Uzbekistan and France expand investment cooperation

On March 23 this year, in the format of a videoconference in an expanded format, negotiations were held between the Minister of Investment in Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov and the Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and Affairs of French Citizens Abroad Olivier Besht. This was reported by the press service of the MIIT.

During the dialogue, the significance of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev to France in November 2022, which gave a powerful impetus to the development of multifaceted relations between the two countries, was noted. Readiness was emphasized for further deepening cooperation within the framework of the practical implementation of the agreements reached in the fields of energy, water supply, tourism, transport and logistics.

In a constructive manner, the parties reviewed the progress in the development of a feasibility study for projects for the construction of power plants together with the French companies EDF, Total Energies and Voltalia.

Significant progress was noted in the implementation of projects to increase the production and processing capacities of minerals in the mining industry with Orano Mining, as well as to accelerate the start of work on the Yakkabag-Karshi main water pipeline construction project, water supply projects in Tashkent by Eiffage and Suez .

Further steps were discussed for the implementation of joint projects in the field of transport with Alstom and ATR.

The issues of organizing bilateral events with the participation of business circles of the two countries as a driver for strengthening and expanding the multifaceted Uzbek-French cooperation were considered. The parties agreed on a visit in April this year. to Uzbekistan of business circles – members of the movement of French entrepreneurs MEDEF International to participate in a joint business forum and hold in May of this year. 

Following the talks, a firm mutual commitment was expressed to continue close joint work in order to successfully implement the discussed projects and initiatives.