Decreto

Decreto n.º 2/2010

Aprova o Acordo entre a República Portuguesa e a República do Uzbequistão sobre a Promoção e a Protecção Recíproca de Investimentos, assinado em Tashkent em 11 de Setembro de 2001

Artigo 1.º

Definições

Para efeitos do presente Acordo:

1 -O termo «investimentos» compreenderá toda a espécie de bens e direitos investidos por investidores de uma das Partes Contratantes no território da outra Parte Contratante, incluindo em particular mas não exclusivamente:
1. a)Propriedade sobre bens móveis e imóveis, bem como quaisquer outros direitos reais;
2. b)Acções, quotas ou outras partes sociais que representem o capital de sociedades ou quaisquer outras formas de participação e ou interesses económicos resultantes da respectiva actividade;
3. c)Direitos de crédito ou quaisquer outros direitos com valor económico;
4. d)Direitos de propriedade intelectual, tais como direitos de autor, patentes, modelos de utilidade e desenhos industriais, marcas, denominações comerciais, processos técnicos, know-how e clientela (aviamento);
5. e)Concessões conferidas por lei, contrato ou acto administrativo de uma autoridade pública competente, incluindo concessões para prospecção, pesquisa e exploração de recursos naturais.
  Qualquer alteração na forma de realização dos investimentos não afectará a sua qualificação como investimentos, desde que essa alteração seja feita de acordo com as leis e regulamentos da Parte Contratante no território da qual os investimentos tenham sido realizados.
2 -O termo «rendimentos» designará as quantias geradas por investimentos num determinado período, incluindo em particular mas não exclusivamente, lucros, dividendos, juros, royalties ou outros rendimentos relacionados com investimento, incluindo pagamentos por conta de assistência técnica ou de gestão.
No caso de os rendimentos de investimentos na definição que acima lhes é dada vierem a ser reinvestidos, os rendimentos resultantes desse reinvestimento serão havidos também como rendimentos do investimento inicial.
3 -O termo «investidores» designa:
em relação à República Portuguesa:
1. a)Pessoas singulares, com a nacionalidade portuguesa, de acordo com a legislação portuguesa; e
2. b)Pessoas colectivas, incluindo empresas, sociedades comerciais ou outras sociedades ou associações, que tenham sede no território português, estejam constituídas e funcionem de acordo com a lei portuguesa e cuja actividade possua uma ligação efectiva e contínua com a economia portuguesa;
em relação à República do Uzbequistão:
1. a)Cidadãos que possuam a cidadania e os direitos estabelecidos na lei em vigor na República do Uzbequistão, residentes permanentes no respectivo território ou no estrangeiro;
2. b)Qualquer entidade legal constituída de acordo com a legislação da República do Uzbequistão, que tenham sede no seu território e cuja actividade possua uma ligação efectiva e contínua com a economia uzbeque.
4 -O termo «território» compreenderá o território de cada uma das Partes Contratantes, tal como se encontra definido nas respectivas leis, incluindo o mar territorial, e qualquer outra zona sobre a qual a Parte Contratante em questão exerça, de acordo com o direito internacional, soberania, direitos soberanos ou jurisdição.

Artigo 2.º

Promoção e protecção dos investimentos

1 -Ambas as Partes Contratantes promoverão e encorajarão, na medida do possível, a realização de investimentos por investidores da outra Parte Contratante no seu território, admitindo tais investimentos de acordo com as respectivas leis e regulamentos. Em qualquer caso, concederão aos investimentos tratamento justo e equitativo.
2 -Os investimentos realizados por investidores de qualquer das Partes Contratantes no território da Parte Contratante gozarão de plena protecção e segurança no território da outra Parte Contratante.
Nenhuma Parte Contratante sujeitará a gestão, manutenção, uso, fruição ou disposição dos investimentos realizados no seu território por investidores de outra Parte Contratante a medidas injustificadas, arbitrárias ou de carácter discriminatório.

Artigo 3.º

Tratamento nacional e da nação mais favorecida

1 -Os investimentos realizados por investidores de uma das Partes Contratantes no território da outra Parte Contratante, bem como os respectivos rendimentos, serão objecto, de tratamento justo e equitativo e não menos favorável do que o concedido pela última Parte Contratante aos investimentos e rendimentos dos seus próprios investidores ou a investidores de terceiros Estados.
2 -Ambas as Partes Contratantes concederão aos investidores da outra Parte Contratante, no que respeita à gestão, manutenção, uso, fruição ou disposição dos investimentos realizados no seu território, um tratamento justo e equitativo e não menos favorável do que o concedido aos seus próprios investidores ou a investidores de terceiros Estados.
3 -As disposições legais deste artigo não implicam a concessão de tratamento de preferência ou privilégio por uma das Partes Contratantes a investidores da outra Parte Contratante que possa ser outorgado em virtude de:
1. a)Participação em zonas de comércio livre, uniões aduaneiras, mercados comuns existentes ou a criar, e em outros acordos internacionais similares, incluindo outras formas de cooperação económica, a que qualquer das Partes Contratantes tenha aderido ou venha a aderir; e
2. b)Acordos internacionais de natureza total ou parcialmente fiscal.
4 -Cada Parte Contratante deverá cumprir todas as obrigações relativas aos investimentos realizados por investidores da outra Parte Contratante, emergentes da legislação nacional ou deste Acordo.

