Dow Chemical wins $2.16b in Kuwait arbitration

Kuwait's state-run chemical company must pay Dow Chemical Co $2.16 billion (Dh7.94 billion) under an arbitrator's ruling for wrongly cancelling a planned plastics joint venture in 2008, Dow said yesterday. The ruling against Petrochemical Industries Co (PIC) of Kuwait by the International Chamber of Commerce's International Court is final and binding. It is believed to be one of the largest-ever arbitration awards, according to Dow's law firm, Shearman and Sterling LLP. Kuwait pulled out of the planned $17.4 billion "K-Dow" petrochemical joint venture as the global economy sank into the deep recession nearly four years ago, triggering charges from Dow that the move violated its agreements. "This outcome brings resolution and closure to the issue," Andrew Liveris, Dow's chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We remain focused on continuing to move forward with our transformation and profitable business partnerships — both in Kuwait and around the world." A spokeswoman for Dow said it was not yet known when the company would receive the money.