On the morning of 19 November 2024, Gu Yan, Vice President of the Arbitration Court of China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), led a delegation to visit the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court and International Arbitration Centre (IAC) in Kazakhstan. Mr. Christopher Campbell-Holt, Registrar and CEO of AIFC Court and IAC, received the delegation.

(The Vice President Gu Yan and the CEO Christopher Campbell-Holt exchanged views)

During the exchange, Vice President Gu Yan reviewed the cooperation between the two institutions since the execution of the cooperation agreement in 2019, and introduced the cases handled by CIETAC involving parties from Kazakhstan, as well as the latest developments in the revision of CIETAC arbitration rules, construction of arbitrator team, case management practices, and construction and application of information technology, etc.

The CEO Christopher Campbell-Holt introduced the establishment process of AIFC, the cases accepted by the AIFC Court and IAC, as well as the execution of arbitral awards.

The two sides had an in-depth discussion on how to fully leverage the advantages of arbitration to resolve commercial disputes and promote economic and trade development between China, Kazakhstan, and even Central Asia. They expressed a common desire to further deepen cooperation on the existing basis and reached a broad consensus on how to cooperate more closely and jointly promote the integrated development of international arbitration.

(The delegation visited the facilities of AIFC Court and IAC)

Subsequently, the CIETAC delegation visited the facilities and the hearing rooms of the AIFC Court and IAC and learned about the relevant facilities and situations related to online case filing, online hearings, and electronic service of documents.

On the morning of the same day, the delegation also paid a visit to the local prestigious law firm Grata International Law Firm (“Grata Law Firm”). Gulnur Nurkeyeva, Managing Partner and Head of the Grata Beijing office, received the delegation and held a discussion with them. 

(CIETAC delegation held discussion with Grata Law Firm)

During the discussion, the two sides mainly exchanged views on the development of arbitration in Kazakhstan, the situation of recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards in Kazakhstan, and the practice of legal ascertainment in Kazakhstan. They reached a consensus on jointly promoting arbitration legal services in China and Kazakhstan in the future.

(Group photo with Grata Law Firm)

Zhou Guangjun, CIETAC Arbitrator, Chen Zhaohui, Secretary General of CIETAC Fujian Sub-Commission, Lv Yan, Deputy Secretary General of CIETAC Xiong’an Sub-Commission and CIETAC Hainan Arbitration Center, Zhan Ling, Case Manager of CIETAC International Case Division, and Chen Yusi, Case Manager of CIETAC Domestic Case Division accompanied the visit.