The five Central Asian States – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – collectively present a unique case study for the nexus between international investment frameworks, investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) and the future of this field. In this groundbreaking book, the editors have curated contributions from globally renowned practitioners and scholars to provide the first comprehensive overview of experiences and lessons arising from the region. This book draws upon the Central Asian experience with international investment law and ISDS to develop globally relevant insights and analyses on, among other topics: approaches to foreign direct investment and domestic investment legislation; jurisdictional questions arising in investment treaty arbitration, such as the notion of ‘investor’ and the definition of ‘investment’; the interpretation of investment treaties and the role of international and domestic law; substantive and procedural rights of foreign investors, with a focus on guarantees against expropriation and most-favoured nation and fair and equitable treatment standards; arbitral awards, as well as grounds and procedures for their enforcement and annulment; the state-of-play for allegations of corruption and fraud once a dispute has arisen; and emerging challenges and opportunities in light of ongoing reform initiatives. This book establishes that the Central Asian experience should be taken into consideration in any comprehensive and robust discussion on the future of international investment law and ISDS. It provides useful analyses of how these frameworks may be improved, reformed and remain fit for purpose. This book is an essential tool that allows practitioners, arbitrators, policymakers and scholars to confidently engage with the substantive and procedural challenges and opportunities that are anticipated in the next generation of investor-State disputes.

Despite the fact that Central Asian states have not been involved in regional investment treaty-making on a scale and thrust similar to that of ASEAN and NAFTA, their evolving approaches to international investment law merit attention, not least because of the unique geopolitical characteristics of the region. The aim of this article is to fill the gap in the existing scholarship by exploring regional characteristics of Central Asian participation in international investment law-making. It will critically evaluate the history of numerous regionalisation efforts and, through a case study of two Central Asian states, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, examine the shared patterns in the evolution of national approaches to investment protection rules. In particular, the identity of Central Asian states as rule-takers and the factors underlying the emergence of distinctive national stances on the scope and objective of investment rules will be analysed.

2011 Updated Reprint. Updated Annually. Global Privatization Laws and Regulations Handbook. Vol. 5. Central Asia

Corporation law dates from the 19th century when the growth of business enterprise required a division between the private & the company sphere, making the company a legal person with its own rights, responsibilities & liabilities. The company was no longer the legal equivalent of its owner but became a separate legal entity, providing a form of legal protection for the owners, employees & the customers. The introduction of company law meant a great step forward for those engaged in big business in Europe, the U.S. & elsewhere.

Critically discusses the increasing significance of Asian States in the field of international investment law and policy. Contains analyses of national investment law rule-making in Asia, contributions of Asian States on cutting-edge developments to the global community, and contemplates future possibilities for investor-State dispute settlement.