During his visit to Paris, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with representatives of France’s leading business community.

The Leader of Uzbekistan had previously engaged with French businesses during his official visits to France in 2018 and 2022 and at the summit in Samarkand in 2023.

This forum continued the open and constructive dialogue between the two sides, with a notable feature being the participation of executives and representatives from Uzbekistan’s private sector.

The event was attended by Laurent Saint-Martin, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Rémy Rioux, CEO of the French Development Agency, Claude Imauven, Head of MEDEF International and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orano, as well as more than 60 executives and representatives from leading companies, investment firms, and banking and financial institutions from both countries.

French businesses were represented by companies such as SUEZ, Veolia, Total, EDF, Voltalia, Orano, Meridiam, Saint-Gobain, Imerys, Natixis, Société Générale, BPI France, Airbus, MND, Eiffage, Schneider Electric, Total Energies, Alstom, Technip Energies, Egis, ADP Group, Ellipse Projects, Assystem, ATR, and others. 

In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan highly praised the productive negotiations held with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, during which special attention was given to supporting business initiatives and implementing cooperation projects. 

The key outcome of the meeting was the historic decision to elevate relations between Uzbekistan and France to the level of strategic partnership. 

Leading companies from both countries were highlighted as a driving force in expanding multifaceted cooperation.

Appreciation was expressed to representatives of the French business community for their support of the strategy of irreversible economic reforms in New Uzbekistan.

The successful outcomes of the visit by executives of major companies within MEDEF to Tashkent in January this year were highly praised.

The implementation of several joint projects with French companies in Uzbekistan’s strategic economic sectors was noted with satisfaction.

Interest was expressed in attracting French investments, introducing advanced technologies, applying project solutions, and leveraging French enterprises’ extensive experience and expertise.

The President of Uzbekistan advocated for further enhancing trade and economic ties with France.

This goal is supported by the Innovation and Industrial Cooperation Program 2027 with French companies, which includes specific projects and directions worth €6.5 billion.

Effective financial support mechanisms for business initiatives will be widely introduced as part of its implementation, with the active involvement of leading banks and financial institutions in France.

The President of Uzbekistan outlined several promising areas for further development of Uzbekistan – France business cooperation, including the exploration and deep processing of critical mineral resources, the establishment of modern production facilities in the construction materials, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the electrical engineering and agricultural sectors.

There is significant potential for expanding cooperation in energy generation and storage systems and in the modernization of water management, public utilities, tourism, and transport infrastructure across Uzbekistan’s regions.

“To support and accelerate projects involving companies from both countries, I propose establishing a permanent Uzbekistan – France Investment Council. On our side, it will be led by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. We can hold the first meeting as early as June within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum. I invite all of you to actively participate in the upcoming event as full members of this newly created council”, the President of Uzbekistan stated.

In response, representatives of French businesses presented specific proposals and plans for expanding partnership.

Wishing success to business representatives, the President of Uzbekistan instructed relevant ministries and agencies to ensure strict oversight of the implementation of the agreements reached, following the roadmaps approved by the Government of Uzbekistan.

UzA