1. What are the main methods of resolving commercial
disputes?
Litigation of commercial disputes in Malta generally takes place
before the Superior Courts of Malta at both first and second
instance, however, specialised tribunals do exist that may be
vested with special jurisdiction over disputes of a specific
nature. The Inferior Courts have jurisdiction over claims of lower
monetary value.
Parties may also agree to resolve their dispute in arbitration,
either prior to any dispute arising or after a dispute has already
arisen. Arbitration in Malta tends to be more efficient and more
specialised than litigation, with the possibility of appointing
arbitrators with particular technical or industry knowledge and
experience. Moreover, since Malta is a signatory to the New York
Convention (1958), any arbitral award resulting from arbitral
proceedings having their seat in Malta may be fully recognised and
enforced in other Contracting States to that Convention.
