An informational meeting about the Guide on the Law Applicable to International Commercial Contracts in the Americas was organized by the Department of International Law of the Secretariat for Legal Affairs in collaboration with the Inter-American Bar Association, DC Chapter and held on Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 in the OAS Main Building. A presentation on the Guide was made by Ms. Jeannette Tramhel, Senior Legal Officer of the Department, which was followed by informal dialogue among participants. The event provided an opportunity for members of OAS Permanent Missions to obtain additional information about the Guide and insights from the private sector. The exchange between officials and practicing members of the bar prompted suggestions for further dissemination of the Guide in furtherance of the mandate from the OAS General Assembly in that regard (International Law, AG/RES. 2930). One of the key observations from the private bar was that by reducing uncertainty in the law applicable to international commercial contracts, the Guide would make a significant contribution in the advancement of private international law and thereby serve to encourage business and economic development in the region.

Attendees included representatives from numerous Missions, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Grenada, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the United States and Uruguay; a number of IABA members and Professor David Stewart, former member of the Inter-American Juridical Committee (2008 - 2016) and co-rapporteur for the antecedent studies that led to the development of the Guide.