Seoul, South Korea: Global law firm, Dentons, in collaboration with United States-based construction consulting firm, Hill International, has informed that it had conducted a forum on June 1 in Seoul, to discuss effective strategies for managing termination and suspension claims on projects in the Middle East. The event, built on the success of previous gatherings in Dentons’ Construction Essentials series, was most recently held in Dubai and Doha, the announcement revealed.

Despite challenging market conditions felt through the impact of low oil prices, Dentons said that the Middle East construction industry is projected to remain relatively strong as governments continue to roll out major infrastructure development programmes. However, it added, maintaining positive cash flow on projects has become difficult in some cases as budget deficits increase, leading to the termination or suspension of projects as well as a potential rise in formal disputes.

Analysing the impact of these recent changes, the announcement said, Dentons’ Partners, Andrew Jones and Alastair Young, discussed effective strategies for prosecuting claims in the Middle East and also shared practical examples of robust legal remedies. Jones, Head of Construction (Middle East) at Dentons, said, “A rigorous risk assessment at the beginning of projects as well as a detailed review of contracts is key both to avoiding disputes and in preparation for their swift resolution.”

Concurring with Jones’s statement, Young said: “Being prepared is essential. Having a stronger awareness of potential issues allows for the development of practical solutions to avoiding disputes and managing issues if or when disputes arise.”

Furthermore, the announcement said, Ben Highfield, Senior Vice President of Hill International, also spoke at the forum, providing insight into how an EPC contractor could prepare for increases in the suspension and termination of construction contracts. An opening speech was additionally provided by Hakbong Hyun, CEO of CPlus International, who outlined key tips arising out of his time as Korea’s claims consultant, added the announcement.

According to Dentons, South Korean construction companies have been particularly active in the Middle East in recent years, with the region traditionally accounting for the biggest construction market for South Korean contractors.

Dentons said its construction team in the Middle East has an in-depth understanding of the nuances of each local market, stemming from more than 50 years of experience advising on major projects in the region. The team, Dentons added, advises across the full industry spectrum from initial entry and establishment for foreign bidders, licensing, procurement planning, contract negotiation and drafting to strategic advice during construction, claims settlement and dispute resolution.