Experience

Advising the EPC contractor for the project on construction of combined cycle power plant with capacity of 478 MW at Navoi Thermal Power Plan on applicable construction rules and contractual obligations under the EPC contract.
Providing legal and tax consultancy services for PAO Silovie Mashini in a multimillion dollar project related to modernization and construction of Syrdarya TEP.
Drafting and negotiating an EPC contract for supply and construction of gas pumping and compression station at Navoi TEP worth 15 million Euro.
Advising Japanese Hitachi-Zosen Corporation on issues related to entering into EPC (FIDIC) contract for construction of LTFT reactor for “Uzbekistan-GTL” JV LLC, a project over 100 mln. US dollars.
Advising the leading Japanese and Korean engineering companies with respect to licensing and permitting requirements for EPC contractors for modernization of Talimarjan thermal power station.
Advising the leading European company on a wide range of contractual obligations related to breach of EPC contract terms by General Contractor as well as on enforcement of foreign bank guarantee.
Legal consultancy services in a project related to technical modernisation of Tashkent TEP.
Advising a major German construction materials manufacturer in relation to construction of a new plant in Bukhara region. The work has also included advising on construction stages, legal requirements and drafting the construction agreement with local companies.

Advising a consortium of Turkish and Italian construction companies in relation to legal requirements related to commissioning a newly constructed plant to the customer and to the state (state commissioning) as well as on legal requirements related to putting the newly constructed plant into operation.
Advising a number of Chinese companies on several construction and EPC contracts related to electrification of railways, construction of gas-pipelines, construction of new production facilities for local customers.
Advising a local thermal plant on necessity, procedures and legal requirements related to carrying out a technical and designer’s inspection over the construction of a new compression facility.
Advising Chinese Corporation on a wide range of contractual obligations related to breach of EPC contract terms by General Contractor as well as on enforcement of foreign bank guarantee in a project worth more than 150 million Euro.
Advising a Consortium consisting of a major Malaysian governmental corporation and a South-African private corporation on the investment project for construction of GTL plant in Uzbekistan under the investment agreement with Uzbekistan Government.
Advising a consortium of South Asian multinational companies on construction of gas chemical complex at Ustyurt region for processing of hydrocarbons.