Artigo 4.º

Expropriação

1 -Os investimentos efectuados por investidores de uma das Partes Contratantes no território da outra Parte Contratante não poderão ser expropriados, nacionalizados ou sujeitos a outras medidas com efeitos equivalentes à expropriação ou nacionalização (adiante designadas como expropriação), excepto por força da lei, no interesse público, sem carácter discriminatório e mediante pronta indemnização.
2 -A indemnização deverá corresponder ao valor de mercado que os investimentos expropriados tinham à data imediatamente anterior à expropriação ou ao momento em que a expropriação tenha sido do conhecimento público (a que for anterior), incluirá juros calculados com base no valor do investimento, à taxa Libor em vigor à data da expropriação, até à data da sua liquidação, e deverá ser livremente transferível.
O montante da indemnização deve ser calculado na moeda em que o investimento foi realizado ou em moeda convertivel, à escolha do investidor, e deverá ser paga sem demora, independentemente do local em que aquele se encontra ou reside.
3 -O investidor cujos investimentos tenham sido expropriados terá o direito, de acordo com a lei da Parte Contratante no território da qual os bens tiveram sido expropriados, à revisão do seu caso, em processo judicial ou outro competente, e à avaliação dos seus investimentos de acordo com os princípios definidos neste artigo.

Artigo 5.º

Compensação por perdas

Os investidores de uma das Partes Contratantes que venham a sofrer perdas de investimentos no território da outra Parte Contratante em virtude de guerra ou outros conflitos armados, revolução, estado de emergência nacional e outros eventos considerados equivalentes pelo direito internacional não receberão dessa Parte Contratante tratamento menos favorável do que o concedido aos seus próprios investidores ou a investidores de terceiros Estados, consoante o que for mais favorável, no que diz respeito à restituição, indemnizações ou outros factores pertinentes. As compensações dai resultantes deverão ser transferíveis livremente e sem demora em moeda convertivel.

Artigo 6.º

Transferências

1 -Cada Parte Contratante, em conformidade com a respectiva legislação aplicável à matéria, garantirá aos investidores da outra Parte Contratante a livre transferência das importâncias relacionadas com os investimentos, nomeadamente:
1. a)Do capital e das importâncias adicionais necessárias à manutenção ou ampliação dos investimentos, incluindo aumentos de capital;
2. b)Dos rendimentos definidos no n.º 2 do artigo 1.º deste Acordo;
3. c)Das importâncias necessárias para o serviço, reembolso, e amortização de empréstimos, reconhecidos por ambas as Partes Contratantes como investimentos;
4. d)Do produto resultante da alienação ou da liquidação total ou parcial dos investimentos;
5. e)De quaisquer pagamentos preliminares que possam ter sido efectuados em nome do investidor de acordo como artigo 7.º do presente Acordo;
6. f)Dos salários percebidos pelos nacionais de uma das Partes Contratantes no território da outra Parte Contratante, relacionados com os investimentos;
7. g)Das indemnizações pagas nos termos dos artigos 4.º e 5.º deste Acordo e outros pagamentos relativos à resolução de diferendos, no quadro do presente Acordo.
2 -As transferências referidas neste artigo serão efectuadas sem restrições ou demora, em moeda convertível, à taxa de câmbio aplicável na data de transferência, de acordo com a legislação cambial em vigor, na moeda convertível em que o investimento foi realizado ou noutra moeda acordada entre o investidor e a Parte Contratante em questão.
3 -Sem prejuízo das disposições dos parágrafos 1 e 2 do presente artigo, as Partes Contratantes podem proteger os direitos dos credores ou assegurar o respeito pela legislação relativa à emissão, troca ou negociação em títulos e o cumprimento de procedimentos de natureza civil, administrativa e criminal, através da aplicação da respectiva legislação de um modo equitativo, não discriminatório e com base em princípios de boa fé.

Artigo 7.º

Sub-rogação

1 -No caso de uma das Partes Contratantes ou a agência por ela designada efectuar pagamentos a um dos seus investidores por virtude de uma garantia prestada a um investimento realizado no território da outra Parte Contratante, ficará por esse facto sub-rogada nos direitos e acções desse investidor, podendo exercê-los nos mesmos termos e condições que o titular originário.
2 -Nos procedimentos efectuados ao abrigo do artigo 9.º, as Partes Contratantes não alegarão como defesa, contestação, direito de renúncia ou outra razão, justificativa de não pagamento, que a indemnização ou compensação do todo ou parte dos danos causados já terá sido recebido ao abrigo de um contrato de seguro ou garantia.

Artigo 8.º

Diferendos entre as Partes Contratante

1 -Os diferendos que surjam entre as Partes Contratantes sobre a interpretação ou aplicação do presente Acordo serão, na medida do possível, resolvidos através de negociações, por via diplomática.
2 -Se as Partes Contratantes não chegarem a acordo no prazo de seis meses após o inicio das negociações, o diferendo será submetido a um tribunal arbitral, a pedido de qualquer das Partes Contratantes, de acordo com as disposições do presente artigo.
3 -O tribunal arbitral será constituído ad hoc do seguinte modo: cada Parte Contratante designará um membro e ambos os membros proporão um nacional de um terceiro Estado como presidente, que será nomeado pelas duas Partes Contratantes. Os membros serão nomeados no prazo de dois meses e o presidente no prazo de três meses a contar da data em que uma das Parte Contratantes tiver comunicado à outra a intenção de submeter o diferendo a um tribunal arbitral.
4 -Se os prazos fixados no n.º 3 deste artigo não forem observados, qualquer das Partes Contratantes poderá, na falta de qualquer outro acordo, solicitar ao Presidente do Tribunal Internacional de Justiça que proceda às necessárias nomeações. Se o Presidente estiver impedido ou for nacional de uma das Partes Contratantes, as nomeações caberão ao Vice-Presidente.
Se este também estiver impedido ou for nacional de uma das Partes Contratantes, as nomeações caberão ao membro do Tribunal que se siga na hierarquia, desde que esse membro não seja nacional de qualquer das Partes Contratantes.
5 -O presidente do tribunal arbitral tem de ser nacional de um Estado com o qual ambas as Partes Contratantes mantenham relações diplomáticas.
6 -A qualquer momento do processo de tomada de decisão, o tribunal pode uma resolução amigável. As disposições anteriores não deverão constituir obstáculo a esta forma de resolução de diferendos.
7 -O tribunal arbitral decidirá por maioria de votos. As suas decisões serão definitivas e obrigatórias para ambas as Partes Contratantes. A cada Parte Contratante caberá suportar as despesas do respectivo árbitro, bem como da respectiva representação no processo perante o tribunal arbitral. Ambas as Partes Contratantes suportarão em partes iguais as despesas do presidente, bem como as demais despesas. O tribunal arbitral poderá adoptar um regulamento diferente quanto às despesas. Nos restantes aspectos, o tribunal arbitral definirá as suas próprias regras processuais.

