Pakistani Senator Saleem Mandviwalla today underscored the critical need for a robust legal and institutional structure to support the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), proposing the establishment of international commercial courts to resolve business disagreements and secure investor confidence.
Addressing the China-Central and South Asia Legal Forum, the senator drew from Pakistan’s experience to argue that legal certainty is the bedrock of sustainable investment. He asserted that confidence among investors is fostered in a predictable environment where the enforceability of contracts, protection of intellectual property, and the guarantee of profits are upheld.
Senator Mandviwalla highlighted that while commercial disputes are a natural part of business, the associated uncertainty can significantly deter investment. To counter this, he advocated for dedicated arbitration centers and international courts designed to handle such disagreements efficiently.
The senator also emphasized the necessity of strengthening legal capacity across participating nations. He called for investment in joint legal education initiatives, specialized training courses, and professional exchange programs to cultivate the expertise required to manage a successful judicial framework.
Citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the flagship project of the ambitious global initiative, Mandviwalla noted it has progressed into its third phase, which concentrates on industrial development, agricultural modernization, and digital transformation.
‘The BRI is our shared journey toward connectivity and collective prosperity,’ he stated, reaffirming that Pakistan, under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating a legal environment founded on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.