Assisting the leading Japanese natural resources company in negotiations with the Government of Uzbekistan of the terms and conditions of the project on exploration of uranium deposits in Uzbekistan. Assisted with drafting and negotiations of the Production Sharing Agreement, Exploration Agreement and a Resolution of the President. Managing the process of obtaining of exploration licenses, permits and land allotments. Advising the client on Production Sharing Agreements laws, including legal analyses of provisions on recoverable and non-recoverable expenses, commercial discovery, proving reserves and their consequent state registration, stability provisions, taxation, customs, licensing, IRR, cost product, profit product, export of product, dispute resolution, access to resources, and other matters (the "Best Energy and Natural Resources Deal of the Year " by the China Business Law Journal Awards 2016).
Assisting the leading global natural resources company in negotiations with the Government of Uzbekistan of the terms and conditions of the project on exploration of copper deposits in Uzbekistan. Assisted with drafting and negotiations of the Production Sharing Agreement, Exploration Agreement and a Resolution of the President. Advising the client on Production Sharing Agreements laws, including legal analyses of provisions on recoverable and non-recoverable expenses, commercial discovery, proving reserves and their consequent state registration, stability provisions, taxation, customs, licensing, IRR, cost product, profit product, export of product, dispute resolution, access to resources, and other matters.
Assisting leading global natural resources service company on commercial, corporate, tax, customs and employment law matters in Uzbekistan in connection with the services provided by the company to petroleum companies engaged in Production Sharing Agreements in Uzbekistan.
Assisting a private Russian natural resources company in negotiations with the Government of Uzbekistan of the terms and conditions of the project on exploration of gold deposits in Uzbekistan. Assisted with drafting and negotiations of the Exploration Agreement and Key Terms of the Production Sharing Agreement and a Resolution of the President. Advising the client on Production Sharing Agreements laws, including legal analyses of provisions on recoverable and non-recoverable expenses, commercial discovery, proving reserves and their consequent state registration, stability provisions, taxation, customs, licensing, IRR, cost product, profit product, export of product, dispute resolution, access to resources, and other matters.
Assisting the leading international gold mining company in negotiations with the Government of Uzbekistan of applying the Production Sharing Agreement mechanism for the project on exploration and development of gold deposits in Uzbekistan. In particular, advising the client on Production Sharing Agreements laws, including legal analyses of provisions on recoverable and non-recoverable expenses, commercial discovery, proving reserves and their consequent state registration, stability provisions, taxation, customs, licensing, IRR, cost product, profit product, export of product, dispute resolution, access to resources, and other matters.
Assisting the leading Canadian gold mining company in negotiations with the Government of Uzbekistan of applying the Production Sharing Agreement mechanism for the project on exploration and development of gold deposits in Uzbekistan. In particular, advising the client on Production Sharing Agreements laws, including legal analyses of provisions on recoverable and non-recoverable expenses, commercial discovery, proving reserves and their consequent state registration, stability provisions, taxation, customs, licensing, IRR, cost product, profit product, export of product, dispute resolution, access to resources, and other matters.
Assisting the leading global natural resources company in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia with compliance review of the standard Goods and Services Supply Contract. Advising on employment law matters in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Carrying out legal due diligence for the largest state owned Russian gas corporation on the shareholders’ ownership rights over three gas booster stations worth over US$500 million and their potential transfer to the subsidiary of the National Holding Company “Uzbekneftegaz”.
Advising the leading global natural resources service company on contractual and tax structuring of the project on construction and management of petroleum facilities worth over US$10 million.
Advising the leading US (Fortune 100) in drafting and negotiations of a Joint Venture Agreement with the National Holding Company “Uzbekneftegaz” on establishment in Free Industrial Economic Zone “Navoi” a joint venture on production of compressed natural gas stations.
Advising and acting for the sponsors’ consortium consisting of a major Malaysian national petroleum corporation and a South-African private corporation on Investment Agreement with Uzbekistan Government, Joint Venture Agreement with Uzbekneftegaz, and bankability aspects for construction, maintenance, and operation of the GTL Plant in worth US$ 3.5 bln.
Advising the leading European cement manufacturer in negotiations with the Uzbekistan Government of the terms and conditions of exploration licenses and project on construction of US$500 million cement plant in Uzbekistan.

PPP and Infrastructure Development:

Advising International Finance Corporation (the financing party) and the Government of Uzbekistan (the implementing party) to structure and implement the first Uzbek PPP project related to constructing four medical diagnostic centres in four regions of Uzbekistan. In the course of this work GRATA has held several presentations among various Uzbek ministries with description of international PPP practice, has assisted in holding an international conference for interested investors (bidders) on the PPP project and Uzbek investment climate. GRATA has also drafted the PPP agreement and drafted Governmental decisions on implementing the PPP project in Uzbekistan.
Advising the UNDP (financing party), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Tashkent region municipality (the implementing parties) on structuring several PPP projects related to processing solid waste. GRATA has held a series of seminars and trainings on the nature of PPP projects and possibility of their implementation in Uzbekistan. Grata has also been responsible for preparation of tender documents for each PPP project, including drafting the PPP agreement and decisions of the Government of Uzbekistan and the governor of Tashkent region.
Participation at Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry working group on drafting the Law on Public Procurement. Draft law has been used as the basis for the current Law on Public Procurement which has been put into force in April 2018.
Participation at a Government working group under the Uzbekistan State Committee for Investments on drafting the Law on Public-Private Partnerships. Participation at the international conference for discussion of this draft Law and submission of proposals to amend draft law and proposals to refuse from using framework and general Laws without any detailed and specific regulations.
Advising a Singapore diversified corporation on acquisition from Government of the Textile Plant, negotiating and drafting the Joint Venture Agreement with the National Bank of Uzbekistan, advising, drafting and negotiating US$ 88 million Investment Agreement with Uzbekistan Government aimed for construction and operation of first textile factory using high-end compact technologies capable of producing fiber of highest quality. Drafted and registered with the Central Bank of Uzbekistan three Facility Agreements worth approximately US$70 million.
Advising a leading Italian company in drafting and negotiations of a Joint Venture Agreement with the National Holding Company “Uzbekneftegaz” on establishment in Free Industrial Economic Zone “Navoi” a joint venture on production of modern heating and hot water systems.
Acting for a World’s leading engineering company on establishment of the Joint Engineering Center in Uzbekistan, drafting and negotiating Joint Venture Agreement with Uzbekistan project institutes in petroleum and heavy industries, negotiating and drafting the Investment Agreement with Uzbekistan Government to receive individual tax and customs incentives.
Advising a leading Spanish high-speed train manufacturer on incorporation of a subsidiary in Uzbekistan and providing day-to-day legal assistance.