Artigo 9.º

Diferendos entre uma Parte Contratante e um investidor da outra Parte Contratante

1 -Os diferendos emergentes entre um investidor de uma das Partes Contratantes e a outra Parte Contratante relacionados com um investimento do primeiro no território da segunda serão resolvidos de forma amigável através de negociações entre as partes em diferendo.
2 -Se os diferendos não puderem ser resolvidos de acordo com o disposto no parágrafo 1 deste artigo no prazo de seis meses contados da data em que uma das partes litigantes o tiver suscitado, qualquer das partes poderá submeter o diferendo:
1. a)Aos tribunais competentes da Parte Contratante no território da qual se situa o investimento; ou
2. b)Ao Centro Internacional para a Resolução de Diferendos Relativos a Investimentos (CIRDI) para a conciliação ou arbitragem nos termos da Convenção para a Resolução de Diferendos entre Estados e Nacionais de Outros Estados celebrada em Washington D. C. em 18 de Março de 1965.
3 -Nenhuma das Partes Contratantes poderá recorrer as vias diplomáticas para resolver qualquer questão relacionada com a arbitragem, salvo se o processo já estiver concluído e a Parte Contratante não tiver acatado nem cumprido a decisão.
4 -A sentença será obrigatória para ambas as partes e não será objecto de qualquer tipo de recurso para além do previsto na referida Convenção. A sentença será vinculativa de acordo com a lei interna da Parte Contratante no território da qual se situa o investimento em causa.

Artigo 10.º

Aplicação de outras regras

Se para além do presente Acordo as disposições da lei interna de uma das Partes Contratantes ou as obrigações emergentes do direito internacional em vigor ou que venha a vigorar entre as duas Partes Contratantes estabelecerem um regime, geral ou especial, que confira aos investimentos efectuados por investidores da outra Parte Contratante um tratamento mais favorável do que o previsto no presente Acordo, prevalecerá sobre este o regime mais favorável.

Artigo 11.º

Aplicação do Acordo

O presente Acordo aplicar-se-á igualmente aos investimentos realizados antes da sua entrada em vigor, por investidores de uma das Partes Contratantes no território da outra Parte Contratante, em conformidade com as respectivas leis e regulamentos, mas não se aplica aos diferendos surgidos antes da sua entrada em vigor.

Artigo 12.º

Consultas

Os representantes das Partes Contratantes deverão, sempre que necessário, realizar reuniões sobre qualquer matéria relacionada com a aplicação deste Acordo, incluindo sobre a necessidade de alterações ou aditamentos. Estas consultas serão realizadas sob proposta de qualquer das Partes Contratantes, em lugar e data a acordar por via diplomática.

