The head of state noted that a new era of cooperation between Uzbekistan and France is beginning, “a huge foundation for further development is being created on the basis of great trust and openness” between the countries.
“We agreed that we intend to raise our relations to the level of strategic partnership. It will be a great status, and we will have to do great things to be worthy of this status. I think that we have laid a solid foundation in every direction,” he said.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that since the beginning of the year, the volume of trade between the countries has increased by 3 times, and the number of joint ventures has increased by 4 times in the following years. The parties agreed to “dramatically” increase the volume of trade, activate investment projects, introduce a flexible mechanism for financing joint projects, create more favorable conditions for business, and support initiatives put forward by entrepreneurs.
The head of state listed the French companies operating in Uzbekistan or showing interest in this country and addressed them:
“I want to assure you once again that we are ready to create conditions for all of you in Uzbekistan. Today, I want to assure you that your activity in Uzbekistan and our future cooperation will be guaranteed by the president and the government of Uzbekistan. You should never have any doubt about that,” he said.
According to him, the portfolio of investment projects of French companies and financial institutions exceeds 10 billion euros.
The President of Uzbekistan noted that a number of large projects in the fields of energy, mining, water supply, infrastructure development, transport, agriculture, banking and finance are already showing their results.
In order to develop business cooperation, the Uzbekistan-France Chamber of Commerce is planned to be launched and the Business France agency office will be opened in Tashkent in 2024.
The President noted that the international community is facing complex geopolitical and economic problems. “These risks require us to look for new opportunities to develop our economies and collaborate. We agreed on this during the meetings held in a narrow circle and with delegations,” he said.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev assured that economic reforms will not go back. “There is no way back. We will continue the policy of open economy with all possibilities and conditions. This is what we promised our people and entrepreneurs. We will certainly be worthy of this,” said the head of Uzbekistan.
According to him, the main goal is to build a democratic state with strong civil institutions, modern infrastructure and powerful industry.
The President expressed confidence that the French government, companies and financial institutions will actively support Uzbekistan in this way.
Directions of cooperation
Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbek and French businesses plan to develop strategic partnership in the field of “green” economy. Major projects have already started together with EDF, Total Energy, Voltalia.
The second direction is the processing of strategic raw materials using advanced technologies and the export of industrial goods together with the Orano company, and the expansion of geological exploration in uranium deposits. Within the Uzbekistan-France business forum, Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the head of the Orano company, Claude Imauven. Initiatives to expand cooperation in the field of geological exploration and uranium mining were supported at the meeting.
Bloomberg reported earlier that the parties will discuss the issue of supplying Uzbek uranium to France.
In November 2022, a tripartite agreement was signed between the State Geological Committee, Navoiyuran and Orano on the expansion of uranium mining and processing. Uzbekistan wants to pay attention to the French model in the “nuclear fuel value chain”. Orano said it was preparing to invest “several hundred million euros”.
Orano participates in the relevant project in Uzbekistan through a joint venture of Nurlikum Mining (51 percent owned by Orano and 49 percent owned by Navoiyuran). Nurlikum Mining Company is engaged in the development project of the Jelgendi uranium mine, it is stated on the company's website.
The third direction is effective management of water resources and creation of modern infrastructure. Projects with Suez, Veolia and others are already underway.
The fourth direction – Uzbekistan is making efforts to increase competitiveness in agriculture, therefore it supports the initiative of the French company Rungis Semmaris to build agrological centers for wholesale trade of products in Samarkand, Andijan and Tashkent regions.
Eight documents were signed with the participation of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and France, including the Samarkand French Alliance, the improvement of drinking water infrastructure, cooperation in the field of education and cultural heritage.
