Uzbekistan and Hong Kong to expand legal and business cooperation

Uzbekistan and Hong Kong intend to expand cooperation in the legal and business spheres.

On August 27, negotiations were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan between representatives of Uzbekistan and a Hong Kong delegation led by Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice and Director of the Hong Kong Department of Justice. The discussion focused on expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation, as well as collaboration in legal services and international arbitration, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Justice, the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre (TIAC), leading law firms in the country, as well as the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the World Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations, and organizations and international law firms working in the legal, financial, and business sectors.

One of the central topics was establishing direct contacts between the business communities of both sides. Participants explored opportunities for expanding investment interaction and practical cooperation in legal support for businesses. Particular attention was paid to international arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms. Diana Baizakova, Director of the Tashkent International Arbitration Center, noted that TIAC has been actively developing cooperation with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center (HKIAC) since 2023.

As part of this collaboration, the two arbitration centers developed cross-institutional arbitration rules. It was noted at the meeting that this document has received international recognition, and its practical application confirms the relevance of such a mechanism in resolving commercial disputes.

Participants also discussed the development of professional ties between Hong Kong law firms and Uzbek legal entities. In particular, they explored opportunities for cooperation in providing legal support for investment projects, establishing joint ventures, and providing legal services to entrepreneurs.

The agenda also included other areas of potential collaboration. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in financial and banking services, investment, fintech, the digital economy, legal services, and international arbitration. Following the meeting, representatives of Uzbekistan and Hong Kong confirmed their interest in further developing practical cooperation, implementing new joint projects, and strengthening trade and economic ties.