GRATA International Beijing Participates in SCO Arbitration Forum in Urumqi

On April 25, 2025, Gulnur Nurkeyeva, Managing Partner, Head of China office of GRATA International Beijing office, participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Arbitration Forum held in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. She was invited to speak alongside leading figures from arbitration institutions, courts, and legal practice across the SCO member states.

The Forum was jointly organized by the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) and the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With the theme “Gathering Forces for Arbitration Cooperation & Embarking on a New Journey under the Rule of Law,” the event focused on strengthening cooperation in dispute resolution within the SCO framework, while exploring legal tools to support regional economic growth and cross-border commercial stability.

This year’s Forum attracted nearly 400 participants from 28 countries and regions, including 168 non-Chinese guests representing government authorities, courts, arbitration institutions, and bar associations. In addition, the livestream of the event received more than 17 million visits from audiences in 32 countries and regions, reflecting strong international interest in the Forum's discussions.

In her address, Ms. Nurkeyeva emphasized the importance of effective enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, particularly under the New York Convention. She pointed to China’s strong enforcement record as a model for Central Asian jurisdictions, and underscored the need for Kazakhstan to further align its domestic legislation to international standards. She also highlighted the role of institutions such as CIETAC, AIFC Court and IAC (International Arbitration Centre) in advancing trust, transparency, and consistency in international arbitration across the region.