Sharing Weal and Woe
Unicase Law Firm
Unicase law firm is a full-service law practice operating via three offices in Almaty, Astana, and Tashkent.
A Partnership for Progress
On November 15, 2024, Unicase Partners participated in the Belt and Road Conference held in Xi’an, China, followed by an intensive two-week cross-country roadshow. Represented by Mr Yerken Mukash 穆咖释叶尔肯 and Mr Sanzhar Amangeldy , Unicase was invited to connect with major Chinese companies, opening doors to projects and potential partnerships. Unicase has successfully led its China Desk for the past decade, providing advisory services to over 200 Chinese companies and Joint Ventures. The Team’s deep understanding of both historical and contemporary Chinese market dynamics has been a strategic cornerstone that forms a solid foundation for establishing good “guanxi” with Chinese clients. Connections, that is.
In 2023 alone, the trade between Kazakhstan and China totalled at the $41 billion mark, firmly establishing China as Kazakhstan's leading trading partner. The trade heavily favours Chinese exports ($24.7 billion) over imports ($16.4 billion)[1]. During the recent Kazakh-Chinese Investment Roundtable, a number of Chinese operators announced significant projects soon to be launched in Kazakhstan: energy collaboration, rare-earth elements mining, automotive production, and advanced manufacturing. Over 5,000 joint ventures now operate in Kazakhstan, with key projects like the Changan, Haval, and Chery auto plants nearing completion, alongside agreements for Geely and Kaiyi productions, valued at approximately $150 million[2].
Opportunities and Legal Protection for Chinese Companies around the World
Co-sponsored by the China Association for Public Companies, a national self-regulatory body under the China Securities Regulatory Commission, and Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, one of China’s largest law firms, the conference was centred on the theme Chinese companies protection and was closely aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative — a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organisations.
The conference brought together over 400 participants, including representatives from more than 100 Chinese state-owned enterprises and private sector firms engaged in global projects under the Initiative, alongside guests from Central and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions. It featured a diverse range of industries, such as law, mining, energy, construction, manufacturing, and technology.
Mr Mukash represented Kazakhstan with the “Investing in Kazakhstan: Overview on Incorporation, Special Economic Zones, and AIFC” topic. The presentation was pivotal as it highlighted Kazakhstan's strategic approach to fostering economic growth and attracting foreign investment through its Special Economic Zones and the Astana International Financial Centre: SEZs offer incentives, streamlined procedures, and investor protections while AIFC, a legal and financial hub, facilitates international business operations with its basis in principles and precedents of the England and Wales law. With over 3,000 registered entities, including global economic leaders, the AIFC strengthens Kazakhstan's position as a regional investment hub. Its Investment Tax Residency Programme supports foreign investments by offering tax advantages and specified migration regime, making Kazakhstan more attractive destination for international investors.
Mr Mukash shared the panel with experts from Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam, and China Shanxi Foreign Investment Service Company. The discussion focused on the investment landscape, risks, and opportunities for Chinese companies entering Kazakhstan’s markets. Additional topics included legal protection for Chinese companies expanding globally, cross-border dispute resolution mechanisms, investment opportunities in the Belt and Road Initiative partner-countries, sustainable practices and technologies in infrastructure projects, and strategies for regional economic collaboration and policy alignment.
Impact and Takeaway
Mr Mukash and Mr Amangeldy set in motion promising partnerships, particularly with firms focused on cross-border infrastructure development. Through active participation in panel sessions and networking, Mr Mukash strengthened Unicase’s credibility and visibility among Chinese companies entering the Central Asian market. As President Xi Jinping said before visiting the Kazakhstan-based Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, “China-Kazakhstan relationship has advanced significantly, evolving from a comprehensive strategic partnership to a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.” He added, "The two countries have agreed on the vision of building a China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future defined by lasting friendship, a high degree of mutual trust, and sharing weal and woe." Our two nations have consistently supported and learned from one another, fostering wave after wave of cultural exchanges.
Mr Mukash commented: “During our trip to China last week, I noticed strong interest from Chinese companies in investing in Kazakhstan, though many are unsure about how and where to start. Sanzhar [Amangeldy] and I gave several presentations, which generated significant interest in our firm. I believe Chinese investments can play a crucial role in improving our long-neglected infrastructure while diversifying the economy through energy, agriculture, and manufacturing projects. These investments have also enhanced trade opportunities and created jobs, contributing to local development. Despite challenges, they are vital for Kazakhstan's growth and modernisation.”
As a Firm, we are excited about upcoming international opportunities! Next comes the EDB Conference on Promoting Sustainable Development in Central Asia, and in January 2025, we have an exciting trip planned to London. Stay tuned for updates through our newsletter, Market Eyesight, which features the latest insights, events, and articles delivered to you by the dedicated Unicase Team.
Unicase is a leading Central Asian law firm operating locally and internationally, with a strong presence in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Unicase has one of the strongest Expert Teams, well known for regulatory and law drafting capabilities, who, alongside a strong transactional background and expertise, have allowed the firm to win major development projects and continue to be the first-choice advisers for legislation development issues.
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Managing Partner at Unicase | Dispute Resolution, Litigation, Arbitration
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