Legal Due Diligence:

Carrying out full legal due diligence of the largest telecom operator in Uzbekistan in connection with upcoming corporate acquisition of the operator.
Conducting full legal due diligence of the largest beer brewer in Uzbekistan for a leading Turkish beer brewing company with the view of corporate acquisition.
Advising on general matters of Uzbek law, conducting due diligence check and analysis with respect to target companies, assisting with finance and security structure under the first direct private sector Islamic lending in Uzbekistan with ICD.
Conducting due diligence check on Uzbek banks in equity purchase transactions involving foreign elements.
Due diligence of local representative office activities for Indian pharmaceutical company, advising on transfer of business issues.
Carrying out legal due diligence for the largest state owned Russian gas corporation on the shareholders’ ownership rights over three gas booster stations worth over US$500 million and their potential transfer to the subsidiary of the National Holding Company “Uzbekneftegaz”.
Conducting full legal due diligence of the leading textile manufacturer in Uzbekistan for an Indian textile company with the view of corporate acquisition.
Carrying out full scale legal due diligence of a major Surgil Gas Chemicals Plant for the consortium of Korean banks with the view of upcoming project finance transaction.
Carrying out full scale legal due diligence of the leading Uzbekistani online advertisement source with view of corporate acquisition.
Carrying out full scale due diligence of the telecommunications operator and manufacturer of telecommunications equipment. Areas of focus: corporate structure, real estate, judicial proceedings, licenses and authorizations, employment issues, compliance with anti-monopoly rules, compliance with customs regulations, intellectual property issues.
Carrying out full scale due diligence of Angren cement plant. Areas of focus: corporate structure, real estate, judicial proceedings, licenses and authorizations, employment issues, compliance with anti-monopoly rules, compliance with customs regulations, intellectual property issues.
Carrying out legal due diligence of an Uzbek subsidiary of the Chinese oil and gas service providing company. Areas of focus: corporate structure, real estate, judicial proceedings, licenses and authorizations, employment issues.
Carrying out tax due diligence of Russian oil and gas service provider’s permanent establishment in Uzbekistan. Area of focus: due registration with tax authorities, compliance with reporting requirements, compliance with tax payment requirements.
Carrying out full scale legal due diligence in connection with US$3.5 billion syndicated secured loan transaction under the Central Asian Gas Pipeline project in Uzbekistan (the "Best Project Finance Deal of the Year " by the ALB Law Awards 2009).

