BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Uzbekistan and
France are exploring ways to strengthen links between startup
ecosystems in Central Asia and Europe.
This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbek Ministry of
Digital Technologies, following the International Space Summit in
Paris, which was attended by Minister Sherzod Shermatov.
According to the Ministry, the summit brought together
representatives of governments, international organizations and
major companies to discuss space technologies, innovation,
scientific and technological development and international
cooperation.
During the visit, Shermatov and Bobur Khodjayev, head of the
Department for Financial Technologies, Digitalization and
Artificial Intelligence at the Presidential Administration, met
with Julie Huguet, director of the headquarters of La French
Tech.
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation between the startup
ecosystems of Uzbekistan and France, including opportunities for
French startups to enter the Uzbek market and for Uzbek technology
companies to access the French and broader European markets.
La French Tech supports high-growth startups and technology
companies in France, helping them expand internationally and
connect with investors and other participants in the technology
ecosystem.
“Strengthening institutional ties between the technology
ecosystems of Uzbekistan and France can create new opportunities
for startups to enter international markets, attract investment and
develop joint technology projects,” Uzbekistan’s Ministry of
Digital Technologies said.
The sides discussed La French Tech’s ongoing programs and
explored ways to establish a more structured framework for
cooperation between the two countries’ startup ecosystems.
In particular, the parties discussed preparing a memorandum of
understanding between IT Park Uzbekistan and La French Tech. They
also explored the possibility of launching La French Tech’s
operations in Uzbekistan and establishing a representative office
in the country.
The Uzbek side presented IT Park’s Soft Landing and Startup
Exchange programs, which could be used to facilitate the entry of
French startups into the Uzbek market and support cooperation with
local technology companies.
The programs are intended to help international technology
businesses explore the Uzbek market and establish local operations
while providing opportunities for Uzbek startups to develop
international connections.
Representatives of La French Tech were also invited to
participate in ICT WEEK Uzbekistan, an international technology
event that provides a platform for companies, startups and industry
representatives to establish business and technological
partnerships.
The talks mark another step toward strengthening technology and
innovation ties between Uzbekistan and France, with both sides
exploring mechanisms to connect their startup ecosystems and expand
opportunities for companies in both markets.
