Uzbekistan – France Business Forum: New horizons for economic cooperation

Tashkent hosted the Uzbekistan – France Business Forum, marking an essential step in strengthening economic partnership and investment collaboration, bringing together business representatives from both countries, UzA reports. 

Business Forum held in Tashkent
Photo credit: UzA

Notably, by the end of 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and France reached $1.13 billion, reflecting a 13.7% increase compared to the previous year. The trade structure showed exports at $795.1 million (+98.6%) and imports at $336.1 million (-43.5%). Trade volume has nearly quintupled over the past seven years, rising from $251.6 million in 2017 to $1.13 billion in 2024.

Currently, 50 enterprises with French investment operate in Uzbekistan, including 28 joint ventures and 22 fully French-owned companies. These businesses primarily engaged in construction, tourism, services, and agriculture.

The Uzbekistan delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade Khurram Teshabayev, while the French side was represented by Claude Imauven, Chairman of MEDEF International. The forum gathered leaders from key ministries and agencies, Uzbekistan business representatives, and over 50 French companies, including Airbus, Suez, and TotalEnergies.

As part of the forum, a business dialogue was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjayev, where each French company could present its proposals and initiatives. Participants were informed about the favorable conditions for foreign investors in Uzbekistan and the measures taken to protect their rights and interests.

Special attention was given to French companies’ active participation in energy, mining, water supply, and transportation projects. The event also included B2B and B2G meetings, with discussions on potential new agreements.

The forum served as an essential platform for sharing experiences and exploring new avenues of cooperation. The agreements reached during the event will undoubtedly lay a solid foundation for strengthening economic ties between Uzbekistan and France.

It was reported, Karachi hosted the Uzbekistan – Pakistan Business Forum in January this year. 

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