Building a New Ecosystem of China-Uzbekistan Economic and Trade Cooperation under the Rule of Law - Zhiheng Law Firm Decoding Legal Services to Lead Decision-Making
On March 5, 2025, the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ukraine, and a Chinese business delegation held a roundtable conference in Kyiv titled "Ukraine and China: Business Opportunities and Prospects for Cooperation," delving into pathways for deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation, exploring the potential of emerging fields, with a particular focus on legal support and humanitarian care.
Dong Wei, Regional Executive Director for Southeast Asia at
, attended the conference and shared his professional insights on relevant legal issues.
High-Level Dialogue: Anchoring New Coordinates for Strategic Cooperation
As one of Ukraine’s most influential business organizations, the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) has been committed to facilitating the integration of Ukrainian enterprises into the global market, with a particular focus on the needs of Chinese companies. It aims to leverage its extensive business network to help Chinese firms identify reliable partners in Ukraine.
UCCI emphasized that the Ukrainian market holds enormous potential, particularly in the agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and high-tech sectors, and that Chinese enterprises can achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes through cooperation with Ukrainian companies.
Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated at the conference that in 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries increased by 30.5%, with Ukraine’s exports to China rising by 37%. In 2024, the total volume of China–Ukraine bilateral trade reached US$16.76 billion.
He pointed out that there is enormous potential for economic cooperation between Ukraine and China, expressing the hope that this collaboration will provide Chinese enterprises with greater access to the Ukrainian market while bringing advanced technologies and investment to Ukrainian businesses. He also emphasized that the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will provide Chinese enterprises with comprehensive support, including market research, partner matching, and policy consulting services.
Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine, Ma Shengkun
In his speech, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun pointed out that the chamber of commerce plays a vital role in promoting bilateral cooperation, and emphasized that new projects will be implemented to further expand business and strategic ties between the two countries. He stated that China and Ukraine have broad potential for cooperation in fields such as new energy, science and technology, and agriculture, and that China has always regarded Ukraine as an important partner.
In particular, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China–Uzbekistan cooperation holds vast prospects. Both sides should strengthen policy coordination and practical cooperation to bring more high-quality projects to fruition. Ambassador Ma also pointed out that China’s advanced technologies will inject new vitality into Ukraine’s economic recovery. He urged businesses from both countries to seize the current opportunities for cooperation, explore new models of collaboration, and elevate China-Ukraine economic and trade relations to a new level.
At the same time, he expressed high appreciation for the professional legal support provided by
in promoting China-Ukraine economic and trade cooperation, believing that it has laid a solid legal foundation for cooperation between enterprises of the two countries.
Group photo
Zhiheng Practice: Legal Empowerment and Co-creation of Value
The third person from the left is Director Dong Wei.
Following Ambassador Ma’s remarks, Director Dong Wei further elaborated on the key legal issues in China-Uzbekistan business cooperation. She pointed out that, despite the ongoing improvement in Ukraine’s investment climate, Chinese enterprises still need to pay close attention to key issues such as legal compliance, tax planning, and intellectual property protection when investing in Ukraine.
will continue to provide comprehensive legal services to Chinese and Ukrainian enterprises, helping both sides navigate market challenges, mitigate legal risks, and foster long-term, stable cooperative relationships.
Furthermore,
actively integrates business cooperation with social responsibility. In particular, in response to the psychological trauma suffered by children as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, Zhiheng, together with a Chinese business delegation, has donated a special fund to the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s charitable foundation, earmarked for the psychological rehabilitation and livelihood support of affected children.
At the donation ceremony, Director Dong Wei stated: “The law is not only the guardian of business rules; it should also serve as a conduit for humanistic values. Zhiheng is committed to leveraging its professional expertise to build a bridge of mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Ukraine.”
A photo of Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun with Director Dong Wei.
This roundtable conference has concluded successfully, marking the official ascent of China-Ukraine economic and trade cooperation to a new level. With the strong support of H.E. Ma Shengkun, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine, the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chinese investors, and
have joined forces to lay a solid legal and social foundation for deepened cooperation between enterprises of both countries.