Artigo 13.º

Entrada em vigor e duração

1 -Este Acordo entrará em vigor 30 dias após a data em que ambas as Partes Contratantes tiverem notificado uma à outra, por escrito, do cumprimento dos respectivos procedimentos constitucionais internos.
2 -Este Acordo permanecerá em vigor por um período de 10 anos, que será prorrogável por períodos 5 anos, excepto se o Acordo for denunciado por escrito por qualquer das Partes Contratantes com a antecedência de 12 meses da data do termo do período de 10 ou 5 anos em curso.
3 -Ocorrendo o término do presente Acordo nos termos do número precedente, e relativamente aos investimentos já realizados, as disposições dos artigos 1.º a 12.º continuarão em vigor por mais um período de 10 anos a partir da data de denúncia do presente Acordo.
Em fé do que os representantes abaixo assinados, devidamente credenciados, assinam o presente Acordo.
Feito em duplicado, em Taskent, no dia 11 do mês de Setembro do ano de 2001, em português, uzbeque e inglês, todos os textos fazendo igualmente fé.
Em caso de divergência, prevalece o texto em inglês.
Pela República Portuguesa:
Jaime Gama, Ministro de Estado e dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Pela República do Uzbequistão:
A. Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
PROTOCOLO
Por ocasião da assinatura do Acordo sobre Promoção e Protecção Recíproca de Investimentos entre a República Portuguesa e a República do Uzbequistão, os plenipotenciários abaixo assinados acordaram ainda nas seguintes disposições, que constituem parte integrante do referido Acordo:
1 -Com referência ao artigo 2.º do presente Acordo:
Aplicar-se-á o disposto no artigo 2.º do presente Acordo aos investidores de uma das Partes Contratantes que já estejam estabelecidos no território da outra Parte Contratante e pretendam ampliar as suas actividades ou estabelecer-se noutros sectores;
Tais investimentos serão considerados como novos e como tal deverão ser realizados de acordo com as regras que regulam a admissão dos investimentos, nos termos do artigo 2.º do presente Acordo.
2 -Com respeito ao artigo 3.º do presente Acordo:
As Partes Contratantes consideram que as disposições do artigo 3.º do presente Acordo não prejudicam o direito de cada uma das Partes Contratantes de aplicar as disposições pertinentes do seu direito fiscal que estabeleçam uma distinção entre contribuintes que não se encontrem em idêntica situação no que se refere ao seu lugar de residência ou ao lugar em que o seu capital é investido.
Feito em duplicado, em Taskent, no dia 11 do mês de Setembro do ano de 2001, em português, uzbeque e inglês, todos os textos fazendo igualmente fé.
Em caso de divergência, prevalece o texto em inglês.
Pela República Portuguesa:
Jaime Gama, Ministro de Estado e dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Pela República do Uzbequistão:
A. Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
(ver documento original)
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC AND THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN ON THE MUTUAL PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS
The Portuguese Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan, hereinafter referred to as the Contracting Parties:
Desiring to intensify the economic co-operation between the two States;
Intending to encourage and create favourable conditions for investments made by investors of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party on the basis of equality and mutual benefit;
Recognising that the mutual promotion and protection of investments on the basis of this Agreement will stimulate business initiative;
have agreed as follows:
Article 1
Definitions
For the purpose of this Agreement:
1 -The term «investment» shall mean every kind of asset invested by investors of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party in accordance with the laws and regulations of the latter including, in particular, though not exclusively:
1. a)Movable and immovable property as well as any other rights in rem;
2. b)Shares, stocks or other forms of interest in the equity of companies and/or economic interests from the respective activity;
3. c)Claims to money or to any performance having an economic value;
4. d)Intellectual property rights such as copyrights, patents, utility models, industrial designs, trade marks, trade names, technical processes, know-how and goodwill;
5. e)Concessions conferred by law, under a contract or an administrative act of a competent state authority, including concessions for prospecting, research and exploitation of natural resources.
  Any alteration of the form in which assets are invested shall not affect their character as investments, provided that such a change does not contradict the laws and regulations of the relevant Contracting Party.
2 -The term «returns» shall mean the amounts yielded by investments, over a given period, in particular, though not exclusively, shall include profits, dividends, interests, royalties or other forms of income related to the investments including license returns and technical assistance fees.
In cases where the returns of investment, as defined above, are reinvested, the income resulting from the reinvestment shall also be considered as income related to the first investment.
3 -The term «investor» means:
in the case of the Portuguese Republic:
1. a)Natural persons having the Portuguese nationality, in accordance with Portuguese laws; and
2. b)Legal persons, including corporations, commercial companies or other companies or associations, which have a main office in the Portuguese territory, are incorporated or constituted in accordance with Portuguese law and whose activity has an effective and continuous link with the Portuguese economy;
in the case of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
1. a)Citizens who have citizenship and rights under the law in force in the Republic of Uzbekistan; permanently residing in its territory or abroad;
2. b)Any legal entity, constituted in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, having its registered office in its territory and whose activity has an effective and continuous link with the Uzbek economy.
4 -The term «territory» means the territory of either of the Contracting Parties, as defined by their respective laws, over which the Contracting Party concerned exercises, in accordance with international law, sovereignty, sovereign rights or jurisdiction.
Article 2
Promotion and Protection of Investments
1 -Each Contracting Party shall promote and encourage, as far as possible, within its territory investments made by investors of the other Contracting Party and shall admit such investments into its territory in accordance with its laws and regulations. It shall in any case accord such investments fair and equitable treatment.
2 -Investments made by investors of either Contracting Party shall enjoy full protection and security in the territory of the other Contracting Party.
Neither Contracting Party shall in any way impair by unreasonable, arbitrary or discriminatory measures the management, maintenance, use, enjoyment or disposal of investments in its territory of investors of the other Contracting Party.
Article 3
