The Impact of International Arbitration on Foreign Investment in Uzbekistan
Keywords:
Uzbekistan, International Arbitration, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Tashkent International Arbitration Centre (TIAC), Legal Reform, Investor Protection, UNCITRAL, Arbitration Law, Investment Treaties, Central AsiaAbstract
This article explores the transformative role of international arbitration in enhancing Uzbekistan’s foreign investment climate amid ongoing legal and economic reforms. Following the adoption of modern arbitration laws and the establishment of the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre (TIAC), Uzbekistan has positioned itself as an emerging arbitration-friendly jurisdiction in Central Asia. The analysis traces the legal developments, treaty commitments, and institutional advancements that have improved investor confidence and catalyzed a significant surge in foreign direct investment (FDI). By examining both international frameworks and domestic reforms, the article demonstrates how arbitration mechanisms serve not only as tools for dispute resolution but also as pillars of economic diplomacy and investor protection. With a particular focus on recent trends, investment inflows, and TIAC’s rising international presence, the study highlights Uzbekistan’s potential to become a regional hub for trade and arbitration.
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