In 1971 Mexico approved with no reserves the United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, which is commonly referred to as the New York Convention. This Convention is considered “the key to the modern success of international commercial arbitration”; thereof we can assure the signature of this instrument was the first step to create a real atmosphere for the evolution of arbitration in Mexico.

This Convention has been ratified by over 140 States and Territories, and is of particular importance for Mexico since the three state Parties to the NAFTA have ratified it. Mexico ratified it on 1971. This Convention allows the beneficiary of an award rendered in Mexico to ask for its enforceability in any member country in which the debtor may have assets.

Seven years after, Mexico decided to sign the Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration. Mexico ratified it on 1978.

In 1993 the Mexican Congress reviewed the Book Five Title Four of the Commercial Code, wich is Mexico´s arbitral law, and decided to adopt the UNCITRAL Model Law for International Commercial Arbitration to the said Title Four. The Model Law, together with the New York Convention significantly contributed to the establishment, not only in Mexico but in the whole world, of a unified legal framework.

The foregoing, gave Mexican and foreign lawyers the possibility to conduct arbitral proceedings in Mexico under a modern legal framework.