National and Most Favoured Nation Treatment
1 -Investments made by investors of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party, as also the returns therefrom, shall be accorded treatment which is fair and equitable and not less favourable than the latter Contracting Party accords to the investments and returns of its own investors or to investors of any third State.
2 -Investors of one Contracting Party shall be accorded by the other Contracting Party, as regards the management, maintenance, use, enjoyment or disposal or their investments, treatment which is fair and equitable and not less favourable that the latter Contracting Party accords its own investors or to investors of any third State.
3 -The provisions of this Article shall not be construed so as to oblige one Contracting Party to extend to the investors of the other Contracting Party the benefit of any treatment, preference or privilege which may be extended by the former Contracting Party by virtue of:
1. a)Any existing or future free trade area, customs union, common market or other similar international agreements including other forms of regional economic co-operation to which either of the Contracting Parties is or may become a Party; and
2. b)Any international agreement relating wholly or mainly to taxation.
4 -Each Contracting Party shall observe all obligations, regarding investment of investors of the other Contracting Party, imposed by its national legislation and the present Agreement.
Article 4
Expropriation
1 -Investments made by investors of either Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party shall not be expropriated, nationalised or subject to any other measure with effects equivalent to expropriation or nationalisation (hereinafter referred to as expropriation) except by virtue of law for a public purpose, on a nondiscriminatory basis and against prompt compensation.
2 -Such compensation shall amount to the market value of the investment expropriated immediately before the expropriation or before the impending expropriation becomes public knowledge, (whichever is earlier), and should include interest calculated on the value of the investment, until the date of final payment, at the «Libor's» rate on the date of expropriation and be freely transferable.
The amount of compensation shall be estimated in the currency in which investments were made, or in a freely convertible currency, upon the investor choice and shall be paid without delay, independent of the place of its location or residence.
3 -The investor whose investments are expropriated, shall have the right under the law of expropriating Contracting Party the prompt review by a judicial or other competent authority of that Contracting Party of his or its case and of valuation of his or its investments in accordance with the principles set out in this article.
Article 5
Compensation for losses
Investors of either Contracting Party whose investments suffer losses in the territory owning to war or armed conflict, a state of national emergency or other events considered as such by international law, shall be accorded treatment no less favourable by the latter Contracting Party than that Contracting Party accords to the investments of its own investors, or to the investments of investors of any third State, whichever is more favourable, as regards restitution, indemnification, compensation or other valuable consideration. Any payment made under this article shall be, without delay, freely transferable in convertible currency.
Article 6
Transfers
1 -Pursuant to its own legislation, each Contracting Party shall guarantee investors of the other Contracting Party after payment of related taxes and fees the free transfer of sums related to their investments, in particular, though not exclusively:
1. a)Capital and additional amounts for maintenance, development and management of investments, including increase of capital;
2. b)The returns defined in paragraph 2, article 1, of this Agreement;
3. c)Any amount for the amortisation and liquidation of loans, recognised by both Contracting Parties to be an investment;
4. d)Proceeds from alienation, or liquidation of all or any part of investment;
5. e)Any preliminary payments that may be made in the name of the investor in accordance with article 7 of this Agreement;
6. f)Salaries, received by nationals of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party, related to investments;
7. g)Compensations, to be paid in accordance with the articles 4 and 5 of this Agreement and other payments, related to any investment dispute in the framework of the present Agreement.
2 -The transfers referred to in this article shall be made without restriction or delay at the exchange rate applicable on the date of the transfer pursuant to the exchange regulations in force, in the convertible currency in which the capital was originally invested or in any other currency agreed by the investor and the Contracting Party concerned.
3 -Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of the present article, a Contracting Party may protect the rights of creditors, or ensure compliance with laws on the issuing, trading and dealing in securities and the satisfaction of judgement in civil, administrative and criminal adjudicatory proceedings, through the equitable, non-discriminatory, and good faith application of its laws and regulations.
Article 7
Subrogation
1 -If either Contracting Party or its designated agency makes any payment to one of its investors as a result of a guarantee in respect of an investment made in the territory of the other Contracting Party, the former Contracting Party shall be subrogated to the rights and shares of this investor, and may exercise them according to the same terms and conditions as the original holder.
2 -In any proceeding under article 9, a Contracting Party shall not assert as a defence, counter claim, right of set-off or for any other reason, that indemnification or other compensation for all or part of the alleged damages has been received or will be received pursuant to an insurance or guarantee contract.
Article 8
Disputes between the Contracting Parties
1 -Disputes between the Contracting Parties concerning the interpretation and application of this Agreement should, as far as possible, be settled by negotiations through diplomatic channels.
2 -If the Contracting Parties fail to reach such settlement within six (6) months after the beginning of negotiations, the dispute shall, upon the request of either Contracting Party, be submitted to an arbitral tribunal, in accordance with the provisions of this article.
3 -The arbitral tribunal shall be constituted ad hoc, as follows: each of the Contracting Parties shall appoint one member and these two members shall propose a national of a third State as chairman to be appointed by the two Contracting Parties. The members shall be appointed within two (2) months and the chairman shall be appointed within three (3) months from the date on which either Contracting Party notifies the other that it wishes to submit the dispute to an arbitral tribunal.
