During his trip to Paris, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with representatives of the top business community in France.
Prior to this, the Leader of Uzbekistan had engaged with French businesses during his official visits to France in 2018 and 2022, as well as at the summit in Samarkand in 2023.
The meeting continued the productive and open dialogue between the two sides, with a notable presence 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.
Representatives from French 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 were present at the forum.
In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan highly praised the successful negotiations with French President Emmanuel Macron, where a special emphasis was placed on 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 a strategic partnership.
The President highlighted the leading companies from both countries as a driving force in expanding multifaceted cooperation.
The President expressed gratitude to 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 of this year were highly praised.
The implementation of several joint projects with French companies in strategic economic sectors of Uzbekistan was noted with satisfaction.
There is a strong interest in attracting French investments, utilizing advanced technologies, implementing project solutions, and leveraging the extensive experience and expertise of French enterprises.
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”, stated the President of Uzbekistan.
In response, representatives of French businesses presented specific proposals and plans for expanding partnership.
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, and wished success to business representatives.
UzA