A French-Uzbek business forum took place in Paris ahead of the state visit of Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to France. The event gathered leaders from key ministries, along with representatives from around 100 major companies, financial institutions, and business organizations from both countries.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, highlighted the forum’s role as a platform for strengthening partnerships and expanding economic cooperation. He noted the stable growth in trade and investment relations, with trade turnover between the two countries reaching $1.1bn in 2024, a 14% increase from the previous year. Uzbekistan’s exports to France nearly doubled to $800mn, while imports stood at $330mn.
Currently, over 50 French companies operate in Uzbekistan, contributing to various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, environmental services, aviation, food production, and tourism. Notable companies include Orano, SUEZ, Veolia, TotalEnergies, Voltalia, EDF, Lactalis, Airbus, and MND.
Kudratov outlined key areas for further cooperation, such as transport and logistics development, diversification of trade corridors, geological exploration, and the adoption of French technologies to support Uzbekistan’s economic transformation.
Claude Imauven, Chairman of MEDEF International and Orano, praised Uzbekistan’s reforms and encouraged French businesses to explore opportunities in the country.
The forum featured B2B and G2B meetings, facilitating discussions on new projects and partnerships. More than 20 agreements and contracts were signed, covering agriculture, energy, the green economy, urban development, water supply, transportation, mining, healthcare, and education.
Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, arrived in Paris on March 12 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, with energy cooperation as a key focus of discussions. He was welcomed at Orly International Airport by French officials, including Minister Élisabeth Borne and General Loïc Mizon, with a guard of honor and national flags displayed in his honor.
The visit’s main agenda includes high-level talks at the Élysée Palace, a meeting with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and a business roundtable with top French companies and banks.
As Uzbekistan expands its energy sector and France seeks alternative uranium sources, both countries are deepening cooperation in nuclear energy, renewables, and gas-fired power projects.
