The DIFC Courts have been chosen by Kazakhstan’s central bank to advise on establishing a world-class commercial court system including an arbitration centre at the planned Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). 

 

Dubai’s established English-language, commercial common law judicial system, signed a consultancy agreement with the National Bank of Kazakhstan in Astana during a signing ceremony attended by representatives from both organisations recently.

 

Earlier this year, Kazakhstan announced its intention to establish an International Financial Centre in the capital city Astana. 

 

President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakstan cited Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as the model for the planned AIFC, while speaking at the 'Constitution; Unity, Stability, Prosperity' conference in Astana recently.

 

The consultancy agreement will see the DIFC Courts work in partnership with their Kazakhstan counterparts over the next three years as they establish specialist commercial courts, which are increasingly essential for financial centres to be able to compete internationally. 

 

It covers areas as diverse as consultancy on the legislative and regulatory framework, training of staff, fit-out of chosen premises and IT systems.

 

DIFC Courts Chief Justice, Michael Hwang, and Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, HE Nurlan Kussainov, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

 

DIFC Courts chief justice Michael Hwang said: “Through a consistent track record of success in commercial dispute resolution, innovation and enforcement, the DIFC Courts are today established as a world class centre of legal excellence. This is reflected in our selection by the National Bank of Kazakhstan to consult on the wide range of issues that need to be considered and steps that need to be taken to establish an internationally respected commercial court. 

 

"This agreement is also indicative of the DIFC Courts tireless work to connect with other countries and court systems to protect and support businesses operating in the UAE and internationally.” 

 

Nurlan Kussainov, deputy governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, said: “It is our intention to create a world class financial centre in the heart of Eurasia by working with the best international partners. 

 

"Following a series of visits to the UAE we have seen firsthand how important the DIFC Courts have been to the free zone’s success and we look forward to benefitting from their expertise as we move forward with the creation of the AIFC.” - TradeArabia News Service