On March 11, just prior to the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to France, a French-Uzbek business forum took place in Paris. The event was attended by leaders from relevant ministries, as well as representatives from about 100 companies, financial institutions, and business organizations from both countries.
Addressing the participants, Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov emphasized the stable dynamics of trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and France. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached $1.1 billion, representing a 14 percent increase compared to the previous year. 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.
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, and MND.
Highlighting the significant untapped opportunities for enhancing interaction, 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.
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 package of over 20 agreements and contracts was signed on projects in agriculture, energy, green economy, urban development, water supply, transportation, mining, healthcare, and education.