Advising a leading Italian company in drafting and negotiations of a Joint Venture Agreement with the National Holding Company “Uzbekneftegaz” on establishment in Free Industrial Economic Zone “Navoi” a joint venture on production of modern heating and hot water systems.
Advising a leading US (Fortune 100) in drafting and negotiations of a Joint Venture Agreement with the National Holding Company “Uzbekneftegaz” on establishment in Free Industrial Economic Zone “Navoi” a joint venture on production of compressed natural gas stations.
Acting for a leading Chinese construction equipment manufacturer and assisting in drafting and negotiations of a Joint Venture Agreement with the Uzbek Railways on establishment a joint venture on production of modern hydraulic excavators, drafting and negotiating a Trademark and Tradename License Agreement and Technology License agreement.
Advising and acting for the sponsors’ consortium consisting of a major Malaysian national petroleum corporation and a South-African private corporation on Investment Agreement with Uzbekistan Government, Joint Venture Agreement with Uzbekneftegaz, and bankability aspects for construction, maintenance, and operation of the GTL Plant in worth US$ 3.5 bln.
Advising the leading European cement manufacturer in negotiations with the Uzbekistan Government of the terms and conditions of exploration licenses and project on construction of US$500 million cement plant in Uzbekistan.
Advising a Singapore diversified corporation on acquisition from Government of the Textile Plant, negotiating and drafting the Joint Venture Agreement with the National Bank of Uzbekistan, advising, drafting and negotiating US$ 88 million Investment Agreement with Uzbekistan Government aimed for construction and operation of first textile factory using high-end compact technologies capable of producing fiber of highest quality. Drafted and registered with the Central Bank of Uzbekistan three Facility Agreements worth approximately US$70 million.
Acting for a World’s leading engineering company on establishment of the Joint Engineering Center in Uzbekistan, drafting and negotiating Joint Venture Agreement with Uzbekistan project institutes in petroleum and heavy industries, negotiating and drafting the Investment Agreement with Uzbekistan Government to receive individual tax and customs incentives.
Advising a consortium of leading Chinese banks in connection with US$3.5 billion syndicated secured loan transaction under the Central Asian Gas Pipeline project in Uzbekistan (the "Best Project Finance Deal of the Year" by the ALB Law Awards 2009).

