GRATA News, September 2023

Newsletter Archive
GRATA News, September 2023

🔽 The upcoming events

GRATA International will speak at the WIPO Summer School on Intellectual Property


From September 18-29 2023, the WIPO Summer School will be held in Almaty in cooperation with the Republican State Enterprise under the right of economic management “National Institute of Intellectual Property” of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan (QAZPATENT).


Timur Berekmoinov, Counsel at GRATA International Almaty office, will speak on the topic: Workshop on the protection of intellectual property rights in Kazakhstan.


For detailed information follow the link.

GRATA International will speak at the working group meeting at the German Economy Union in the Republic of Kazakhstan


On September 21, 2023, an offline meeting of the working group “Taxes, logistics & law” will be held at the Union of German Economics in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM (Almaty time).


Venue: in Almaty, the Representative office of the German Economy in Central Asia, Business Center “Esentai City”


Kamila Urazalina, Senior Associate at GRATA International Almaty office, will speak on the topic: “Control activities of customs authorities when importing goods - current trends.”


For detailed information, please email: Xeniya.Kuznetsova@ahk-za.kz

🔽 The latest news

GRATA International is recognized as one of the leading firms in Asia by the Asialaw Profiles rating


Asialaw Profiles is an authoritative guide to the leading law firms and key individuals in the Asian region, based on a comprehensive analysis of key areas of activity and industries in 23 jurisdictions.


GRATA International Kazakhstan was ranked among the best firms in Kazakhstan, being included in tiers "Outstanding" and "Recommended" in the following practice areas and industry sectors:

  • Outstanding: General Business Law, Energy;
  • Recommended: Oil & Gas, Infrastructure.

The researchers highlighted the firm's projects in the field of natural resources, namely in mining, oil & gas.



The GRATA International Mongolia team was also highly ranked and included in tier "Notable" in General Business Law.

Associate office ROD KURTMAN LEGAL law firm has become a fully integrated member of GRATA International


We are proud to announce the exciting news that the associate office of ROD KURTMAN LEGAL law firm is now fully integrated into GRATA International and operates under the brand name "GRATA International Armenia".


Since 2013, the Armenian office has been successfully providing professional legal services to both foreign and local clients in various fields, including construction, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, information technology, mining, textiles, food manufacturing, and banking. Joining the GRATA International family in February 2022 as an associate office marked the beginning of our collaborative and productive work.


Dimitri Papadopoulos, Executive Director of GRATA International Association:

“We are delighted that the effective and mutually beneficial cooperation with our Armenian colleagues has led to its reasonable expansion. We share common business goals, values and principles that allow us to leverage our collective expertise and resources to develop optimal solutions that meet the needs of our clients in Armenia and other countries where GRATA International operates. I am confident that the professional team of GRATA International Armenia will continue delivering high quality legal services and contributing to the Association's growth as an integral part of the GRATA International network.”


The office is led by Khoren Nasibyan, who not only has extensive experience in supporting foreign investors, but also has an in-depth understanding of the local legal and business environment.


Khoren Nasibyan, Managing Partner of GRATA International Armenia:

“This integration marks a significant milestone in our journey as the global presence of GRATA International allows us to provide enhanced legal services and unmatched expertise to our esteemed clients. We are now better equipped to navigate complex legal landscapes, offer comprehensive solutions, and facilitate seamless cross-border transactions. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and our full integration with GRATA International further strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional legal services tailored to the unique needs of our valued clients.”

Интервью с Лией Акжановой GRATA International

Interview with Liya Akzhanova, Partner of GRATA International in the framework of the project "Successful Partnership in Law Firm" (in Russian)


The Legal Practice in Central Asia held an interview with Liya Akzhanova, Partner of GRATA International Kazakhstan in Astana, within the framework of the project "Successful Partnership in Law Firm". 


In the interview, Liya speaks about the difference between the work of an in-house lawyer and a consultant, work of the AIFC and government bodies in Kazakhstan, the variety of projects in consulting and much more.


