International Commercial Arbitration at Uzbekistan
International Commercial Arbitration in Uzbekistan
1. Legal Framework
Law on International Commercial Arbitration (2015)
Uzbekistan has a dedicated legal framework for international commercial arbitration governed by the Law on International Commercial Arbitration adopted in 2015. This law is largely based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (1985) and provides a modern, clear legal basis for arbitration proceedings.
The law applies to arbitration agreements and proceedings where at least one party is a foreign entity or the arbitration takes place outside Uzbekistan.
The Civil Procedure Code also contains provisions regarding domestic arbitration.
2. International Treaties
Uzbekistan is a signatory to the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (acceded in 1994).
Also a member of the Washington Convention (ICSID) for investor-state dispute settlement.
3. Arbitration Institutions
Tashkent International Arbitration Centre (TIAC)
Established under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, TIAC is the primary arbitration institution facilitating international commercial arbitration in Uzbekistan. It administers disputes under modern arbitration rules inspired by UNCITRAL and international best practices.
Foreign arbitral institutions such as ICC, LCIA, and others are also frequently used for cases involving Uzbek parties.
4. Judicial Support
Uzbek courts generally respect and enforce arbitration agreements and arbitral awards in accordance with the law and international treaties.
Courts provide supportive assistance for arbitration, including enforcement of interim measures and recognition of awards.
Judicial intervention is limited and aligned with international arbitration principles to minimize interference.
5. Advantages
Modern arbitration law aligned with international standards, increasing investor confidence.
Uzbekistan’s accession to the New York Convention facilitates enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
Development of a national arbitration institution (TIAC) to provide institutional support.
Government initiatives to improve the business environment and promote alternative dispute resolution.
6. Challenges
Arbitration culture is still developing; parties often prefer foreign arbitration venues.
Limited experience with complex international arbitration cases locally.
Need for continuous training of arbitrators and judiciary on international arbitration matters.
Summary
Uzbekistan has made significant strides in establishing a modern legal and institutional framework for international commercial arbitration through its 2015 Arbitration Law and the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre. As a party to the New York Convention, Uzbekistan supports recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards. While arbitration is increasingly promoted domestically, many parties still choose well-established foreign institutions, though this may change with further capacity building and increased familiarity.
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