Dispute Resolution Reform in Uzbekistan: Implementation of English Common Law Principles within the "Enterprise Uzbekistan" International Digital Technologies Center (IDTC)

Analytical Overview Date: March 27, 2026

Fundamental transformations of the legal system have been initiated in the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at protecting business interests and implementing modern regulatory mechanisms. A key element of these reforms is the establishment of the "Enterprise Uzbekistan" International Digital Technologies Center (IDTC), which operates under a Special Legal Regime (SLR). This initiative is designed to test modern legal institutions and create an autonomous jurisdiction with unique operating conditions.

Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. UP-233 dated November 26, 2025, the implementation of legal institutions based on the norms and principles of English and Welsh Common Law has been authorized within the IDTC territory. To ensure the legal autonomy of the Center's residents, the dispute resolution architecture is structured along two primary lines:

• Tashkent International Commercial Court: A specialized body functioning independently of the national judicial system. The planned involvement of foreign judges in the administration of justice is intended to mitigate risks of bias and enhance the transparency of proceedings to the level of leading global financial centers.
• International Arbitration Center: A platform for alternative dispute resolution oriented toward international standards, such as UNCITRAL and ICC.

The Special Legal Regime provides entrepreneurs with tools previously unavailable in the national jurisdiction. These substantial preferences include:

• Priority of Precedent Law: The application of flexible legal frameworks characteristic of English jurisdiction, such as Shareholders' Agreements and Warranties & Indemnities mechanisms.
• Currency and Financial Liberalization: The removal of restrictions on capital movement and foreign exchange transactions for residents. Specific rules for financial services are determined by the Central Bank (for banking and currency regulation) and the National Agency for Perspective Projects (for insurance and securities).
• Regulatory Autonomy: IDTC management bodies are authorized to issue local regulations governing the Center's activities. This includes powers to establish rules for tax and customs administration, labor relations, personal data protection, and intellectual property.

Institutional Guarantees

The high status of the Center’s law-making authority is confirmed by its governance structure, which is overseen by a Supervisory Council chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Secretary of the Council is Bobur Khodjaev, Head of the Department for Fintech, Digitalization, and AI of the Presidential Administration.

This level of representation grants an exceptional status to internal regulations and SLR rules, minimizing the risk of challenges by lower-level government agencies. For investors, this serves as an additional "political umbrella," ensuring the stability of the legal regime and the protection of property rights in accordance with best international practices.

Professional Risk Analysis (Legal Due Diligence)

Despite the high attractiveness of the reform, the current transition period is characterized by several legal nuances requiring qualified assessment:

• Constitutional Continuity: The creation of judicial institutions not integrated into the general court system requires ratification at the level of a Constitutional Law. As of March 2026, the draft of the relevant law is still under consideration, creating a temporary legal vacuum for transactions concluded in the current quarter.
• Enforcement Proceedings: The issue of exequatur (enforcement) of Tashkent International Commercial Court decisions within the broader territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan remains a subject of discussion pending the full codification of SLR procedural norms.
• Legal Stability: The operational launch of the IDTC—including a 40 billion soum share issuance in February 2026—has preceded the finalization of the legislative framework. This necessitates enhanced legal oversight by investors when structuring transactions during this period.

Expert Conclusion

The implementation of English Law in Uzbekistan is a strategic step toward increasing the liquidity of the national capital market and decentralizing the banking sector. This reform is essentially an "import of trust," acknowledging that attracting investment requires guaranteeing investors a court that speaks their language and adjudicates by familiar rules.

However, the ultimate effectiveness of these measures depends directly on the quality of legislative implementation, the actual independence of the newly created judicial institutions, and the publication of detailed regulations that the legal community is currently awaiting.