ADB Supports Development of International Commercial Arbitration in Uzbekistan

In 2022, ADB provided supported two bills which were passed into law to become the framework of international commercial arbitration in Uzbekistan, namely:

1. the International Commercial Arbitration Act, based on the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, a globally recognized model law reflecting international best practices, and;

2. the Ancillary Act, which sets out the procedural aspects of international commercial arbitration.

Expressing gratitude for the contributions of ADB, Mr. Farrukhkhon Malikov, Head of the International Legal Department of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan said, “The Supreme Court is very interested and welcomes our partnership with ADB in this area, which is linked to judicial practice, fair administration of justice, and ensuring the rule of law. These legislative and judicial reforms will enhance the ability of citizens to protect their rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as ensure true judicial independence. The Supreme Court stands ready to facilitate the incorporation of international best practices into Uzbekistan’s judicial system.”

ADB and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy convened a conference on the development of international commercial arbitration in Uzbekistan, following the enactment of the Law on International Commercial Arbitration (ICA Law).

The conference was attended by representatives of the Oliy Majlis, Supreme Court, Higher School of Judges, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, academia, legal community, and private sector. 

Principal Counsel Christina Pak made opening remarks congratulating the Government of Uzbekistan for taking a significant step forward with the adoption of the ICA Law based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, a globally recognized model law with add-ons reflecting international best practices. She also highlighted that the effective implementation of the ICA Law will be critical to the advancement of international arbitration in Uzbekistan. To this end, the Ancillary Law needs to be put in place clearly setting out the procedural aspects of international commercial arbitration and capacity building needs to be delivered to the economic courts judges, legal community, and private sector. This will have a positive impact on the attractiveness of Uzbekistan as a place to invest and do business.