On January 30, Tashkent hosted the Uzbek-French Business Forum, bringing together representatives from over 50 leading French companies, including AIRBUS, Experto Consulting, Iveco Group, MND, Roxalex, Suez, Société Générale, ALSTOM, Veolia Energy, EDF International Networks, Voltalia, and TotalEnergies.
The Uzbek delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Khurram Teshabayev, while the French side was headed by Claude Imoven, Chairman of MEDEF International and Orano.
During the forum, participants were briefed on Uzbekistan’s favorable investment climate, legal protections for foreign investors, and the country’s strong industrial and investment potential. Particular emphasis was placed on successful French business ventures in Uzbekistan, spanning energy, mining, water supply, transportation, and tourism.
A dedicated business dialogue session was also held, featuring senior officials, industry leaders, and executives from French enterprises. In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Khodjaev, highlighted the rapid expansion of economic ties between the two countries, marked by substantial growth in recent years.
Over the past seven years, bilateral trade turnover has increased nearly fivefold, reaching $1.13 billion. The number of French companies operating in Uzbekistan has quadrupled, with 50 enterprises currently engaged in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and tourism.
Recognizing the significant potential for further collaboration, French business representatives were invited to explore new investment opportunities. The forum’s open format facilitated direct discussions, enabling participants to present proposals and introduce new initiatives in areas of mutual interest.
