarations from a chamber of commerce. Through the World Chambers Federation, ICC provides an international Certificate of Origin accreditation chain system for chambers of commerce and has established international standards, rules and procedures that reinforce the trust and integrity of the CO Chain, to the benefit of traders and Customs administrations alike. Our Certificate of Origin verification website, allows chambers of commerce and customs authorities to confirm the authenticity and validity of COs issued by accredited chambers. Incoterms® Rules – the daily language of trade Incoterms® rules are ICC’s globally recognised trade terms supporting the efficient clearance of goods through customs by clarifying the tasks, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers. Incorporated in contracts for the sale of goods worldwide, the Incoterm rules provide a common language for trade, providing guidance to importers and exporters and helping trading partners avoid potential misunderstandings. Learn more about ICC’s range of trade tools facilitate cross-border transactions Previous Next

< Back Marc Krestin Fieldfisher Arbitrator Contact Details Netherlands +31611730195 marc.krestin@fieldfisher.com Additional Links: Link Contact Details Biography Marc Krestin is a partner in the Dispute Resolution practice of the European law firm Fieldfisher, based in Amsterdam. Marc has over 16 years' experience as an international disputes lawyer. He acts as counsel in international commercial and investor-state arbitrations as well as in corporate and commercial litigations before Dutch courts, with a focus on energy, construction, infrastructure, technology and post-M&A disputes. Having lived, studied and/or worked in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and the Netherlands, Marc is a true European citizen and at ease in different cultural settings and legal systems. He has German citizenship, is qualified as a lawyer (advocaat) in the Netherlands and is fluent and conducts arbitrations in Dutch, German, English and French. Marc has particular experience with complex cross-border disputes in the following sectors: oil & gas (pipelines, refinieries, LNG plants, coal-fired power plants, long-term gas price agreements, production sharing agreements, concessions, decommissioning), renewables (solar, wind, hydrogen), construction, mining, IT/technology, telecom, banking & finance, real estate, retail & consumer products, automotive, aviation, transport & shipping. His geographical aeras of focus include the EU, US, UK, Switzerland, former CIS countries, Northern and Francophone Africa, South Africa, the Middle East and the APAC region and he has conducted arbitrations under the laws of the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, England & Wales, New York, Morocco, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Hong Kong, Singapore, Georgia, Russia and Ukraine. He also represents both claimants and defendants in class action proceedings in relation to environmental damage, consumer protection and competition law infringements. Furthermore, Marc sits as an arbitrator and regularly advises on matters of ESG, public international law, technology/AI and third-party funding. Marc has published extensively in the field of international arbitration, has held numerous speaking engagements, and has guest-lectured on topics of international arbitration and advocacy at universities in Amsterdam and Paris. He has been recommended in Who's Who Legal Arbitration: Future Leaders since 2019 and features in the Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist: Benelux 2024 . He sits on the Executive Committee of the Rising Arbitrators Initiative (RAI) and is a member of the Dutch Arbitration Association (DAA), the International Arbitration Commission of the Association Internationale des Jeunes Avocats (AIJA) and the ESG Arbitration Subcommittee of the International Bar Association (IBA). Marc is admitted to the Dutch Bar (Amsterdam) since 2008 and registered with the Paris Bar (under Directive 98/5/EC) since 2019. He holds master's degrees in international law and economics from the Erasmus University of Rotterdam and an LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London. Languages Spoken German, English, Dutch, French Specialisation Construction, Corporate Law / M&A, Finance and Banking, Information and Communication Technologies, Investment / Public International Law, Pharmaceutical, Sales, Sports, Transport, Environment, Agriculture, Distribution, Joint Ventures, Maritime, Real Estate, Renewable Energy, ESG, Retail, Technology/AI, Employment, Energy and Natural Resources Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

< Back New version of Global Trade Modernization Index launches to accelerate digital trade Mar 25, 2024 The ICC Digital Standards Initiative, the Asia Global Institute and Milken Institute have announced the launch of the BETA version of the Global Trade Modernization Index (GTMI) in Hong Kong. The new version marks the first update of the ALPHA version launched in March 2023. This 2024 version incorporates new data, small tweaks of the methodology, expert insights from the organisers as well as a Digital Policy Alert. The launch aims to highlight how economies can build their digital trade readiness through five linked pillars: (1) Paperless Trade, (2) Trade Openness, (3) Regulatory Environment, (4) Business Readiness, and (5) Human Capital. The index aggregates 27 indicators to evaluate 65 economies. Notable insights in the BETA version include: Singapore retains its #1 position with a score of 95.7 across the five pillars United Arab Emirates enters the index at 11th position. The United Kingdom, which passed the Electronic Trade Documents Act in September 2023, has moved up four places to 7th position. The Index aims to enable a conversation with policymakers about building the capabilities that support an economy and its businesses to engage fruitfully in digital trade. Professor Heiwai Tang, Director of the Asia Global Institute, said: “In today’s digital era, trade plays a vital role in economic growth and we are committed to showcasing how countries can maximise their advantage through digital trade.” Kevin Klowden, Executive Director of the Milken Institute, said: “ The factor of human capital fundamentally represents the ability of skilled workers in a country to actually learn, implement and benefit from paperless trade.” Curtis S. Chin, Milken Institute Chair, Asia Fellows, and Senior Advisor, Global Markets said: “In an increasingly divided world, it is terrific to see our organisations coming together for digital trade, which is a powerful force to bridge divides and has huge potential in Asia to drive prosperity and growth.” Pamela Mar, Managing Director of the ICC Digital Standards Initiative, said: “ Through the GTMI, we hope to engage leaders in the public and private sectors around pillars that support an economy to engage in digital trade. They will drive an economy to apply standards, build digital trust, and implement legal reforms. ” See the Global Trade Modernization Index ICC Digital Standards Initiative Hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Digital Standards Initiative is committed to promoting policy coherence and harmonizing digital trading standards for the benefit of businesses, governments, and people everywhere. Working with established standard-setting bodies and international organizations, the ICC Digital Standards Initiative will drive greater adoption of existing standards and create new frameworks to unify digital trade processes. Asia Global Institute Asia Global Institute is a multidisciplinary think tank co-established by The University of Hong Kong and the Fung Global Institute. The Institute’s mission is to generate and disseminate research and ideas on global issues from Asian perspectives. It aims to inform global policy and actions towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all. Milken Institute The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what’s pressing now and what’s coming next. For business. For you. Previous Next

