ADBs Convenes Knowledge-Sharing Seminar on International Investment Agreements in the Renewable Energy Sector
On 7 February 2025, the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Law and Policy Reform Program—in cooperation with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT)—held a knowledge sharing seminar entitled "A Primer on International Investment Agreements: Energy Investments" in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This seminar closely aligns with Uzbekistan’s drive to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to develop its renewable energy sector.
ADB experts delivered the seminar, namely Annette Magnusson of Climate Change Counsel, an expert in international climate law, international investment law, and arbitration; and Dorieke Overduin of Sovereign Arbitration Advisors, a specialist in international dispute resolution and public international law. Participants included representatives from the host ministries MOJ and MIIT and the ministries of Energy; Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change; Economy and Finance; and from the Uzatom Agency and the State Tax Committee.
The ADB team introduced participants to the basics of legal frameworks regulating FDIs and dispute resolution mechanisms in the renewable energy sector. The topics included regulating investment agreements, enforcing fair and equitable (FET) standards, drafting renewable energy purchase agreements, promoting FDI, and addressing systemic challenges in dispute-related risks. This seminar marks the first step in ADB’s 2025 capacity building program, developed by the ADB experts in consultation with the government agencies concerned and the private sector.
ADB’s comprehensive capacity building program, to be held on 25–29 August in Tashkent, will also feature introductory sessions on legal frameworks protecting foreign investments and dispute resolution mechanisms, and advanced workshops tailored to Uzbekistan’s sustainable development priorities. This capacity buildingsupport falls under ADB’s regional technical assistance, Strengthening Knowledge in Regional Trade Agreements and International Investment Agreements for Greater Regional Integration and Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals in ADB Developing Member Countries.
