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Office Visit by Students and Professionals from Central Asia and Caucasus Region as part of “MIRAI” Program: Lectures on WTO and EPA/FTA and International Investment Law
Undergraduate, graduate students, and working professionals from eight countries in the Central Asia and Caucasus region visited our office in Tokyo as part of Japan's Friendship Ties Program “MIRAI,” Group 4 (Rule of Law) on Jan. 19, 2025. MIRAI is an exchange program promoted by the Japanese Government, aiming to enhance interaction between people from all over the world and facilitate a better understanding of Japan.
During the visit, our lawyers gave talks on WTO and EPA/FTA as well as international investment law. The theme of these lectures were: (1)“Building a Rules-Based International Economic Order through Multiple FTAs” by Yusuke Hatakeyama and (2) “Protection of Foreign Investments and Settlement of Investment Disputes” by Motohiro Maeda. The participants asked many questions, which turned into a lively discussion.
We hope that this lecture will help deepen participants understanding of the rule of law through enhanced understanding of Japan’s WTO-related and EPA/FTA-related policies, as well as the practical aspects of international investment law.
People
Moto has practiced in all areas of international dispute settlement, including inter-State disputes, investor-State arbitration, and international commercial arbitration. He appeared before a wide range of international tribunals and the International Court of Justice. His arbitration experience has covered various industry sectors, with particular experience in disputes arising in the energy and banking sectors.
Ms. Tomimatsu has extensive experience in the field of international economic law and international arbitration and litigation relating to cross-border business and investment.
She is familiar with EPAs/FTAs (especially in the areas of investment and services, and sustainable development, including labor, environment, and state-owned enterprises), investment agreements/BITs, and international economic law relating to natural resources and energy. She has extensive experience in negotiating international agreements and resolving international economic disputes, and has been involved in the formation of international economic rules and their strategic application in order to ensure fair competition and improve the business environment both in Japan and overseas. She also provides clients with analysis and advice on the formation of rules and their strategic operation and utilization.
With regard to international dispute resolution, she has particular expertise in investor-state dispute settlement procedures (ISDS), international commercial arbitration and mediation, and domestic and international litigation. With regard to foreign investment, utilizing her experience in handling international economic disputes gained at a U.S. law firm, she advises on the prevention of economic disputes in international transactions and business development in foreign countries, as well as on issues to be resolved locally by companies, in particular, those who have suffered or may suffer economic loss due to domestic or foreign discriminatory measures, expropriation and unfair treatment involving the host country of the investment.
She is the author of numerous publications and seminars papers, and frequently presents at conferences on international investment law and international arbitration.