London, 27 October 2025 – The UK Parliament hosted the inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cooperation with the Countries of Central Asia, featuring a presentation on the work of the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre (IAC) of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).

The event brought together Members of Parliament, diplomatic representatives, and leading figures from the legal, academic and business communities.

Delivering the keynote address, Lord Burnett, Chief Justice of the AIFC Court, outlined the Court’s mandate, its independent jurisdiction, and its operation under a bespoke set of procedural rules based on English common law. He highlighted that the AIFC Court hears civil and commercial disputes, including those related to investment, contracts, and banking and financial transactions. Since its establishment, the AIFC has attracted USD 17 billion in investment, with investors from 34 countries involved.

Established as the first independent commercial court in Eurasia built on English legal principles, the AIFC Court forms a key pillar of the AIFC’s institutional framework. Since its inception, the AIFC Court and IAC have considered and resolved over 4,000 cases, reflecting a high level of trust from the international business community.

Speakers also emphasised the Court’s judicial independence and transparent procedures. The AIFC Court comprises ten internationally recognised judges, all with extensive experience and strong reputations in common law jurisdictions.

Representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom expressed their gratitude for the keen interest shown in the AIFC Court’s activities. They noted that the establishment of the Court and Arbitration Centre was designed to foster a fair and reliable investment environment, ensuring that investor disputes are resolved impartially and efficiently, while introducing elements of English common law into Kazakhstan’s legal system to enhance the country’s global competitiveness and economic integration. The Embassy underscored that these objectives are now being successfully realised.

Participants welcomed Kazakhstan’s efforts to create a stable, predictable and transparent legal framework within the AIFC, which promotes the rule of law and strengthens investor confidence.

Background: The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cooperation with the Countries of Central Asia (APPG) was established on 14 July 2025. The Group is chaired by Labour MP Pam Cox and currently includes 20 Members of Parliament from the House of Commons.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-london/press/news/details/1094651?lang=kk