Uzbekistan and France are taking their partnership to the next level with game-changing agreements in energy, infrastructure, and education. At the Uzbek-French Business Forum in Paris, investors showed strong confidence in Uzbekistan’s growing market, sealing various deals beneficial for both countries. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit on March 11–13, marked by a warm welcome and high-level talks with President Emmanuel Macron, set the stage for deeper cooperation as trade between the two nations reaches new heights.

A major highlight was a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Uzbekistan and French company Voltalia for a 526 MW hybrid energy project, which includes solar, wind, and battery storage. This project is expected to enhance Uzbekistan’s renewable energy capacity.

In the water sector, SUEZ will modernize Uzbekistan’s drinking water supply system, launching a public-private partnership (PPP) project in the Surkhandarya region to improve water access for 1 mn residents. Additionally, an educational partnership with the TIIAME National Research University will be established to train water management specialists.

The visit also marked significant advancements in uranium production. Orano, Navoiyuran, and Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation signed an agreement to develop the South Djengeldi deposit, targeting an annual production of 700 metric tons of uranium. This initiative will double the joint venture’s mineral resources. 

In the health sector, both countries signed a bilateral declaration of understanding on healthcare cooperation during the first Uzbekistan-France Medical Forum in Paris. The agreement focuses on exchanging medical expertise and utilizing high-tech solutions, including AI, for early disease detection and treatment. 

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s National Bank secured a $200mn credit line from France’s Natixis Bank to finance projects in renewable energy, transport, housing, tourism, and airport modernization under Uzbekistan’s 2025 state investment program.

In addition, Uzbekistan and France decided to establish a joint university in 2025, specializing in engineering, energy, and high-tech industries. This initiative will provide students with world-class education and strengthen collaboration between the two countries. Efforts are also underway to expand French language education in Uzbekistan, opening new opportunities for students to connect with France’s academic and professional communities.

As part of broader cultural cooperation, an exhibition of avant-garde works from Uzbekistan’s Savitsky Museum will be held in Paris. A French Heritage Institute office will also be established in Uzbekistan to support the preservation and restoration of cultural monuments. 

Furthermore, during his state visit, the President of Uzbekistan proposed establishing an Uzbekistan-France Investment Council, with its inaugural meeting set for June 2025 at the Tashkent Investment Forum.

President Mirziyoyev was also awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest national distinction. The award was presented by President Macron in recognition of Mirziyoyev’s contributions to strengthening bilateral cooperation. The Legion of Honor, established in 1802, has been awarded to global leaders such as Emperor Akihito, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and Angela Merkel.

To facilitate structured dialogue and further deepen cooperation, an Uzbekistan-France Strategic Planning Group will be created, involving foreign ministries and economic agencies from both sides. This will help coordinate joint efforts in trade, security, and cultural exchanges.

Additionally, a roadmap for the implementation of the Tashkent tram system was agreed upon, marking a new phase in Uzbekistan’s urban development initiatives. As part of the long-term strategic partnership, President Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to President Macron for an official visit to Uzbekistan, reinforcing their commitment to continued bilateral cooperation.

Official Welcoming Ceremony and High-Level Talks

President Mirziyoyev received a warm welcome at Les Invalides in Paris on March 12, where an official ceremony marked the start of his visit. French President Emmanuel Macron personally greeted the Uzbek leader as a guard of honor—comprising the French Republican Guard, land forces, navy, and air force—stood assembled in the square. 

The national anthems of both countries played, followed by a solemn march of the guardsmen. After reviewing the formation, the two leaders exchanged greetings with their official delegations.

Following the ceremony, President Mirziyoyev, escorted by the prestigious Horse Guards and motorcyclists, made his way to the Élysée Palace for high-level talks with President Macron. Their discussions, held in both one-on-one and expanded formats, covered key areas such as trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and cultural cooperation. 

Bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed €1bn for the first time in 2024, and the number of joint ventures has quadrupled. Leading French companies such as Orano, EDF, TotalEnergies, SUEZ, Voltalia, and Veolia have expanded their operations in Uzbekistan.

The visit also saw the participation of more than 60 executives from leading French and Uzbek companies, banks, and investment institutions. French business giants such as Schneider Electric, Airbus, Alstom, and Technip Energies reaffirmed their interest in Uzbekistan’s growing market. 

With a joint project portfolio exceeding €12bn, Uzbekistan and France are deepening economic and diplomatic ties, laying the foundation for long-term collaboration.