The Guide on the Law Applicable to International Commercial Contracts in the Americas was presented on November 22, 2019 at the annual conference of ASADIP (Asociación Americana de Derecho Internacional Privado). The panel, which comprised Dr. Jose Moreno, Member of the Inter-American Juridical Committee (CJI) and Rapporteur for the topic, and Ms. Jeannette Tramhel, Senior Legal Officer with the Department of International Law, provided an overview of the process that had led to the Guide, its highlights and importance for the harmonization and modernization of private international law in the Americas and, thereby, its contribution towards regional trade and economic development.

The presentation was made in furtherance of the mandate from the OAS General Assembly “to disseminate the work of the CJI , including the Guide” and to promote private international law among OAS member states “in collaboration with” organizations engaged in this area, specifically ASADIP, among others (International Law, AG/RES. 2930). A similar presentation on the Guide had been made to the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs on November 14th, 2019, at which time printed copies of the Guide in English and Spanish were disseminated. Plans for further dissemination include presentations to the Inter-American Bar Association and similar entities. By means of outreach to a wide range of groups, it is hoped that the Guide will be disseminated widely throughout circles of academia, chambers of commerce, the practicing bar, the judiciary, and those responsible for legislative reforms in the fields of international and commercial law.