We express our deep gratitude to Liya for sharing her experience and for the interesting interview!

The GRATA International Kazakhstan Tax Law team has been recognized by the prestigious International Tax Review (ITR) World Tax 2024 rating


GRATA International confirmed its reputation as one of the key players in Kazakhstan in tax practice and was ranked in Tier 2.


The ITR (International Tax Review) World Tax Rating provides a comprehensive guide to the world’s leading tax and transfer pricing firms and leaders, reviewing entries from over 140 different jurisdictions.


This recognition confirms the high level of professionalism of our tax team, which consists of specialists with solid work experience in the tax authorities. This allows our firm to give clients not only correct, but also practically applicable advice. 


Earlier this year, in April, another prestigious international rating Legal 500  ranked the tax and customs practice team of GRATA International in Kazakhstan in Tier 1.  The head of the practice, Assel Ilyassova, was recognized as a Leading Individual.  The team has been noted for providing “timely, qualified responses to [client] requests. If necessary, the team takes an active role in [client`s] meetings to clarify the questions. Most recently, the team conducted training for [client`s] company on the topic of anti-corruption law, which was very interesting and useful.”

Atabek Sharipov, a partner at GRATA International Uzbekistan, ranked in the Top 10 Most Influential General Business Law Lawyers in Uzbekistan 2023 according to BusinessToday.news


Atabek Sharipov is included in the list of Top General Business Law Lawyers whose "deep knowledge of both domestic and international law…allows them to offer tailored solutions that align with the complex requirements of companies across various industries”.


Atabek is leading GRATA’s banking and project finance practice in Uzbekistan and is rightfully one of the leaders in the field of cross-border finance transactions. He advises on all aspects of Uzbek corporate and foreign exchange laws, cross-border financing including secured transactions, including among other renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, capital markets and privatization of the banking system of Uzbekistan.


Atabek has been also consistently praised for his performance in Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 editions and IFLR1000.

GRATA International Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan contributed to the edition of the Global M&A Guide 2023


The Global M&A Guide gathered renowned experts in 30 jurisdictions worldwide, including GRATA’s Partner Igor Lukin (Kazakhstan), Senior Associate Tamirlan Muktarov, Junior Associate Oleg Kim (Kyrgyzstan) and Senior Associate Bakhodur Nurov (Tajikistan), who «shared their expertise, knowledge, and practical insights to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of M&A transactions» in their respective jurisdiction.


The guide covers a wide range of topics related to M&A, including general information, foreign investment, corporate governance, shareholder rights, enforceability, trends and projections. 


Read the Guide →

🔽 Recent events

Jessup Summer School


On 11-16 August lawyers of GRATA International Kyrgyzstan participated in the Central Asian Jessup Summer School. The Summer School took place at the American University of Central Asia and brought together 36 students from 10 universities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.


GRATA International actively supports initiatives and legal competitions like National Rounds of Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Central Asia. GRATA International was represented by Elvira Maratova and Nurlan Kyshtobaev, Partners in GRATA International Kyrgyzstan, and Elmira Usenova, Associate in GRATA International Kyrgyzstan. Elvira Maratova and Nurlan Kyshtobaev were invited to share their expertise and insights with the participants of the Summer School.


GRATA International continues to pioneer excellence in the legal arena, commitment to promoting legal education, and contribute to the development of the next generation of legal professionals.


Read more →

Shaimerden Chikanayev attended the Belt and Road Summit 2023


Shaimerden Chikanayev* attended the Belt and Road Summit 2023, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council on 13-14 September 2023 in Hong Kong. Marking 10 years of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Summit brought together some 90 government officials and business leaders from more than 70 countries and regions along the Belt and Road, including Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev. With Hong Kong as a gateway for foreign investment and a facilitator for global expansion, the event fostered connections with emerging markets and promoted the growth of emerging industries.


Shaimerden currently on a study sabbatical until 2026, not an employee of GRATA.

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