4 -If the deadlines specified in paragraph 3 of this article are not complied with, either Contracting Party may, in the absence of any other agreement, invite the President of the International Court of Justice to make the necessary appointments. If the President is prevented from doing so, or is a national of either Contracting Party, the Vice-President shall be invited to make the necessary appointments.
If the Vice-President is also a national of either Contracting Party or if he is prevented from making the appointments for any other reason, the appointments shall be made by the member of the Court who is next in seniority and who is not a national of either Contracting Party.
5 -The chairman of the arbitral tribunal shall be a national of a third State with which both Contracting Parties maintain diplomatic relations.
6 -On any stage of making a decision, the tribunal may propose to reach an agreement by friendly way. Previous provisions shall not create obstacles to such settlement of a dispute.
7 -The arbitral tribunal shall rule according to majority vote. The decisions of the tribunal shall be final and binding on both Contracting Parties. Each Contracting Party shall be responsible for the costs of its own member and of its representatives at the arbitral proceedings. Both Contracting Parties shall assume an equal share of the expenses incurred by the chairman, as well as any other expenses. The tribunal may make a different decision regarding costs. In all other respects, the tribunal court shall define its own rules of procedure.
Article 9
Disputes between a Contracting Party and an investor of the other Contracting Party
1 -Any dispute which may arise between one Contracting Party and an investor of the other Contracting Party concerning an investment of that investor in the territory of the former Contracting Party shall be settled amicably through negotiations.
2 -If such dispute cannot be settled within a period of six (6) months from the date of request for settlement, the investor concerned may submit the dispute to:
1. a)The competent court of the Contracting Party for decision; or
2. b)The International Centre for the Settlement of Investments Disputes (ICSID) through conciliation or arbitration, established under the Convention on the Settlement of Investments Disputes between States and Nationals of other States, opened for signature in Washington D. C., on March 18, 1965.
3 -Neither Contracting Party shall pursue through diplomatic channels any matter referred to arbitration until the proceedings have terminated and a Contracting Party has failed to abide by or to comply with the award rendered by the International Centre for the Settlement of Investments Disputes.
4 -The award shall be enforceable on the parties and shall not be subject to any appeal or remedy other than that provided for in the said Convention. The award shall be enforceable in accordance with the domestic law of the Contracting Party in whose territory the investment in question is situated.
Article 10
Application of other rules
If the provisions of law of either Contracting Party or obligations under international law existing at present or established hereafter between the Contracting Parties in addition to this Agreement contain a regulation, whether general or specific, entitling investments made by investors of the other Contracting Party to a treatment more favourable than is provided for by this Agreement, such provisions shall, to the extent that they are more favourable, prevail over this Agreement.
Article 11
Application of the Agreement
This Agreement shall apply to all investments, made by investors from one of the Contracting Parties in the territory of the other Contracting Party in accordance with the respective legal provisions, prior to as well as after its entry into force, but shall not apply to any dispute concerning investments which have arisen before the entry into force of this Agreement.
Article 12
Consultations
Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall, whenever necessary, hold consultations on any matter affecting the implementation of this Agreement, including the need of any changes or additions. These consultations shall be held on the proposal of one of the Contracting Parties at a place and a time to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
Article 13
Entry into force and duration
1 -This Agreement shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the Contracting Parties notify each other in writing that their respective internal constitutional procedures have been fulfilled.
2 -This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of ten (10) years and continue in force thereafter unless, twelve (12) months before its expiration or any subsequent five-year period, either Contracting Party notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate the Agreement.
3 -In respect of investment made prior to the date of termination of this Agreement the provisions of articles 1 to 12 shall remain in force for a further period of ten (10) years from the date of termination of this Agreement.
In witness whereof, the undersigned representatives, duly authorised thereto, have signed the present Agreement.
Done in duplicate in Tashkent, at this 11th day of September 2001, in the portuguese, uzbek and english languages, all texts being equally authentic.
In case of any divergence of interpretation, the english text shall prevail.
For the Portuguese Republic:
Jaime Gama, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs.
For the Republic of Uzbekistan:
A. Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
PROTOCOL
On the occasion of the signing of the Agreement between the Portuguese Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Mutual Promotion and Protection of the Investments, the undersigned duly authorised to this effect, have agreed also on the following provisions, which constitute an integral part of the said Agreement:
1 -With reference to article 2 of this Agreement:
The provisions of article 2 of this Agreement should be applicable when investors of one of the Contracting Parties are already established in the territory of the other Contracting Party and wish to extend their activities or to carry out activities in other sectors;
Such investments shall be considered as new ones and, to that extent, shall be made in accordance with the rules on the admission of investments, according to article 2 of this Agreement.
2 -With reference to article 3 of this Agreement:
The Contracting Parties consider that provisions of article 3 of this Agreement shall be without prejudice to the right of either Contracting Party to apply the relevant provisions of their tax law which distinguish between taxpayers who are not in the same situation with regard to their place of residence or with regard to the place where their capital is invested.
Done in duplicate in Tashkent, at this 11th day of September 2001, in the portuguese, uzbek and english languages, all texts being equally authentic.
In case of any divergence of interpretation, the english text shall prevail.
For the Portuguese Republic:
Jaime Gama, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs.
For the Republic of Uzbekistan:
A. Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Artigo 13.º

