Mediation and Arbitration Centre
Established in 1970 by the French-Arab Chamber of Commerce, the Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CMA) offers economic operators a modern dispute resolution system, designed for the multicultural specificities of French-Arab relations.
The Centre
The CCFA's CMA supports companies and institutions in preventing and managing their disputes: between two or more companies, in France or abroad, whether it is a conflict with a client, a partner, a service provider, a supplier, or a subcontractor, as well as disputes between business partners and in employment matters.
Mediation
A neutral, independent, and impartial third party, trained in mediation, helps the parties restore dialogue and reach a negotiated solution consistent with their respective interests.
Arbitration
A judicial process governed by the French Code of Civil Procedure (art. 1442 to 1527) and by the codes of the 22 Arab countries: an arbitral tribunal of one or three arbitrators issues a final award.
CMA Arbitration
The Centre operates on the principle of Franco-Arab parity: its bodies bring together, in equal numbers, French and Arab professionals, lawyers, honorary magistrates, academics, chartered accountants, consulting engineers, legal experts, and judicial experts.
A neutral, independent, and impartial third party, trained in mediation, helps the parties restore dialogue and reach a negotiated solution consistent with their respective interests.
All information exchanged during the proceedings, as well as the arbitral award, remains strictly confidential.
The Centre maintains a list of qualified, accredited arbitrators, appointed according to the criteria and wishes of the parties and their counsel.
Our fee schedules cover the arbitrators' fees, the Centre's administrative costs, and the provision of meeting rooms.
The procedure
The parties, jointly or unilaterally, refer the matter to the CMA. In the case of a unilateral referral, the Centre contacts the other party to obtain its agreement.
You define the criteria for your mediator or arbitrator(s). Before taking up their role, each confirms their independence, impartiality, and neutrality.
The Arbitration and Mediation Council administers the procedure and supports the parties throughout.
Mediation results in a settlement agreement; arbitration in a final award approved by the Arbitration Council.
Governance
As founding member of the Federation of Arbitration Centres (2012), the CMA authored the Arbitration Code of Ethics applied by that Federation.
Supervises and administers mediation and arbitration proceedings, and may act as appointing authority, including for ad hoc arbitrations.
Leads reflection on Franco-Arab mediation and arbitration and ensures the doctrinal quality of the Centre.
Ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of both councils' work and the support of the parties.
Our team is available to review your dispute and guide you toward the most suitable approach.