Publication date: 09.06.2025
Forbes-recognized counsel and architect of the COMPASS framework, a strategic breakthrough for navigating international investments and business expansion, with over 5 years of experience in corporate law, including investment management, VC/PE, and cross-border transactions, contributing $15B+ in transactions across diverse sectors.v
$1.5 Billion Gas Transportation System Modernization: A Strategic Case of International Legal Support
The development and implementation of infrastructure megaprojects require not only technical readiness but also an exceptional level of legal precision, especially when the project intersects with international law, state interests, and cross-border investments. Lawyer Miraziz Khidoyatov became the key legal architect of a $1.5 billion international deal aimed at the complete transformation of the national gas transportation company and the country's evolution into a Central Asian gas hub.
Situation Context
As part of the energy sector reform, the national government initiated a fundamental modernization of the gas transportation system. The plan included not only technical upgrades but also an institutional transformation of the state-owned company — from a centralized monopoly to a flexible operator with international partners. The key task was to overcome legal, corporate, and political barriers and create a contractual framework capable of attracting investments, technologies, and global partners.
Stages of Legal Support
1. Legal Reinterpretation of the Corporate Model
- Analysis of the state company's charter documents and regulations conducted
- Amendments introduced to grant the status of a flexible operator within the industry reform
- A new governance structure with international participation established
2. Negotiations with International Contractors
- Negotiations organized with Siemens, TotalEnergies, and TechnipFMC
- Standard framework agreements for technological integration developed
- Resolved discrepancies in compliance approaches, IP, and export controls
3. International Financing and Guarantee Mechanisms
- Legal documentation package prepared to meet IFC, ADB, and JBIC requirements
- Introduced international arbitration clauses and cross-default provisions
- Structured treasury escrow and sovereign guarantee mechanisms
4. Cross-Border Legal Harmonization
- Contractual architecture aligned with jurisdictions in the UK, France, and Japan
- Obligations synchronized with FIDIC, UNCITRAL, and national law
- Export restrictions and sanctions risks analyzed
Additional Legal Actions
- Establishment of a dedicated Project Legal Office
- Legal coordination with the Ministries of Justice, Oil, and Foreign Affairs
- Ensured data protection and commercial confidentiality in cross-border data flows
Outcome
- International EPC contracts successfully signed with key contractors
- Governance model of the gas transportation company modernized and approved
- Over $1.2 billion in international financing attracted
- Created a legal precedent for public sector transformation in the region
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Can international standards be integrated into national infrastructure contracts?
Answer
Yes, if transposition procedures are followed and agreements are made with national authorities, FIDIC, ICC, and LMA standards can be incorporated into local documents.
Question
How can conflicts between jurisdictions be avoided in cross-border projects?
Answer
Applicable law, arbitration, and enforceability must be agreed upon in advance and documented in the framework agreement structure.
Question
Is it possible to obtain international financing without sovereign guarantees?
Answer
Yes, if a reliable contract structure is in place, including offtake agreements, collateral, and escrow. However, in transition economies, sovereign guarantees remain desirable.
This case became a benchmark for legal management of a transformational infrastructure project. Miraziz Khidoyatov not only protected the client's interests but also laid a strong legal foundation for establishing Central Asia as a gas hub. His actions eliminated cross-jurisdictional barriers, attracted international financing, and enabled a breakthrough in public sector management through public-private partnership.
