Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On September 25, Tashkent hosted the 7th Annual Consultations between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the French Development Agency (AFD). The Uzbek delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Shokhrukh Gulamov, while the French side was led by Virginie Bleitrach, Deputy Director of AFD’s Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia Department. Representatives of the Agency for Strategic Reforms, the diplomatic missions of both countries, and AFD’s country office in Uzbekistan also took part in the consultations.

During the consultations, it was emphasized that following the state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to France in March 2025 and the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, particular importance is attached to translating the agreements reached into concrete initiatives, including in the area of development finance.

For reference: Over the past 11 years, Uzbekistan’s cooperation with AFD has reached a qualitatively new level. Since 2015, the Agency has approved 17 projects worth approximately EUR 1.6 billion. The current portfolio includes 13 projects totaling EUR 1.29 billion in energy, water supply and sanitation, livestock, digitalization, the financial sector and other areas. Disbursements have reached around EUR 1 billion, representing 78% of the total value of signed agreements.

As highlighted during the discussions, an important feature of the partnership is the comprehensive engagement of the AFD Group. Alongside financing public-sector projects through AFD, cooperation is expanding with Proparco in the private sector and Expertise France in the field of technical expertise. Together with the European Union and the Government of France, more than EUR 55 million in grant financing has been mobilized.

At the current stage, the main focus is on the timely implementation of ongoing projects, accelerating the preparation of new initiatives, moving projects from concept to financing, and making wider use of flexible financial instruments. Nine projects with a total value of EUR 604.2 million are currently under preparation.

This work is laying the foundation for the next stage of cooperation for 2027–2030. Priority areas include the energy transition and decarbonization, water supply, agriculture, sustainable urban development, private-sector support, and improved public financial management.

As part of this agenda, an indicative portfolio of 11 projects with an estimated total value of EUR 1.125 billion was presented. It covers the modernization of energy and transport infrastructure, urban development, irrigation and agriculture, the green economy, as well as the expansion of non-sovereign financing. Major initiatives include the rehabilitation of the Tashkent–Samarkand railway line and the development of public transport in the capital.

Particular attention was paid to projects at an advanced stage of preparation. The parties intend to accelerate work on modernizing drinking water supply systems in Kashkadarya Region, reconstructing the Suyenli Canal in Karakalpakstan, implementing projects in the Aral Sea region and upgrading district heating networks, while continuing preparations for energy and municipal infrastructure projects.

The agreements reached were reflected in the Protocol of the Consultations and placed under joint monitoring. The next, 8th Annual Consultations are planned to be held in France.