As a series of cooperative projects steadily progresses, China and Ukraine will engage in deeper and broader cooperation across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and high technology, working side by side to jointly write a new chapter of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
will continue to leverage its professional strengths to provide robust legal support for China–Ukraine economic and trade cooperation, contributing the Zhiheng expertise.
Zhiheng Insights
As the “breadbasket of Europe” and a key economy in Eastern Europe, Ukraine boasts abundant agricultural resources, significant energy potential, and a well‑developed pool of scientific and technological talent, making it one of the primary destinations for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas in recent years. However, Ukraine’s political and economic environment is complex, and its legal system differs significantly from that of China. Therefore, enterprises should pay particular attention to the following legal issues and risk-mitigation measures during the investment process.
1. Ukraine's investment attractiveness
Agricultural sector
Ukraine possesses some of the world’s most fertile black soil and is one of the leading global exporters of grain. Chinese enterprises can invest in the cultivation, processing, and export of agricultural products, or participate in agricultural infrastructure development projects.
Energy sector
Ukraine possesses significant potential in both conventional energy sources, such as natural gas, and renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. Chinese enterprises can participate in energy development, equipment supply, and technological cooperation.
Infrastructure sector
Ukraine has strong demand for infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, logistics, and urban construction. Chinese enterprises can participate in relevant projects through engineering contracting, the PPP model, and other means.
High-tech field
Ukraine possesses advanced technologies and a strong pool of talent in the fields of information technology, aerospace, and engineering, enabling Chinese enterprises to access these resources through technological cooperation, mergers and acquisitions, and other means.
2. Legal risks of investing in Ukraine
Political and Policy Risks
Ukraine’s political situation is relatively unstable, and policy changes could affect foreign-invested enterprises. For example, adjustments to foreign investment review policies and tax incentive programs may introduce uncertainty for investment projects. Enterprises should closely monitor political developments in Ukraine, maintain effective communication with local authorities, and include risk-sharing clauses for policy changes in their investment agreements.
Differences in Legal Systems
Ukraine’s legal system differs significantly from China’s, particularly in areas such as corporate law, labor law, and tax law. Enterprises may face compliance risks due to unfamiliarity with local laws. Conduct a comprehensive legal due diligence on investment projects to ensure compliance.
Foreign Exchange Controls and Capital Flow Risk
Ukraine imposes certain restrictions on foreign exchange transactions, and companies may face challenges in remitting funds abroad as well as risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations. Before investing, familiarize yourself with Ukraine’s foreign exchange control policies, strategically plan your capital flow routes, and hedge against exchange rate risks using financial instruments such as forward foreign exchange contracts.
Land Ownership Restrictions
Ukraine imposes strict restrictions on foreign nationals’ purchase of agricultural land; foreign enterprises may only acquire land-use rights through leasing. In agricultural investments, companies need to establish strong cooperative relationships with local partners and secure stable land-use rights through long-term lease agreements.
Corruption and Compliance Risks
Enterprises may face risks of improper payments or administrative interference during the investment process. Establish a comprehensive compliance system, strictly adhere to Ukraine’s anti-corruption laws, and avoid legal disputes or reputational damage arising from non-compliance.
Labor Law and Employment Risks
Ukraine’s labor laws provide strong protection for employees’ rights, and employers must comply with relevant regulations when hiring and dismissing employees. Clearly define the rights and obligations of both parties in the employment contract, and comply with local labor laws to avoid legal risks arising from labor disputes.
3. Legal advice on investing in Ukraine
Comprehensive Due Diligence
Before making an investment, companies should conduct comprehensive legal, financial, and commercial due diligence on the target company or project to identify potential risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
Design an Optimal Investment Structure
Optimize the investment structure and reduce tax and legal risks by establishing an offshore company or forming a joint venture with a local enterprise.
Attach importance to contract clauses
Clearly define the rights and obligations of both parties in the investment agreement, particularly the provisions regarding dispute resolution, applicable law, and risk allocation. It is recommended to choose international arbitration as the dispute resolution method.
Strengthen communication with the local government
Maintain good communication with the relevant departments of the Ukrainian government to ensure that investment projects comply with local policy requirements and to seek potential policy support.