< Back New ICC Hearing Centre unveiled Mar 18, 2024 ICC has announced details on the opening of an ICC Hearing Centre in Paris, including its location, set-up and expected opening date. Located in a serene area of the 17th arrondissement , the ICC Hearing Centre is being constructed on Rue Legendre , just minutes away from major Paris law firms and the Cité judiciaire , and conveniently accessible from the city’s train stations and airports. The ICC Hearing Centre will span across a single level and offer two sets of hearing and breakout rooms, with the possibility of extending to a third to manage overflow. The state-of-the-art premises have been designed to provide premium service for in-person, hybrid and virtual hearings in terms of efficiency, technology, confidentiality, accessibility and overall comfort. The property housing the ICC Hearing Centre will include a five-star boutique hotel, a restaurant, café, fitness centre, roof terraces, as well as other office spaces. It is being developed by Groupe Galia . Alexander G. Fessas, Secretary General of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and Director of ICC Dispute Resolution Services said: “Providing excellent service to all arbitration and ADR hearings out of Paris, regardless of their institutional setting, has long been our objective, and we are delighted that the perfect home for our new Hearing Centre is now being constructed. We cannot wait to welcome our guests back in the autumn of 2024.” Previous Next

< Back Koorosh H. Ameli Ameli Intenational Arbitration Arbitrator Contact Details Netherlands +31 70 205 1298 k.ameli@ameliarbitration.com Additional Links: Link Contact Details Biography Judge Ameli specialises in international arbitration disputes involving issues of public international law, international investment law, bilateral and multilateral treaty law, sanctions law, Iranian law, as well as related commercial and contract law. He has particular experience in the oil and gas sector, major infrastructure projects, expropriations, telecoms, and other investment disputes. He has acted as arbitrator in more than 100 cases conducted under the UNCITRAL, ICC, LCIA and ad hoc arbitration rules. He also regularly acts as legal expert, counsel and legal consultant in major international arbitration and litigation cases. For more, see Ameli International Arbitration (ameliarbitration.com) Languages Spoken Persian, English Specialisation International Arbitration, Investment / Public International Law, Treaties, Contracts, Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Telecoms, Expropriation, Sanctions, Iranian Law Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

< Back Martje de Vries Lentsch De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek Arbitrator Contact Details Netherlands +31 20 577 1384 martje.devrieslentsch@debrauw.com Additional Links: Link Contact Details Biography Martje is a partner in De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek's International Arbitration & Litigation practice. She is widely known for her expertise in commercial arbitration and complex cross-border litigation, notably in the field of energy, where she advises clients on critical strategic matters and has represented these companies in a range of arbitrations and court cases. She has 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. This includes in-house experience gathered during a secondment to Shell's litigation department in Houston and her role as litigator at the Houston office of Haynes & Boone. Clients value Martje as an accomplished practitioner who can advise on both legal and economic issues in highly complex disputes. She also manages highly political and sensitive disputes and negotiations, managing numerous stakeholders and interests. Martje's expertise also includes disputes related to joint ventures and collaboration agreements, and issues related to recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and annulment of arbitral awards as well as related attachment proceedings. As a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (ICC), Martje actively participates in the Court’s judicial supervision of ICC arbitrations, including the appointment of arbitrators, decisions on challenges against arbitrators, and the scrutiny and approval of ICC arbitral awards. In addition, Martje is an executive board member of the Dutch Arbitration Association and included in the Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI) and the Shanghai Arbitration Commission’s (SAC) panels of arbitrators. Martje has been included in GAR's latest edition of its '45 under 45' – a guide to the leading younger practitioners in international arbitration. Martje’s recent work includes advising and representing: an international energy company in various gas price review arbitrations under long-term gas sales agreements under the ICC and UNCITRAL rules in English and German; an international energy company in three ICC arbitrations under New York law arising out of long-term LNG purchase contracts; energy companies in a variety of arbitration and litigation matters related to the accelerated shut-in of and damage claims in relation to the Groningen gas field; a commercial airport in legal proceedings on a large construction project; Shell before the Dutch courts in a case under Nigerian law brought by four Nigerian farmers and environmental organisation Milieudefensie related to oil spills in Nigeria, and the successful mediation between the parties Languages Spoken Dutch, English Specialisation Joint Ventures, Energy, Commercial, Collaboration Agreements, Enforcement and Annulment of Arbitral Awards Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV