Uzbekistan has proposed the establishment of a permanent Uzbek-French Investment Council to support and accelerate joint projects between companies from both countries. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the initiative during his visit to Paris, emphasizing its role in enhancing economic cooperation. He suggested that Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister would co-chair the council and proposed holding the first meeting in June at the Tashkent International Investment Forum.
The meeting brought together more than 60 leaders from leading French and Uzbek companies, banks, and investment institutions. Notable attendees included Laurent Saint-Martin, France’s Minister-Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Citizens Abroad; Rémy Rioux, Director General of the French Development Agency; and Claude Imauven, Head of MEDEF International and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orano Mining.
French business giants such as SUEZ, Veolia, Total, EDF, Voltalia, Orano, Meridiam, Saint-Gobain, Schneider Electric, Airbus, Alstom, and Technip Energies also participated, reaffirming their interest in Uzbekistan’s growing market.
President Mirziyoyev highlighted the success of his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and the decision to elevate Uzbek-French relations to a strategic partnership. He expressed appreciation for French businesses’ support of Uzbekistan’s economic reforms and ongoing projects in key industries.
The meeting also reviewed the results of a January 2024 visit by MEDEF business leaders to Tashkent, which paved the way for major investment initiatives. The president reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to attracting French investments and leveraging advanced technologies to modernize its economy.
Head of the state highlighted the importance of deepening trade and economic ties with France, highlighting the ongoing program of innovative and industrial cooperation, which runs until 2027. This program, valued at €6.5bn, encompasses strategic projects across key sectors.
To ensure its successful implementation, it is planned to introduce effective financial support mechanisms, leveraging the expertise and resources of leading French banks and financial institutions.
The president also stressed the importance of financial tools to support joint business initiatives, calling for greater engagement from leading French banks and financial institutions.
During the meeting, French business leaders presented specific proposals for deepening cooperation, outlining plans for new ventures and expansion in Uzbekistan.
President Mirziyoyev concluded the event by instructing relevant Uzbek ministries and agencies to oversee the implementation of agreements through government-approved road maps. He invited French businesses to actively participate in the upcoming Tashkent International Investment Forum, signaling a new phase in Uzbek-French economic relations.
