Chinese Investment in Uzbekistan

ODI filing — MOFCOM and NDRC

Chinese outbound direct investment generally goes through filing or approval with China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and funds cannot be remitted until that step is complete. Chinese counsel confirms the route for each investor. Bond Stone coordinates with Chinese law firm counterparts on MOFCOM/NDRC filing requirements — ensuring the Uzbek transaction timeline accounts for the Chinese regulatory process.

Investment structuring — ODI compliance

The structure must be compatible with Chinese ODI rules. A wholly owned Uzbek LLC, held directly or through an intermediate company, is a common approach. Bond Stone advises on investment vehicle structuring to satisfy both Chinese ODI requirements and Uzbek EFI eligibility criteria simultaneously.

EFI status for Chinese investors

A company with at least 15% foreign participation and at least 400 million UZS charter capital is an Enterprise with Foreign Investment (EFI). The guarantees on expropriation, free transfer of funds and national treatment protect foreign investors generally under Law No. ZRU-598; EFI status adds rights such as accounts in any currency (Article 51). Bond Stone advises on structuring Chinese investments to qualify for and maintain EFI status.

Coordinating with Chinese law firms

Bond Stone has active working relationships with Chinese law firms advising on outbound investment into Central Asia — including Dentons Beijing and King & Wood Mallesons Shanghai. Bond Stone acts as Uzbek-side counsel on Chinese outbound investment mandates, providing Uzbek law due diligence, structuring advice, and transaction execution while coordinating with Chinese counsel on the ODI and offshore elements.

Belt and Road — Uzbekistan context

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, cross-border energy infrastructure and industrial park cooperation are drawing Chinese investment into Uzbek manufacturing, energy and logistics.