Advising on Uzbek law security matters in a major US$4.0bn oil and gas project finance transaction aiming to support upstream and downstream capacity under Surgil Gas Chemicals Project.
Advising on general matters of Uzbek law, conducting due diligence check and analysis with respect to target companies, assisting with finance and security structure under the first direct private sector Islamic lending in Uzbekistan with ICD.
Structuring and implementing equity purchase transaction for a group of Russian investors in Uzbekistan.
Advising and acting for DEG in connection with US$17 million investment project involving private equity in two production companies in Uzbekistan.
Acting for leading international financial institutions on a series of large private sector investment projects and debt restructuring in Uzbekistan.
Advising multilateral financial institutions including ADB, EBRD and IFC on projects in Uzbekistan involving combination of a senior debt and equity investment into Uzbek banks.
Conducting due diligence check on Uzbek banks in equity purchase transactions involving foreign elements.
Advising a major Dutch bank on security issues under a syndicated credit facility applied for the financing of working capital in relation to cotton trading and related costs of cotton trading operators in Central Asia.
Advising a leading Russian bank on matters of Uzbek law in a cross border secured transactions involving working capital financing for oil/gas service company.
Advising Barclays Bank PLC on regulatory issues relating to entering into derivatives transactions with the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.
Advising the Asian Development Bank on a number of projects involving multi-million dollar direct investments mainly in the sphere of banking and refinancing.
Advising a major Chinese governmental bank on project financing and security matters for the US$ 3 bln. multi-jurisdictional Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China Gas Pipeline. The 1,818 km pipeline is part of the Central Asian Pipeline and is expected to cost US$ 3 billion. When completed it will deliver 30cbm of natural gas annually from Turkmenistan to China via Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Advising the Korean Development Bank as an original lender in connection with the US$ 6.5 mln financing of the construction, operation and maintenance of the textile factory in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan. Advised on the US$ 17 mln. financing of UNG for the construction of a gas booster station on Dengizkul gas field of Uzbekistan.
Representing the leading Korean electronics manufacturer at Uzbek antitrust and law enforcement authorities against fake TV and vacuum cleaner importers and retailers in Uzbekistan.
Representing the leading German pharmaceutical company at Uzbek antitrust authority and economic court against producers and retailers of counterfeit pharmaceutical products in Uzbekistan.
Advising the leading French cognac and brandy producer on Uzbek commercial and intellectual property laws, including reviewing and bringing in compliance a distribution agreement with the leading local alcohol importer, producer and retailer.
Representing the leading local distributor of premium imported alcoholic beverages in a dispute with a French prominent champagne producer against actions to restrict importing certain types of alcoholic beverages.
Representing and successfully defending the leading global alcohol producing group of companies in the litigation against takeover of “Stolichnaya” and “Moskovskaya” trademarks by the leading local alcohol importer, producer and retailer. Representing the client at the Agency on Intellectual Property of Uzbekistan.
Representing the largest German construction materials manufacturer at Uzbek antitrust authority, economic court and law enforcement authorities against producers and retailers of counterfeit construction materials in Uzbekistan.
Assisting the largest German construction materials manufacturer on trademark provisional refusal matters.
Drafting a Trademark and Tradename License Agreement and Technology License agreement for the leading Chinese construction equipment manufacturer and assisting in negotiating agreements with the local partner.
Assisting the leading American hotel chain business in drafting a Trademark License Agreement and its consequent registration with the Agency on Intellectual Property of Uzbekistan.
Assisting the leading Serbian pharmaceutical company on trademark assignment, drafting and registration of the assignment of trademarks.
Assisting the leading multinational hygiene products manufacturer on brand protection and generic trademarks matters.
Successfully defending against a lawsuit brought by a local distributor for recovery of lost profits in the amount of US$750,000.
Successful recovery of main debt, liquidated damages, litigation costs in the amount of US$600,000 for the Ukrainian metal trader against Uzbekistan Railways State Joint Stock Company.
Successful representing of Israeli telecommunications equipment manufacturer and service provider in pre-judicial negotiations with the local tax authority insisting on payment of additional taxes by a non-resident operating in Uzbekistan through a permanent establishment. Amount of dispute: US$3,500,000.
Successfully defending a representative office of the Polish pharmaceutical company against a lawsuit brought by a former employee related to payment of damages and moral compensation for illegal termination of employment relations.
Provision of expert opinion on Uzbek laws, participation at cross examination and hot-tubbing at a US$77 million case between a gas transportation company and a Chinese multinational turn-key EPC contractor before Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
Successful defending of Bunyodkor FC, an Uzbek football club, in an appeal in CAS against decision made by FIFA in favour of Rivaldo, a Brazilian football player, in 11 million Euro case.
