Commercial Litigation — Uzbek Economic Courts

Representation in commercial disputes before Uzbek economic courts — the primary forum for B2B disputes in Uzbekistan. Bond Stone handles contract disputes, debt recovery, shareholder claims, and regulatory challenges. Economic courts have mandatory jurisdiction over certain categories of corporate dispute — including disputes involving state property and real estate located in Uzbekistan.

TIAC — Tashkent International Arbitration Centre

The TIAC is Uzbekistan’s primary institutional arbitration forum — established and operational, with a growing caseload and a panel of internationally recognised arbitrators. TIAC awards are enforceable in Uzbekistan and internationally under the New York Convention. Bond Stone advises on TIAC clause drafting, arbitrator selection, and representation in TIAC proceedings.

International Arbitration — ICC, LCIA, ISTAC

For disputes involving international counterparties, Bond Stone advises on institutional arbitration under ICC, LCIA, and ISTAC rules — including seat selection, governing law, and enforcement strategy. Bond Stone’s active ISTAC experience for KZ-Turkey disputes is directly applicable to UZB-Turkey trade disputes, which represent a significant and growing category given Turkey’s 6.4% share of Uzbek FDI.

Cross-border Enforcement

Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is a party to the New York Convention (ratified 1996) and has bilateral judicial cooperation agreements with CIS states and a number of other jurisdictions. Bond Stone advises on enforceability assessment, recognition procedure before Uzbek economic courts, and asset tracing and execution strategy.

Debt Recovery in Uzbekistan

Pre-action demand notices, economic court proceedings, simplified court order procedures for undisputed debt claims, and enforcement through Uzbek bailiff services. Bond Stone manages cross-border debt recovery mandates involving Chinese, Turkish, UAE, and European creditors with Uzbek debtors — from pre-action demand through court judgment and asset execution.

TICC — Tashkent International Commercial Court

The TICC is being established within the TIFC framework — an independent English common law court with opt-in jurisdiction available to parties outside the TIFC by contractual agreement. Bond Stone is preparing clients now by advising on dispute resolution clauses in Uzbekistan-related contracts that position them to use the TICC once it becomes operational. Bond Stone’s AIFC Court experience provides a direct knowledge base.

Law on Arbitration No. ZRU-831 (2021)

Uzbekistan’s modern arbitration framework — adopted 16 October 2021, replacing the previous 2006 law. Modelled on the UNCITRAL Model Law, providing an internationally familiar framework. Covers both domestic and international arbitration seated in Uzbekistan. Arbitration agreements must be in writing.

State entity restrictions

State-owned enterprises and entities with significant state participation face restrictions on arbitration agreements — certain categories of dispute involving state property are subject to the mandatory jurisdiction of Uzbek economic courts. Bond Stone advises on arbitrability analysis for contracts with Uzbek state entities before the arbitration clause is finalised.

New York Convention enforcement

Uzbekistan ratified the New York Convention in 1996. Foreign arbitral awards are recognised and enforced by Uzbek economic courts under the Convention. The grounds for refusal mirror Article V — public policy being the most commonly invoked ground. Bond Stone advises on enforceability risk assessment before arbitral proceedings are commenced.

Limitation periods

The general limitation period under Uzbek civil law is 3 years from the date the claimant knew or should have known of the breach — Civil Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Specialist limitation periods apply to certain categories of dispute. Bond Stone assesses limitation risk at the outset of every dispute resolution mandate in Uzbekistan.

Cross-border Debt Recovery — Chinese Creditor

Debt Recovery · Uzbekistan · China

Acting for a Chinese creditor in debt recovery proceedings against an Uzbek counterparty under a goods supply contract. Strategy: pre-action demand followed by economic court claim. Proceedings filed and actively managed.

TIAC Arbitration — Distribution Dispute

Arbitration · TIAC · Uzbekistan

Acting for a foreign manufacturer in TIAC arbitration against an Uzbek distributor arising from termination of an exclusive distribution agreement. Strategy: breach of contract and loss of profits claim under TIAC rules.

Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Award

Enforcement · Uzbekistan · New York Convention

Advising a foreign creditor on enforcement of an international arbitral award against an Uzbek respondent — enforceability assessment under the New York Convention, recognition application to Uzbek economic court, and asset tracing strategy.

Joint Venture Dispute — Shareholder Breakdown

Litigation · Uzbekistan · Corporate

Acting for a foreign investor in a shareholder dispute following joint venture breakdown in Uzbekistan — asset protection applications, claim for return of contributed capital, and parallel enforcement strategy across two jurisdictions.

Construction Payment Dispute

Litigation · Uzbekistan · Construction

Acting for an international construction contractor in debt recovery proceedings against an Uzbek subcontractor for unpaid works. Strategy: documentary evidence of completed works, claim for principal debt plus contractual penalty. Outcome: judgment obtained.

Pharmaceutical Contract — Licence Termination

Arbitration · Uzbekistan · Pharmaceuticals

Advising a foreign pharmaceutical company on dispute arising from wrongful termination of a licence agreement by an Uzbek distributor — strategy assessment, arbitration clause analysis, and pre-arbitration negotiation mandate.

Trade Debt Recovery — Turkish Supplier

Debt Recovery · Uzbekistan · Turkey

Acting for a Turkish goods supplier in cross-border debt recovery against an Uzbek importer for non-payment under a supply contract. Strategy: pre-action demand under the contract terms, followed by TIAC arbitration proceedings.

Real Estate — Lease Dispute

Litigation · Uzbekistan · Real Estate

Acting for a foreign commercial tenant in a lease dispute before Uzbek economic court — challenging unlawful early termination by the landlord and claiming compensation for losses and pre-paid rent. Outcome: settlement reached on favourable terms.

Investment Dispute — SOE Privatisation

Advisory · Uzbekistan · Investment

Advising a foreign investor on investment treaty protections following a dispute with Uzbek state authorities regarding the terms of a privatisation acquisition. BIT analysis and dispute resolution strategy prepared under the applicable bilateral investment treaty.