On May 12, 2014, Deputy General Counsel, Justin Antonipillai and CLDP led a workshop on insolvency for over 30 UAE commercial court judges representing four of seven emirates, hosted by the Institute for Training and Judicial Studies (ITJS). The purpose of the workshop was to outline the role of the judiciary in the fair and expedited adjudication of bankruptcy cases, and share best practices to ensure equitable outcomes. CLDP expert Don De Amicis, the former General Counsel of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), provided input throughout the proceedings.

Afterwards, Deputy General Counsel Antonipillai met with the UAE Minister of Justice, His Excellence Dr. Hadef Al Dhaheri along with the US Ambassador to the UAE, Michael Corbin. During the meeting, they discussed the upcoming CLDP commercial law-training program for UAE judges in the US as a necessary step in improving business and trade in the region in particular for US companies.

On May 14, 2014, Deputy General Counsel, Justin Antonipillai, led a commercial law liberalization workshop with Bahraini Parliamentarians, Shura Council members, and private sector leaders. The workshop, co-hosted by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Industry and Commerce, was the third in a series that provided in-depth training on insolvency law discussing restructuring strategies and Bahrain’s long-term commercial growth opportunities.

Deputy General Counsel Antonipillai’s meeting with the Minister of Industry and Commerce, His Excellency Dr. Hasan Fakhro, as well as representatives from the private sector and civil society organizations, bolstered relations following the Secretary’s recent visit to the region.