Paris, March 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: In anticipation of the upcoming state visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to France, the Uzbekistan – France Business Forum was successfully held in Paris. The event brought together high-ranking officials from relevant ministries and agencies of both nations, alongside nearly 100 executives from leading companies, financial institutions, and business organizations.
Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, emphasized the forum’s significance as a dynamic platform for fostering dialogue, strengthening bilateral relations, and exploring new avenues for economic cooperation.
The forum highlighted the robust growth in trade and investment relations between Uzbekistan and France. In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.1 billion, reflecting a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, Uzbekistan’s exports to France nearly doubled, reaching $800 million, while imports amounted to $330 million.
Currently, over 50 French companies operate successfully in Uzbekistan, contributing to the country’s business landscape. Among these are globally recognized firms such as Orano, SUEZ, Veolia, Total Energies, Voltalia, EDF, Lactalis, Airbus, and MND, which are actively engaged in projects spanning energy, infrastructure, environmental protection, aviation, food production, and tourism.
Minister Kudratov underscored the vast potential for deepening economic collaboration between the two countries. Key areas identified for future partnership include enhancing transport and logistics connectivity, diversifying trade corridors, conducting geological exploration, and integrating French technological advancements tailored to Uzbekistan’s development needs.
Reaffirming their commitment to fostering economic ties, the forum participants expressed strong support for new joint initiatives that align with investor interests and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Uzbekistan’s economy.
Claude Imauven, Chairman of MEDEF International and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orano, commended Uzbekistan’s large-scale economic reforms and encouraged French businesses to actively engage in the country’s growing market.
As part of the forum, B2B and G2B meetings facilitated constructive discussions, enabling business representatives from both nations to establish meaningful connections and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
The event culminated in the signing of over 20 agreements and contracts, setting the foundation for future partnerships and the implementation of projects in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, green economy, urban development, water supply and transport, mining, healthcare, and education.
