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

On March 11 of this year, just prior to the state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sh.M. Mirziyoyev, to the French Republic, a French-Uzbek business forum took place in Paris. The event was attended by leaders from relevant ministries and departments, as well as representatives from approximately 100 prominent companies, financial institutions, and business organizations from both countries.

Addressing the participants, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov provided an assessment.

The importance of the business forum as a unique dialogue platform lies in its ability to strengthen partnerships and explore new opportunities for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.

He emphasized the stable dynamics of trade, economic, and investment cooperation. In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.1 billion, representing a 14 percent increase compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, exports from Uzbekistan to France nearly doubled to $800 million, while imports amounted to $330 million.

Today, over 50 French companies are successfully operating in Uzbekistan, contributing to a dynamic and rapidly evolving business environment.

Among those represented in Uzbekistan, contributing their expertise in energy, infrastructure, environmental services, aviation, food production, and tourism, are several world-renowned companies, including Orano, SUEZ, Veolia, TotalEnergies, Voltalia, EDF, Lactalis, Airbus, MND, and many others.

Highlighting the significant untapped opportunities for enhancing interaction, Laziz Kudratov outlined several avenues for further cooperation. These include the development of transport and logistics interconnectivity, diversification of trade corridors, geological exploration, and innovative advancement through the implementation of French technologies tailored to meet Uzbekistan's needs.

At the same time, they expressed a strong commitment to supporting new joint initiatives that align with the interests of investors and are designed to facilitate qualitative transformation and enhance the sustainability of the country's economy.

In turn, Claude Imoven, Chairman of MEDEF International and Chairman of the Board of Orano, who spoke at the forum, expressed strong appreciation for the extensive reforms in Uzbekistan and encouraged representatives of French businesses to actively engage in the Uzbek market.

The forum featured B2B and G2B meetings that offered business representatives from both countries unique opportunities to engage in dialogue and explore new avenues for collaboration.

As a result of the forum, a comprehensive package consisting of over 20 agreements and contracts was signed, outlining the future development of cooperation and the implementation of projects in agriculture, energy, the green economy, urban development, water supply and transportation, mining, healthcare, education, and other sectors.