Economic dispute mediation (apply for mediation / file a defence at the Economic Dispute Resolution Centre) in Laos: statutory documents, competent authority and legal basis
Who can apply
Both Lao citizens and foreigners may apply; the documents differ.
Competent authority: File at the jointly agreed centre/office; failing agreement, at the place of the dispute (Art.17).
At a glance
Where to apply: File at the jointly agreed centre/office; failing agreement, at the place of the dispute (Art.17).
Steps:
- Prepare the four items under Art.19
- File at the agreed centre (Art.17)
- The centre reviews and summonses within 5 days (Art.20)
How long: Review/summons 5 working days (Art.20); overall per the centre notice.
Cost: Mediators fees per Decree #1145; per the centre notice.
Statutory document list
I am the claimant: apply for mediation
- The mediation application (Art.19.1) (required)
- The contract related to the dispute (Art.19.2) (required)
- The parties written agreement to submit the dispute to the Centre (Art.19.3) — without it the Centre will not accept the case (required)
- Information or other documents as evidence (Art.19.4) (optional)
I am the respondent: file a defence
- The defence statement (filed by the respondent) (required)
- The contract related to the dispute (Art.19.2) (required)
- Information or other documents as evidence (Art.19.4) (optional)
Check first: may a foreign party choose a foreign/international forum by contract (Art.5)
Statutory requirements
- A foreign party right (Art.5): a foreigner doing business, international trade or foreign investment in Laos may, by contract, choose a foreign or international forum, mediator, governing law, procedural rules, seat and language. Put it in the contract dispute-resolution clause.
- Where to file (Art.17): to the centre or office the parties jointly agree on; failing agreement, to the one at the place where the dispute arose.
- Time limits (Art.20): within 5 working days the centre reviews and summonses the parties; a party who fails to appear without good cause forfeits the hearing and the file is returned.
- Principles (Art.8): voluntary, fair-prompt-lawful, equal, independent-transparent, language, and confidentiality.
Common issues
- Without the written consent to submit (Art.19.3) the case is refused
- Absence without cause → not heard, file returned (Art.20)
Legal basis (Lao Official Gazette texts)
Excerpt: Article 17 Submission of Applications Domestic or foreign individuals, legal entities, or organizations wishing to resolve economic disputes shall submit an application along with relevant documents to the economic dispu …
Excerpt: Article 18 Contents of Application The application for dispute resolution shall contain the following main contents: 1. The name, age, occupation, nationality, current address, and place of business of the party or agent …
Excerpt: Article 19 Attached Documents The documents to be attached when submitting to the Economic Dispute Resolution Center or Office are as follows: 1. Application; 2. Relevant contract; 3. …
Excerpt: Article 20 (Amended) Review of the Application Within five working days of receiving the application, the economic dispute resolution center or office shall review the application dossier, issue a summons to the parties …
Excerpt: Article 5 Right to Choose Dispute Resolution Methods Individuals, legal entities, or organizations (whether domestic or foreign) have the right to choose methods for resolving economic disputes in accordance with this La …
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a Economic dispute mediation (apply for mediation / file a defence at the Economic Dispute Resolution Centre) in Laos?
Both Lao citizens and foreigners may apply; the documents differ. Competent authority: File at the jointly agreed centre/office; failing agreement, at the place of the dispute (Art.17)..
What documents are required for a Economic dispute mediation (apply for mediation / file a defence at the Economic Dispute Resolution Centre) in Laos?
4 statutory items: The mediation application (Art.19.1); The contract related to the dispute (Art.19.2); The parties written agreement to submit the dispute to the Centre (Art.19.3) — without it the Centre will not accept the case; The defence statement (filed by the respondent). Competent authority: File at the jointly agreed centre/office; failing agreement, at the place of the dispute (Art.17)..
What is the legal basis for a Economic dispute mediation (apply for mediation / file a defence at the Economic Dispute Resolution Centre) in Laos?
Based on Law on the Resolution of Economic Disputes (Amended) Article 17; Law on the Resolution of Economic Disputes (Amended) Article 18; Law on the Resolution of Economic Disputes (Amended) Article 19; Law on the Resolution of Economic Disputes (Amended) Article 20; Law on the Resolution of Economic Disputes (Amended) Article 5; Law on the Resolution of Economic Disputes (Amended) Article 8; Decree on Remuneration for Economic Dispute Resolution Personnel Article . The full texts are available in the LaoPaniti law library, sourced from the Lao Official Gazette.
Are there time limits or hard requirements for a Economic dispute mediation (apply for mediation / file a defence at the Economic Dispute Resolution Centre) in Laos?
A foreign party right (Art.5): a foreigner doing business, international trade or foreign investment in Laos may, by contract, choose a foreign or international forum, mediator, governing law, procedural rules, seat and language. Put it in the contract dispute-resolution clause. Where to file (Art.17): to the centre or office the parties jointly agree on; failing agreement, to the one at the place where the dispute arose. Time limits (Art.20): within 5 working days the centre reviews and summonses the parties; a party who fails to appear without good cause forfeits the hearing and the file is returned. Principles (Art.8): voluntary, fair-prompt-lawful, equal, independent-transparent, language, and confidentiality.
How much does a Economic dispute mediation (apply for mediation / file a defence at the Economic Dispute Resolution Centre) cost in Laos and how long does it take?
Cost: Mediators fees per Decree #1145; per the centre notice.. How long: Review/summons 5 working days (Art.20); overall per the centre notice..
Can LaoPaniti obtain the Economic dispute mediation (apply for mediation / file a defence at the Economic Dispute Resolution Centre) for me?
LaoPaniti organises the document list, offers online form filling, document upload and pre-check hand-off by staff. It is not a government filing, does not represent acceptance or approval by any authority, and promises neither results nor expedited handling. Formal processing follows the current requirements of the File at the jointly agreed centre/office; failing agreement, at the place of the dispute (Art.17)..
Organise documents online and submit for pre-check →
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