We are pleased to share the participation of the Dr. Álvaro Ramírez Durini, member of IURISRED Legal Expert, in the recent report published by Diario Expreso on the international arbitration initiated between CELEC EP and the US company Progen Industries LLC, in the framework of emergency contracts for the supply of electricity in Ecuador.
The Dr. Ramírez was consulted as an arbitration expert and explained key aspects of the arbitral process in the country, including:
- The structure of the arbitral tribunal:: the election of arbitrators by each party, the appointment of the president of the court and the alternate arbitrator.
- The validity of the arbitral awardwhich has the effect of an enforceable and final judgement under the Arbitration and Mediation Act.
- The possibility of arbitrators dictating interim measuressuch as the retention of funds or protection of property, to avoid further damage during the proceedings.
He also Ramirez emphasized that the contracts concluded between CELEC and Progen provided for a phased dispute settlement clause: direct agreement between the parties, then before the Office of the Attorney-General of the Stateand finally arbitration in law before the Arbitration Centre of the Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce.
This case, which involves procurement, implementation of international contracts and alternative conflict resolution mechanismsthe importance of compliance with due process and adequate legal advice at each stage of the contract.
📎 Source:
Express. "International arbitration for electrical contracts: Celec and Progen in conflict," 20 June 2025.
Available for subscribers at: www.expreso.ec
