As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional legal capacity and uphold the rule of law in Lao PDR, the JuSTICE Project, funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), convened an intensive five-day workshop on Contractual Protection and State Liability from 5 to 9 May 2025. The workshop focused on critical legal issues related to States’ contractual obligations and liability under international law in the context of foreign investments.
It also provided a valuable platform for cross-institutional dialogue bringing a total of 38 representatives participated, including officials from the Ministry of Justice (Department of Law, Department of Law Dissemination, and Department of International Cooperation), National Institute of Justice, Lao Bar Association, People’s Supreme Court, the Office of Supreme People’s Prosecutor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Électricité du Laos, and Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Throughout the training, participants engaged with a wide range of topics through both theoretical aspects of the international investment law and practical exercises. The workshop was led by a team of legal experts—Mr. Dino Santaniello, Mr. Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia, and Mr. Robert Huston—all of whom brought extensive experience in international public law and legal practice in Southeast Asia.
The sessions covered key areas such as an overview of international public law, state accountability, and liability, bilateral and multilateral trade and investment agreements, and arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms. The experts also facilitated in-depth discussions that enabled participants to explore the complexities of international legal practices and negotiation process through case-based fictitious scenarios and role-playing exercises. These included the interpretation of bilateral investment agreements—examining them in light of comparisons between international and Lao domestic laws—examples of Laos’s participation in arbitration proceedings, and cases involving petitions and arbitration awards. Additionally, the experts introduced practical tools and resources that participants can apply in their ongoing legal work.
This workshop aligns with the broader objectives of the JuSTICE Project which focuses on institutional support and capacity building of justice sector actors. A reliable and predictable legal system is essential for attracting long-term investment, as it assures investors that their rights will be protected under the rule of law. Achieving this requires a strong legal framework, well-enforced policies, and a consistent commitment to justice. By organising this workshop, the JuSTICE Project aimed to strengthen the skills of legal practitioners who play a key role in drafting legislation and shaping policies in areas of investment, cross-border cooperation, or public administration.
