Dominican Republic wins US$100 million international arbitration

An international arbitral tribunal has ruled in favor of the Dominican Republic, dismissing a claim exceeding US$100 million filed by French businessman Yves Martine Garnier.

The dispute, administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, originated from the termination of a solid waste management and collection concession contract between EGTT Dominicana, S. A. and the Santo Domingo Este City Council. The tribunal determined that the termination of the concession was valid under Dominican law due to deficiencies in the service provided by the company.

The ruling concluded that the claims did not meet the required standard to constitute a violation of international obligations under the bilateral investment treaty between France and the Dominican Republic. Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Yayo Sanz Lovatón, stated that the defense of the state serves to uphold the seriousness with which the country honors its commitments and defends against unfounded claims.