Resolving International Disputes in Uzbekistan: The Tashkent International Commercial Court

At the 2025 Tashkent International Investment Forum, a panel session titled “Resolving International Disputes in Uzbekistan: The Tashkent International Commercial Court” was held, the press service of the MOOT reports. The event discussed the establishment of the Tashkent International Commercial Court (TICC) as an independent judicial body based on the principles and practices of common law, aimed at providing international investors with access to a fair and reliable legal institution.

The session was moderated by Marie-Anne Birken, a renowned expert in international law. She provided a detailed overview of the TICC’s purpose, structure, and its role in collaboration with the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre in implementing modern methods for resolving investor disputes in the region.

Speakers included:

• Herta Däubler-Gmelin, Member of the Advisory Council at Global Neighbors and former Minister of Justice of Germany
• Nasser Mohsin Al-Adba, Founder and Managing Partner of Omani & Partners
• Jon Zaidi, Country Manager for ACWA Power in Uzbekistan
• Diana Bayzakova, Director of the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre
• Islambek Rustambekov, Acting Rector of the Tashkent State University of Law
• Jamshid Urunov, Deputy Business Ombudsman under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Nasser Mohsin Al-Adba shared his insights on the importance of international commercial courts, stating: “What is the uniqueness of international commercial courts? First, they are independent of the government, meaning that judges and their activities are not directly influenced. Secondly, they allow foreign judges to participate in the judicial process.”

Diana Bayzakova, Director of the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre, explained the differences between the International Arbitration Centre and the International Commercial Court: “The establishment of the TICC provides investors with a choice. With arbitration, economic courts, and now the special International Commercial Court, Uzbekistan offers investors comprehensive conditions.”

Islambek Rustambekov, Acting Rector of Tashkent State University of Law, emphasized that the TICC would bring new practices to Uzbekistan based on international standards and experiences, providing a legal laboratory for the traditional system: “The appearance of international experience and foreign lawyers in Uzbekistan requires the preparation of a new generation of legal professionals. This opens the possibility of transforming the current legal education system. We are working on joint programs with universities in the UK and the US. In the future, there will be high demand for legal professionals with experience in common law, and we must be prepared.”

Jon Zaidi, Country Manager for ACWA Power in Uzbekistan, commented on the country’s legal system: “Uzbekistan is the second-largest investment destination for ACWA Power outside Saudi Arabia. That’s why it’s important for us to track what is happening in the country within the framework of reforms. Investors prefer countries where the law is not just a term, but a reality. In Uzbekistan, the law has already turned from a term into a reality.”

This panel session marked an important step toward strengthening Uzbekistan’s international dispute resolution framework. Discussions highlighted the establishment of the TICC and its new approach based on common law principles.

The TICC’s operations, in cooperation with the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre, will contribute to the development of a trusted and modern dispute resolution hub for investors in the region. The session reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to legal reforms and its readiness to remain open to international investment.