Advising, defending, legal representation and successful reorganisation of debt owed by an Uzbek foreign owned company to a leading Korean construction and engineering corporation worth roughly US$30 million through Arbitration court under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.
Successful claiming of accounts payable in the amount of roughly US$16 million from England and Hong Kong based companies in favour of Russian textile companies in Arbitration court under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.
Advising a UK based international ranking company on legal perspectives of filing an appeal against Tashkent city tax authorities with the amount of dispute US$3,200,000.
Organising recognition and enforcement in the Republic of Uzbekistan of the award made by International Commercial Court of Arbitration under Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russian Federation. Amount of claim – above US$400,000.
Organising enforcement of decision made by Tashkent city Economic court (Uzbekistan) in favour of the Ukrainian metal supplier against Uzbekistani buyer. Amount of claim – above US$1,000,000.
Advising a Spanish train manufacturer on taxation of warranty and repair services provided within Uzbekistan (EURO 18 mln. project). TAX, INDUSTRY & TRADE
Advising a government owned Chinese financial institution on tax implications related to providing a secured loan facility to Uzbek energy company (US$ 250 mln. project).
Advising a group of companies based in Israel, the USA and the UK on tax obligations and emergence of permanent establishment in Uzbekistan in relation to a long term EPC contract in the telecommunications industry (US$ 40 mln. Project).
Advising an Italian based engineering company on tax implications (permanent establishments and taxation under Double Tax Treaties) in relation to EPC contract for construction of the Gas-To-Liquid plant (over US$ 1 bn. project).
Advising a Korean engineering and construction company in relation to taxation of services provided under the EPC contract for construction of compressed power plant in Uzbekistan (US$ 500 mln. project).
Advising a Chinese engineering and construction company in relation to taxation of profits received under EPC contract for reconstruction of Tashkent city thermal power plant (US$ 120 mln.).
Advising KPMG Singapore in relation to taxation of its client’s educational activities in Uzbekistan (below US$ 1 mln. project).
Advising KPMG Sweden in relation to taxation of its client’s expatriate’s profits in Uzbekistan (below US$ 1 mln. project).
Advising the leading Russian EPC company on issues related to taxation in Uzbekistan, including registering, reporting and de-registering of permanent establishment in Uzbekistan.
Advising the leading Japanese mining and exploration companies on issues related to taxation in Uzbekistan, including registering, reporting and de-registering of permanent establishment in Uzbekistan.
Advising a Polish manufacturer on issues related to transit of hazardous and poisonous materials through the territory of Uzbekistan.
Advising a US manufacturer on issues related to transit of military products through the territory of Uzbekistan.
Advising a German automobile manufacturer on customs clearance requirements and procedures for delivery of SKD-sets into Uzbekistan.
Advising a number of Russian, Korean and Chinese construction and service companies on issues related to importation of equipment on a temporary basis by permanent establishments.
Advising a Korean electronic goods manufacturer on customs clearance rules and application of special labelling requirements to certain electronic products imported into Uzbekistan.
Advising a number of European, Ukrainian and Russian alcoholic beverages manufacturers on peculiarities of customs clearance procedures and applicable labelling requirements in relation to imported alcoholic beverages.
Successful defending of a German construction goods manufacturer’s Uzbek subsidiary in over US$ 1 million customs duty evasion case in Bukhara economic court.
Successful defending of a Russian technical oil manufacturer in customs duty evasion case in related to unilateral change of international HS customs code by customs authority.
Due diligence inspection and full legal support for the Embassy of Algeria in Uzbekistan in respect of purchasing a privately held real estate in the center of Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Due diligence inspection of a building offered for sale to UzKDB Uzbekistan – a Korean owned bank, to locate the bank’s headquarter office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, full legal support of the transaction: drafting the sale agreement, negotiating contract terms with the seller, executing the sale agreement.
Due diligence inspection of a building offered for sale to Knauf Gips Bukhara - a German owned Bukhara company manufacturing construction materials, to locate its representative office and construction materials show-room in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Due diligence of a building offered for sale to Transatlantic – an Indian owned transportation company, to locate pharmaceutical products warehouse in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Advising Daewoo International Corporation – a Korean multifunctional corporation, in a dispute against the largest telecommunication operator in respect of an illegal attempt to premature termination of lease of office premises agreement. Successful negotiation leading to extension of lease for one calendar year.
Assisting Alstom Holdings – a French manufacturer of technological equipment, in a dispute with the landlord on late payment of lease fees and termination of lease agreement. Successful negotiation of lease extension for an indefinite period.
Assisting Cisco – a European telecom equipment and services operator, in amending lease terms before its expiry. Successful amendment of lease terms.
Assisting the British Embassy in Tashkent with regular lease arrangements for diplomats and visiting expat consultants,
Advising the British Embassy on regulatory matters involving real estate and construction under Uzbek laws.

Key contacts

Navoiy

Tashkent