Entrada em vigor e duração

1 -Este Acordo entrará em vigor 30 dias após a data em que ambas as Partes Contratantes tiverem notificado uma à outra, por escrito, do cumprimento dos respectivos procedimentos constitucionais internos.
2 -Este Acordo permanecerá em vigor por um período de 10 anos, que será prorrogável por períodos 5 anos, excepto se o Acordo for denunciado por escrito por qualquer das Partes Contratantes com a antecedência de 12 meses da data do termo do período de 10 ou 5 anos em curso.
3 -Ocorrendo o término do presente Acordo nos termos do número precedente, e relativamente aos investimentos já realizados, as disposições dos artigos 1.º a 12.º continuarão em vigor por mais um período de 10 anos a partir da data de denúncia do presente Acordo.
Em fé do que os representantes abaixo assinados, devidamente credenciados, assinam o presente Acordo.
Feito em duplicado, em Taskent, no dia 11 do mês de Setembro do ano de 2001, em português, uzbeque e inglês, todos os textos fazendo igualmente fé.
Em caso de divergência, prevalece o texto em inglês.
Pela República Portuguesa:
Jaime Gama, Ministro de Estado e dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Pela República do Uzbequistão:
A. Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
PROTOCOLO
Por ocasião da assinatura do Acordo sobre Promoção e Protecção Recíproca de Investimentos entre a República Portuguesa e a República do Uzbequistão, os plenipotenciários abaixo assinados acordaram ainda nas seguintes disposições, que constituem parte integrante do referido Acordo:
1 -Com referência ao artigo 2.º do presente Acordo:
Aplicar-se-á o disposto no artigo 2.º do presente Acordo aos investidores de uma das Partes Contratantes que já estejam estabelecidos no território da outra Parte Contratante e pretendam ampliar as suas actividades ou estabelecer-se noutros sectores;
Tais investimentos serão considerados como novos e como tal deverão ser realizados de acordo com as regras que regulam a admissão dos investimentos, nos termos do artigo 2.º do presente Acordo.
2 -Com respeito ao artigo 3.º do presente Acordo:
As Partes Contratantes consideram que as disposições do artigo 3.º do presente Acordo não prejudicam o direito de cada uma das Partes Contratantes de aplicar as disposições pertinentes do seu direito fiscal que estabeleçam uma distinção entre contribuintes que não se encontrem em idêntica situação no que se refere ao seu lugar de residência ou ao lugar em que o seu capital é investido.
Feito em duplicado, em Taskent, no dia 11 do mês de Setembro do ano de 2001, em português, uzbeque e inglês, todos os textos fazendo igualmente fé.
Em caso de divergência, prevalece o texto em inglês.
Pela República Portuguesa:
Jaime Gama, Ministro de Estado e dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Pela República do Uzbequistão:
A. Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
(ver documento original)
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC AND THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN ON THE MUTUAL PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS
The Portuguese Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan, hereinafter referred to as the Contracting Parties:
Desiring to intensify the economic co-operation between the two States;
Intending to encourage and create favourable conditions for investments made by investors of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party on the basis of equality and mutual benefit;
Recognising that the mutual promotion and protection of investments on the basis of this Agreement will stimulate business initiative;
have agreed as follows:
Article 1
Definitions
For the purpose of this Agreement:
1 -The term «investment» shall mean every kind of asset invested by investors of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party in accordance with the laws and regulations of the latter including, in particular, though not exclusively:
1. a)Movable and immovable property as well as any other rights in rem;
2. b)Shares, stocks or other forms of interest in the equity of companies and/or economic interests from the respective activity;
3. c)Claims to money or to any performance having an economic value;
4. d)Intellectual property rights such as copyrights, patents, utility models, industrial designs, trade marks, trade names, technical processes, know-how and goodwill;
5. e)Concessions conferred by law, under a contract or an administrative act of a competent state authority, including concessions for prospecting, research and exploitation of natural resources.
  Any alteration of the form in which assets are invested shall not affect their character as investments, provided that such a change does not contradict the laws and regulations of the relevant Contracting Party.
2 -The term «returns» shall mean the amounts yielded by investments, over a given period, in particular, though not exclusively, shall include profits, dividends, interests, royalties or other forms of income related to the investments including license returns and technical assistance fees.
In cases where the returns of investment, as defined above, are reinvested, the income resulting from the reinvestment shall also be considered as income related to the first investment.
3 -The term «investor» means:
in the case of the Portuguese Republic:
1. a)Natural persons having the Portuguese nationality, in accordance with Portuguese laws; and
2. b)Legal persons, including corporations, commercial companies or other companies or associations, which have a main office in the Portuguese territory, are incorporated or constituted in accordance with Portuguese law and whose activity has an effective and continuous link with the Portuguese economy;
in the case of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
1. a)Citizens who have citizenship and rights under the law in force in the Republic of Uzbekistan; permanently residing in its territory or abroad;
2. b)Any legal entity, constituted in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, having its registered office in its territory and whose activity has an effective and continuous link with the Uzbek economy.
4 -The term «territory» means the territory of either of the Contracting Parties, as defined by their respective laws, over which the Contracting Party concerned exercises, in accordance with international law, sovereignty, sovereign rights or jurisdiction.
Article 2
Promotion and Protection of Investments
1 -Each Contracting Party shall promote and encourage, as far as possible, within its territory investments made by investors of the other Contracting Party and shall admit such investments into its territory in accordance with its laws and regulations. It shall in any case accord such investments fair and equitable treatment.
2 -Investments made by investors of either Contracting Party shall enjoy full protection and security in the territory of the other Contracting Party.
Neither Contracting Party shall in any way impair by unreasonable, arbitrary or discriminatory measures the management, maintenance, use, enjoyment or disposal of investments in its territory of investors of the other Contracting Party.
Article 3
National and Most Favoured Nation Treatment
1 -Investments made by investors of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party, as also the returns therefrom, shall be accorded treatment which is fair and equitable and not less favourable than the latter Contracting Party accords to the investments and returns of its own investors or to investors of any third State.
2 -Investors of one Contracting Party shall be accorded by the other Contracting Party, as regards the management, maintenance, use, enjoyment or disposal or their investments, treatment which is fair and equitable and not less favourable that the latter Contracting Party accords its own investors or to investors of any third State.
3 -The provisions of this Article shall not be construed so as to oblige one Contracting Party to extend to the investors of the other Contracting Party the benefit of any treatment, preference or privilege which may be extended by the former Contracting Party by virtue of:
1. a)Any existing or future free trade area, customs union, common market or other similar international agreements including other forms of regional economic co-operation to which either of the Contracting Parties is or may become a Party; and
2. b)Any international agreement relating wholly or mainly to taxation.
4 -Each Contracting Party shall observe all obligations, regarding investment of investors of the other Contracting Party, imposed by its national legislation and the present Agreement.
Article 4
Expropriation
1 -Investments made by investors of either Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party shall not be expropriated, nationalised or subject to any other measure with effects equivalent to expropriation or nationalisation (hereinafter referred to as expropriation) except by virtue of law for a public purpose, on a nondiscriminatory basis and against prompt compensation.
2 -Such compensation shall amount to the market value of the investment expropriated immediately before the expropriation or before the impending expropriation becomes public knowledge, (whichever is earlier), and should include interest calculated on the value of the investment, until the date of final payment, at the «Libor's» rate on the date of expropriation and be freely transferable.
The amount of compensation shall be estimated in the currency in which investments were made, or in a freely convertible currency, upon the investor choice and shall be paid without delay, independent of the place of its location or residence.
3 -The investor whose investments are expropriated, shall have the right under the law of expropriating Contracting Party the prompt review by a judicial or other competent authority of that Contracting Party of his or its case and of valuation of his or its investments in accordance with the principles set out in this article.
Article 5
Compensation for losses
Investors of either Contracting Party whose investments suffer losses in the territory owning to war or armed conflict, a state of national emergency or other events considered as such by international law, shall be accorded treatment no less favourable by the latter Contracting Party than that Contracting Party accords to the investments of its own investors, or to the investments of investors of any third State, whichever is more favourable, as regards restitution, indemnification, compensation or other valuable consideration. Any payment made under this article shall be, without delay, freely transferable in convertible currency.
Article 6
Transfers
