The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre (TIAC) at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry are delighted to announce one of the most significant legal events of the year, the 4th edition of the Uzbek Arbitration Week 2024 (UzAW). Scheduled to take place from 8 to 13 September, this landmark event provides a unique platform for international and local arbitration practitioners to share their insights and experience in the field of international arbitration in the region and beyond. Through the concerted efforts of many stakeholders, UzAW is reinforcing Uzbekistan’s positioning as a growing regional arbitration hub.
TIAC – one of the lead organisers of the Uzbek Arbitration Week – was officially launched in April 2019 during Paris Arbitration Week with the aim of promoting international arbitration in the region and beyond and providing a reliable and effective alternative to traditional dispute resolution methods. TIAC offers a range of services including arbitration, mediation, expert and dispute board appointment services. To date, over 70 Requests for Arbitration (RfA) have been administered, including RfAs involving state-owned entities from Asia and the Middle East, and on May 3, 2024, TIAC received the first request for arbitration with no connection to Uzbekistan. This important development aligns with TIAC’s mission to become a global arbitral institution driven by innovation, by leveraging its expertise and pioneering advancements in technology, methodology and efficiency of arbitral proceedings. Notably, on the innovation front, in 2024 Global Arbitration Review nominated TIAC for the “Best Innovation” award for its TIAC-HKIAC Cross Institutional Rules – a truly unique initiative that sets out a clear framework for two independent arbitral institutions to jointly administer the disputes. Global Arbitration Review has aso earlier noted that TIAC has a roster of “leading arbitrators from different parts of the world” and “strict «no conflict of interest» rules that go further than the IBA guidelines on conflicts”. Additionally, Herbert Smith Freehills in its recent article emphasised that TIAC offers several distinctive features that set it apart from other arbitration centres, including zero administration fees, collaboration with the HKIAC, and tailored Rules of Arbitration for technology disputes.
In 2024, UzAW will highlight Uzbekistan’s emerging position as a preferred seat for international arbitral proceedings, building on recent developments such as the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law in 2021, the upcoming establishment of the Tashkent International Commercial Court to support, among others, the arbitration-related issues, and the pro-arbitration approach of local Uzbek courts. Importantly, the Uzbek courts have consistently enforced foreign arbitral awards against Uzbek state-owned entities, including state-owned oil company Uzbekneftegaz, energy company Uzbekenergo, Uzbekistan Airports and others, reiterating Uzbek courts’ neutrality, independence and an arbitration-friendly stance.
The flagship conference on the 9th September will include the following panels:
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“Putting Uzbekistan on the map of international arbitration as a preferred seat for arbitral proceedings in the CIS region and beyond – latest developments”;
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“TIAC-HKIAC Cross-Institutional Rules and regional collaborations”;
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“Building a favourable seat for arbitral proceedings: prospects and opportunities”;
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“Dispute avoidance and management: establishing infrastructure for the prevention and effective resolution of commercial and investment disputes”;
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Comparative analysis of arbitration practices in Uzbekistan and India: challenges and opportunities for international business disputes.
Venue: U-Enter (Entrepreneurship innovation center).
All information about the upcoming Uzbek Arbitration Week, including the full event schedule and registration details may be found at the following link.
The loyal support of more than 500 representatives of the international and governmental organisations, and the Asian Development Bank, Allen&Overy Shearman, Kinstellar, Praelegal, Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, TOBB University, WIUT, TSUL in particular has made this event possible.
