BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 10. Uzbekistan and
France have discussed expanding practical economic and investment
cooperation.
This was reflected in a press release from the Uzbek Ministry of
Investment, Industry, and Trade, following a roundtable discussion
held between the Uzbek officials and representatives of 17 leading
French companies on July 9 in Tashkent.
According to the ministry, the meeting was attended by
Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz
Kudratov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Sherzod
Ozodzoda, Presidential Advisor on Fuel and Energy Affairs Bekhzod
Normatov, and Claude Imauven, chairman of the France-Uzbekistan
Business Council at MEDEF International.
“Relations between Uzbekistan and France have reached the level
of a strategic partnership,” participants noted during the
meeting.
The sides highlighted the rapid expansion of bilateral trade.
Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and France reached $1.4 billion
in 2025. From January through May 2026, bilateral trade amounted to
$775 million, marking a 150 percent increase.
The parties also reviewed major investment initiatives involving
French companies in Uzbekistan and discussed opportunities to
expand practical cooperation in strategic sectors.
“Ongoing cooperation includes EDF's energy projects worth $2
billion, Orano's $600 million industrial project in the Navoi
region, and Voltalia's solar and wind energy initiatives totaling
$325 million,” the Uzbek side said.
The roundtable also focused on international trade,
technological cooperation, and the development of long-term
investment partnerships. MEDEF International, one of France's
leading business platforms, supports French companies in expanding
their international presence and developing business ties in
foreign markets.
The talks come as Uzbekistan and France seek to build on their
strategic partnership by advancing investment projects and
strengthening direct engagement between government institutions and
the private sector.
