Managing Partner and Head of China Office of GRATA International participated as speaker at the SCO Economic and Trade Legal Services Forum

On 17–18 June 2025, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Economic and Trade Legal Services Forum was held under the theme “Rule of Law Revolution and International Cooperation – Building a Sustainable New Era.”The event brought together legal experts, scholars, and industry representatives from SCO member countries to discuss key legal and economic developments in the region.

More than 100 participants took part in discussions focused on legal risk mitigation in international investment and infrastructure projects, cross-border trade and financial settlements, and dispute resolution mechanisms within the SCO framework, particularly in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Dr. Gulnur Nurkeyeva, Managing Partner and Head of China Office of GRATA International, delivered a keynote speech on Cross-Border Trade under the Belt and Road Initiative. She highlighted the growing significance of China–Kazakhstan relations, pointing out that China is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing USD 43 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 100 billion by 2030. She also emphasised Kazakhstan’s strategic role as a transit hub linking China to Europe.

In her speech, Dr. Nurkeyeva provided an overview of the structure of bilateral trade and the legal frameworks supporting this cooperation. She also discussed some of the primary legal and operational risks faced by businesses, such as difficulties in enforcing cross-border contracts and arbitral awards, challenges with currency exchange and settlements, intellectual property protection,  as well as delays and inefficiencies related to customs procedures and infrastructure limitations.

To help businesses navigate these challenges, she recommended conducting proper legal due diligence, using well-drafted bilingual contracts with clear dispute resolution clauses, staying updated on regulatory developments, and seeking legal support for risk management and contract structuring.

She further highlighted dispute resolution institutions available in both countries, including the Astana International Arbitration Centre (IAC) and AIFC Court in Kazakhstan, as well as CIETAC, BAC/BIAC, and SHIAC in China.

Dr. Nurkeyeva concluded with an introduction to GRATA International, a leading regional law firm with offices across the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. With an integrated cross-border network and a unified service platform, the firm is well-equipped to support clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.