Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 11 March, ahead of the state visit of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France, the Uzbek-French Business Forum was held in Paris. The event gathered key government officials, as well as representatives from around 100 leading companies, financial institutions, and business organizations from both countries.

Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov, addressing the forum, highlighted its significance as a unique platform for strengthening partnerships and exploring new opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation. He noted steady growth in trade and investment ties, with bilateral trade reaching US$1.1 billion in 2024—a 14% increase from the previous year. Uzbekistan’s exports to France nearly doubled, reaching US$800 million, while imports totaled US$330 million.

Currently, over 50 French companies operate successfully in Uzbekistan, contributing to its dynamic business environment. These include global giants Orano, SUEZ, Veolia, Total Energies, Voltalia, EDF, Lactalis, Airbus, and MND, working across energy, infrastructure, environment, aviation, food industry, and tourism.

Minister Kudratov emphasized the vast potential for deeper cooperation, with key areas including transport and logistics connectivity, diversification of trade routes, geological exploration, and the introduction of French technologies adapted to Uzbekistan’s needs. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting new joint initiatives aimed at transforming Uzbekistan’s economy and enhancing its resilience.

Chairman of MEDEF International and head of Orano, Claude Imauven, praised Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and encouraged French businesses to expand their presence in the Uzbek market. The event also featured B2B and G2B meetings, offering participants unique opportunities to establish new partnerships and explore areas for collaboration.

At the conclusion of the business forum, over 20 agreements and contracts were signed, covering agriculture, energy, the green economy, urban development, water management, transport, mining, healthcare, education, and other sectors.