1 -Pursuant to its own legislation, each Contracting Party shall guarantee investors of the other Contracting Party after payment of related taxes and fees the free transfer of sums related to their investments, in particular, though not exclusively:
1. a)Capital and additional amounts for maintenance, development and management of investments, including increase of capital;
2. b)The returns defined in paragraph 2, article 1, of this Agreement;
3. c)Any amount for the amortisation and liquidation of loans, recognised by both Contracting Parties to be an investment;
4. d)Proceeds from alienation, or liquidation of all or any part of investment;
5. e)Any preliminary payments that may be made in the name of the investor in accordance with article 7 of this Agreement;
6. f)Salaries, received by nationals of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party, related to investments;
7. g)Compensations, to be paid in accordance with the articles 4 and 5 of this Agreement and other payments, related to any investment dispute in the framework of the present Agreement.
2 -The transfers referred to in this article shall be made without restriction or delay at the exchange rate applicable on the date of the transfer pursuant to the exchange regulations in force, in the convertible currency in which the capital was originally invested or in any other currency agreed by the investor and the Contracting Party concerned.
3 -Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of the present article, a Contracting Party may protect the rights of creditors, or ensure compliance with laws on the issuing, trading and dealing in securities and the satisfaction of judgement in civil, administrative and criminal adjudicatory proceedings, through the equitable, non-discriminatory, and good faith application of its laws and regulations.
Article 7
Subrogation
1 -If either Contracting Party or its designated agency makes any payment to one of its investors as a result of a guarantee in respect of an investment made in the territory of the other Contracting Party, the former Contracting Party shall be subrogated to the rights and shares of this investor, and may exercise them according to the same terms and conditions as the original holder.
2 -In any proceeding under article 9, a Contracting Party shall not assert as a defence, counter claim, right of set-off or for any other reason, that indemnification or other compensation for all or part of the alleged damages has been received or will be received pursuant to an insurance or guarantee contract.
Article 8
Disputes between the Contracting Parties
1 -Disputes between the Contracting Parties concerning the interpretation and application of this Agreement should, as far as possible, be settled by negotiations through diplomatic channels.
2 -If the Contracting Parties fail to reach such settlement within six (6) months after the beginning of negotiations, the dispute shall, upon the request of either Contracting Party, be submitted to an arbitral tribunal, in accordance with the provisions of this article.
3 -The arbitral tribunal shall be constituted ad hoc, as follows: each of the Contracting Parties shall appoint one member and these two members shall propose a national of a third State as chairman to be appointed by the two Contracting Parties. The members shall be appointed within two (2) months and the chairman shall be appointed within three (3) months from the date on which either Contracting Party notifies the other that it wishes to submit the dispute to an arbitral tribunal.
4 -If the deadlines specified in paragraph 3 of this article are not complied with, either Contracting Party may, in the absence of any other agreement, invite the President of the International Court of Justice to make the necessary appointments. If the President is prevented from doing so, or is a national of either Contracting Party, the Vice-President shall be invited to make the necessary appointments.
If the Vice-President is also a national of either Contracting Party or if he is prevented from making the appointments for any other reason, the appointments shall be made by the member of the Court who is next in seniority and who is not a national of either Contracting Party.
5 -The chairman of the arbitral tribunal shall be a national of a third State with which both Contracting Parties maintain diplomatic relations.
6 -On any stage of making a decision, the tribunal may propose to reach an agreement by friendly way. Previous provisions shall not create obstacles to such settlement of a dispute.
7 -The arbitral tribunal shall rule according to majority vote. The decisions of the tribunal shall be final and binding on both Contracting Parties. Each Contracting Party shall be responsible for the costs of its own member and of its representatives at the arbitral proceedings. Both Contracting Parties shall assume an equal share of the expenses incurred by the chairman, as well as any other expenses. The tribunal may make a different decision regarding costs. In all other respects, the tribunal court shall define its own rules of procedure.
Article 9
Disputes between a Contracting Party and an investor of the other Contracting Party
1 -Any dispute which may arise between one Contracting Party and an investor of the other Contracting Party concerning an investment of that investor in the territory of the former Contracting Party shall be settled amicably through negotiations.
2 -If such dispute cannot be settled within a period of six (6) months from the date of request for settlement, the investor concerned may submit the dispute to:
1. a)The competent court of the Contracting Party for decision; or
2. b)The International Centre for the Settlement of Investments Disputes (ICSID) through conciliation or arbitration, established under the Convention on the Settlement of Investments Disputes between States and Nationals of other States, opened for signature in Washington D. C., on March 18, 1965.
3 -Neither Contracting Party shall pursue through diplomatic channels any matter referred to arbitration until the proceedings have terminated and a Contracting Party has failed to abide by or to comply with the award rendered by the International Centre for the Settlement of Investments Disputes.
4 -The award shall be enforceable on the parties and shall not be subject to any appeal or remedy other than that provided for in the said Convention. The award shall be enforceable in accordance with the domestic law of the Contracting Party in whose territory the investment in question is situated.
Article 10
Application of other rules
If the provisions of law of either Contracting Party or obligations under international law existing at present or established hereafter between the Contracting Parties in addition to this Agreement contain a regulation, whether general or specific, entitling investments made by investors of the other Contracting Party to a treatment more favourable than is provided for by this Agreement, such provisions shall, to the extent that they are more favourable, prevail over this Agreement.
Article 11
Application of the Agreement
This Agreement shall apply to all investments, made by investors from one of the Contracting Parties in the territory of the other Contracting Party in accordance with the respective legal provisions, prior to as well as after its entry into force, but shall not apply to any dispute concerning investments which have arisen before the entry into force of this Agreement.
Article 12
Consultations
Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall, whenever necessary, hold consultations on any matter affecting the implementation of this Agreement, including the need of any changes or additions. These consultations shall be held on the proposal of one of the Contracting Parties at a place and a time to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
Article 13
Entry into force and duration
1 -This Agreement shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the Contracting Parties notify each other in writing that their respective internal constitutional procedures have been fulfilled.
2 -This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of ten (10) years and continue in force thereafter unless, twelve (12) months before its expiration or any subsequent five-year period, either Contracting Party notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate the Agreement.
3 -In respect of investment made prior to the date of termination of this Agreement the provisions of articles 1 to 12 shall remain in force for a further period of ten (10) years from the date of termination of this Agreement.
In witness whereof, the undersigned representatives, duly authorised thereto, have signed the present Agreement.
Done in duplicate in Tashkent, at this 11th day of September 2001, in the portuguese, uzbek and english languages, all texts being equally authentic.
In case of any divergence of interpretation, the english text shall prevail.
For the Portuguese Republic:
Jaime Gama, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs.
For the Republic of Uzbekistan:
A. Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
PROTOCOL
On the occasion of the signing of the Agreement between the Portuguese Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Mutual Promotion and Protection of the Investments, the undersigned duly authorised to this effect, have agreed also on the following provisions, which constitute an integral part of the said Agreement:
1 -With reference to article 2 of this Agreement:
The provisions of article 2 of this Agreement should be applicable when investors of one of the Contracting Parties are already established in the territory of the other Contracting Party and wish to extend their activities or to carry out activities in other sectors;
Such investments shall be considered as new ones and, to that extent, shall be made in accordance with the rules on the admission of investments, according to article 2 of this Agreement.
2 -With reference to article 3 of this Agreement:
The Contracting Parties consider that provisions of article 3 of this Agreement shall be without prejudice to the right of either Contracting Party to apply the relevant provisions of their tax law which distinguish between taxpayers who are not in the same situation with regard to their place of residence or with regard to the place where their capital is invested.
Done in duplicate in Tashkent, at this 11th day of September 2001, in the portuguese, uzbek and english languages, all texts being equally authentic.
In case of any divergence of interpretation, the english text shall prevail.
For the Portuguese Republic:
Jaime Gama, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs.
For the Republic of Uzbekistan:
A. Kh. Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.