The Macao Consumer Council (CC) and the Lisbon Consumer Conflict Arbitration Centre (CACCL) signed a co-operation agreement last week establishing a mechanism for mediation and arbitration of consumer disputes by videoconference.

According to a statement from the CC, the new model will allow residents of Macao and Lisbon to resolve disputes occurring in the other jurisdiction more efficiently and at lower cost. The mechanism may also be used by residents of Mainland China with cases related to Lisbon, upon referral through the CC.

The agreement was signed by the President of the CC, Leong Pek San, and the President of the CACCL, Lourdes Fonseca. With this initiative, the Macao body expands its international co-operation network, which already includes counterpart entities in Brazil, Mozambique and Timor-Leste.

The pilot project helps to reinforce Macao's role as a platform for coordination in dispute resolution between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. The possibility of extending the mechanism to other Portuguese-speaking markets is also envisaged, within the framework of developing a cross-border consumer protection network, contributing to the affirmation of Macao as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

(Source: Teledifusão de Macau, on 26 May)