Entity selection — LLC or JSC

Most JVs in Uzbekistan are structured as an LLC (OOO) — flexible governance, straightforward registration, and low compliance burden. A JSC is used for larger enterprises, privatisation transactions, and companies seeking public listing on the Tashkent Stock Exchange. An entity qualifies as an “enterprise with foreign investment” (EFI) where foreign participation exceeds 15% — conferring additional investment protections under Uzbek law.

Governing law — Uzbek law or TIFC

JV agreements are typically governed by Uzbek civil law. Once the TIFC becomes operational, English common law (TIFC law) will be available as a governing law option for JVs structured through TIFC entities. Bond Stone advises on optimal governing law selection based on the parties’ nationalities, the JV’s activity, and the preferred dispute resolution forum.

Special Economic Zones

Many JVs in Uzbekistan are structured to qualify as residents of one of the 28 Special Economic Zones or 389 Small Industrial Zones — obtaining tax exemptions, customs duty relief, and simplified regulatory procedures. Bond Stone advises on SEZ eligibility criteria, application procedure, and the implications of SEZ residency for the JV structure.

Dispute resolution

Corporate disputes involving Uzbek entities are subject to mandatory jurisdiction of Uzbek economic courts for certain categories — including disputes over state property and real estate. For other JV disputes, the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre (TIAC) or a foreign arbitral tribunal (ICC, LCIA) can be elected. Bond Stone advises on dispute resolution clause drafting for Uzbek JV agreements.

Manufacturing JV — Chinese Investor

JV · Uzbekistan · China

Structuring a joint venture between a Chinese manufacturer and a local Uzbek partner — JV agreement, constitutional documents, EFI status confirmation, and SEZ residency application to secure tax and customs exemptions.

Pharmaceuticals JV — Market Entry

JV · Uzbekistan · Pharmaceuticals

Advising a foreign pharmaceutical company on entering the Uzbek market through a JV with a local distributor — shareholders agreement, exclusivity provisions, regulatory licence transfer conditions, and exit mechanisms.

Multi-party JV — Trade & Logistics

JV · Uzbekistan · Trade

Drafting a multi-party shareholders agreement for a trade and logistics joint venture in Uzbekistan — deadlock resolution, drag-along and tag-along rights, reserved matters, and TIAC dispute resolution clause.

Energy Sector JV — UAE Investor

JV · Uzbekistan · UAE

Structuring a joint venture between a UAE energy investor and a Uzbek state-connected partner — shareholders agreement, governance framework, dividend distribution mechanics, and TIAC dispute resolution clause.

SEZ Resident JV — Manufacturing

JV · Uzbekistan · SEZ

Advising on a joint venture structured as an SEZ resident entity — SEZ application, qualification criteria, operating conditions, tax and customs exemption schedule, and post-formation compliance obligations.

Turkish Investor — Food Production JV

JV · Uzbekistan · Turkey

Joint venture structuring for a Turkish food production investor entering Uzbekistan — contribution of production technology and IP by Turkish partner, land use rights and regulatory licences by Uzbek partner, shareholders agreement under Uzbek law.

IT Sector JV — Tech Park Registration

JV · Uzbekistan · Technology

Advising a foreign IT company on establishing a JV in Uzbekistan’s IT Tech Park — qualification requirements, tax exemption eligibility, charter documentation, and employment structure for IT park residents.