Shavkat Mirziyoyev Strengthens Economic Ties with France During Paris Visit
Paris, The Gulf Observer: During his visit to Paris, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with representatives of France’s leading business community to further strengthen economic ties and expand bilateral cooperation.
The meeting marked a continuation of the productive dialogue between Uzbekistan and France, following President Mirziyoyev’s previous engagements with French businesses during his official visits to France in 2018 and 2022, as well as the summit in Samarkand in 2023. Notably, this forum saw active participation from executives and representatives of Uzbekistan’s private sector, further reinforcing the commitment to mutually beneficial collaboration.
The event was attended by Laurent Saint-Martin, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Rémy Rioux, CEO of the French Development Agency, and Claude Imauven, Head of MEDEF International and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orano. Additionally, over 60 executives and representatives from leading companies, investment firms, and banking and financial institutions from both countries participated.
French businesses were well-represented by major corporations such as SUEZ, Veolia, Total, EDF, Voltalia, Orano, Meridiam, Saint-Gobain, Imerys, Natixis, Société Générale, BPI France, Airbus, MND, Eiffage, Schneider Electric, Total Energies, Alstom, Technip Energies, Egis, ADP Group, Ellipse Projects, Assystem, ATR, and others.
In his speech, President Mirziyoyev praised the productive negotiations held with French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing the strong commitment to supporting business initiatives and implementing cooperation projects. A key outcome of the meeting was the historic decision to elevate Uzbekistan-France relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Leading companies from both nations were highlighted as pivotal in expanding multifaceted cooperation, and appreciation was extended to the French business community for supporting Uzbekistan’s strategy of irreversible economic reforms.
The President of Uzbekistan commended the successful outcomes of the visit by MEDEF executives to Tashkent in January this year and expressed satisfaction with the implementation of various joint projects with French companies in Uzbekistan’s strategic economic sectors. He reaffirmed his country’s keen interest in attracting French investments, introducing advanced technologies, and leveraging French enterprises’ extensive expertise.
To further enhance trade and economic ties, President Mirziyoyev underscored the significance of the Innovation and Industrial Cooperation Program 2027, which encompasses specific projects worth €6.5 billion. The program will introduce effective financial support mechanisms for business initiatives, with the active involvement of leading French banks and financial institutions.
The President outlined several promising areas for further Uzbekistan-France business cooperation, including the exploration and deep processing of critical mineral resources, the establishment of modern production facilities in the construction materials, chemical, pharmaceutical, electrical engineering, and agricultural sectors. Additionally, he emphasized the potential for expanding collaboration in energy generation and storage systems, modernization of water management, public utilities, tourism, and transport infrastructure across Uzbekistan’s regions.
“To support and accelerate projects involving companies from both countries, I propose establishing a permanent Uzbekistan-France Investment Council. On our side, it will be led by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. We can hold the first meeting as early as June within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum. I invite all of you to actively participate in the upcoming event as full members of this newly created council,” President Mirziyoyev stated.
In response, representatives of French businesses presented specific proposals and plans for expanding partnerships. The President of Uzbekistan concluded by instructing relevant ministries and agencies to ensure strict oversight of the implementation of the agreements reached, in accordance with the roadmaps approved by the Government of Uzbekistan.
This high-level engagement underscores the growing economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and France, reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering long-term strategic partnerships.
