The Uzbekistan – France Business Forum was held in Paris, as a part of the state visit of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France. The event was attended by officials from relevant ministries and agencies of both countries, as well as executives from leading companies, financial institutions, and business organizations.
During the forum, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov emphasized the importance of the event as a platform for dialogue to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for economic cooperation. The steady growth of trade and investment ties between Uzbekistan and France was also highlighted, with trade turnover reaching $1.1 billion in 2024, a 14% increase from the previous year. Uzbekistan’s exports to France doubled to $800 million, while imports amounted to $330 million.
More than 50 French companies, including Orano, SUEZ, Veolia, Total Energies, Voltalia, EDF, Lactalis, Airbus, MND, and others, are successfully operating in Uzbekistan and contributing to the country’s business environment. These companies are involved in various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, environmental protection, aviation, food production, and tourism.
Mr. Kudratov also outlined several promising areas for further cooperation, including enhancing transport and logistics connectivity, diversifying trade corridors, conducting geological exploration, and integrating French technologies tailored to Uzbekistan’s needs.
The forum reaffirmed the commitment to supporting new joint initiatives that align with investor interests and contribute to the transformation and resilience of Uzbekistan’s economy. Claude Imauven, Chairman of MEDEF International and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orano, praised Uzbekistan’s large-scale reforms and encouraged French businesses to actively engage in the Uzbekistan market.
B2B and G2B meetings were organized as part of the forum, providing an opportunity for business representatives from both countries to establish dialogue and explore new avenues for cooperation. After the forum, more than 20 agreements and contracts were signed, outlining the future development of collaboration and the implementation of projects in various sectors such as agriculture, energy, green economy, urban development, water supply and transport, mining, healthcare, and education.
[gallery-22197]Photos by Otabek Mirsoatov, UzA.