• KGS/USD = 0.01144 -0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00194 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09452 0.32%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 -0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00194 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09452 0.32%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 -0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00194 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09452 0.32%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 -0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00194 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09452 0.32%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 -0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00194 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09452 0.32%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 -0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00194 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09452 0.32%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 -0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00194 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09452 0.32%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 -0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00194 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09452 0.32%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 -0.14%

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 3

New Kyrgyz Investment Zone to Operate Under English Law

On March 17, Kyrgyzstan's president Sadyr Japarov signed a decree titled "On Measures to Establish a Special Investment Territory with a Special Legal Regime in the Issyk-Kul Region and an Independent International Center for Dispute Resolution Using English Law"​. Boosting Investment Appeal The initiative aims to enhance Kyrgyzstan’s attractiveness to foreign investors by providing a more predictable and internationally recognized legal framework for business operations. The decree directs the Cabinet of Ministers to take the necessary steps for implementation, including the potential involvement of international consultants and legal experts in the development of the special investment zone and dispute resolution center. Adopting English Common Law for Dispute Resolution On March 11, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, met with British Ambassador Nicholas Bowler and a group of international legal consultants to discuss adopting English common law principles for handling investment disputes in Kyrgyzstan​. English common law, which is based on judicial precedents rather than codified statutes, is widely used in international commerce and financial centers such as London, Dubai, and Singapore. Supporters argue that its introduction in Kyrgyzstan could increase investor confidence by offering a more stable and predictable legal environment. Legal Experts Express Skepticism Despite the government’s enthusiasm, some legal experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of incorporating English common law elements into Kyrgyzstan’s legal system. Critics point to potential challenges, including compatibility with existing Kyrgyz laws, the need for specialized legal training, and whether the judiciary can effectively apply a mixed legal framework​. The establishment of a special investment territory in Issyk-Kul and an independent dispute resolution center represents a bold step toward legal modernization in Kyrgyzstan. While the adoption of English common law principles could improve investor confidence, the success of the initiative will depend on effective implementation, legal harmonization, and investor reception.

English Law in Kyrgyzstan? Bold Move Faces Hurdles in Investment Disputes

Kyrgyzstan’s government is considering adopting elements of English common law to handle investment disputes, but legal experts remain skeptical about its feasibility. On March 13, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev met with the British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan and a group of international consultants to discuss the potential integration of English legal principles into Kyrgyzstan’s legal framework. The initiative has also received support from President Sadyr Japarov, who, in late 2024, stated at the People’s Kurultai in Bishkek that the adoption of English law principles is essential for attracting foreign investment. “Citizens and external investors have the opportunity to invest in the construction of large projects. For large investments, first of all, it is necessary to have fair courts,” Japarov stated. Challenges in Implementing English Law In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Shamaral Maichiev, chairman of the International Court of Arbitration in Kyrgyzstan, cautioned that adopting English law would require extensive legal and structural changes. “A package of legal and regulatory documents duplicating existing commercial law, including court procedures, would need to be developed and adopted. Alternatively, specific sections based on English law principles could be incorporated into current legislation,” Maichiev explained. Beyond legislative changes, Maichiev noted that judicial retraining would be essential. This includes: Requalifying legal professionals to apply Common Law principles Establishing a register of judges specialized in Common Law Conducting court proceedings in English or other international languages could pose logistical and financial challenges Hiring foreign judges would add further costs to the national budget. “Creating a new Common Law Court would be financially burdensome for the country, requiring substantial resources and a long implementation period,” Maichiev emphasized. Existing Arbitration Mechanisms in Kyrgyzstan Legal experts argue that Kyrgyzstan already allows the use of Common Law principles in international arbitration courts, making a new Common Law Court unnecessary. Judges at the Court of Arbitration under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan contend that investment and commercial disputes are already effectively handled through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. “Today, the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the regional leaders in establishing legislative mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution. To enhance Kyrgyzstan’s international reputation and investment appeal, it is proposed that the International Court of Arbitration under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry handle investment and commercial disputes, including those based on Common Law principles, without requiring state budget funds,” Maichiev told TCA. The judge expressed confidence that the International Court of Arbitration in Kyrgyzstan has the resources to become a leading center for economic dispute resolution in the Eurasian region.

Kyrgyzstan Explores English Common Law to Boost Investment Appeal

On March 11, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, met with British Ambassador Nicholas Bowler and a group of international consultants to discuss adopting English common law principles for resolving investment disputes in Kyrgyzstan. English common law is a legal system based on judicial precedents rather than codified statutes. According to the Kyrgyz government’s press service, the meeting focused on establishing an independent arbitration mechanism to handle investment and commercial disputes under English common law. This initiative aims to enhance Kyrgyzstan’s investment appeal and strengthen investor protections, key factors in attracting foreign capital for sustainable economic growth. Discussions also covered potential funding models for consulting and methodological support necessary to implement the initiative successfully. Another key topic was the possible creation of a special investment zone with a distinct legal framework designed to offer more favorable conditions for businesses and investment projects. Kasymaliyev underscored that creating a business-friendly environment and guaranteeing robust legal protections for investors are top priorities for Kyrgyzstan. He stated, “We are keen to study and apply international practices, including English law, to boost investor confidence in our legal system.” Ambassador Bowler reaffirmed the U.K.’s willingness to share its legal expertise to support Kyrgyzstan’s economic development and investment climate. The introduction of English common law principles for resolving investment disputes could improve investor confidence in Kyrgyzstan’s legal framework, ensuring greater predictability and security for foreign investments.