Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed to establish the Uzbekistan-France Investment Council

During his visit to Paris, Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with leading representatives of the French business community, the President's press service reports.

The event was attended by Loran Sen-Marten, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Citizens Abroad, Rémi Riou, Director General of the French Development Agency, Claude Imoven, head of MEDEF International and Chairman of the Board of Orano Mining, as well as over 60 leaders and representatives from leading companies, investment and banking-financial institutions of both countries.

French businesses included SUEZ, Veolia, Total, EDF, Voltalia, Orano, Meridiam, Saint-Gobain, Imerys, Natixis, Societe Generale, BPI France, Airbus, MND, Eiffage, Schneider Electric, Total Energies, Alstom, Technip Energies, Egis, ADP Group, Ellipse Projects, Assystem, ATR, and other companies.

^{Photo: President's press service}
The head of state highly appreciated the productive negotiations held with French President Emmanuel Macron in his speech, emphasizing the special attention given to supporting business initiatives and implementing joint cooperation projects.

The main outcome of the meeting was the historic decision to elevate Uzbekistan-France relations to the level of strategic partnership. It was noted that leading companies from both countries play a significant role in expanding multifaceted cooperation.

Gratitude was expressed to representatives of the French business community for supporting the irreversible economic reform strategy in New Uzbekistan.

^{Photo: President's press service}
The President of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of further expanding trade and economic relations with France. An innovative and industrial cooperation program with French companies, planned until 2027, serves this purpose. It includes specific areas and projects with a total value of 6.5 billion euros.

The head of state highlighted the promising areas for further developing Uzbekistan-France business cooperation, such as the development of promising mineral resources and their deep processing, the establishment of modern production in the construction materials, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, electrical engineering, and agriculture.

In energy, expanding energy production and storage capacities, modernizing water management, utilities, tourism, and transport infrastructure in Uzbekistan has great potential for developing cooperation.

“I propose to establish the Uzbekistan-France Investment Council, which will operate continuously to support and expedite projects involving companies from both countries. It will be led by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. We can hold the first meeting in June during the Tashkent International Investment Forum. I invite all of you to actively participate in the upcoming event as full members of the established council,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

^{Photo: President's press service}
In turn, representatives of the French business community presented specific proposals and plans for expanding cooperation. The President wished success to the representatives of the business community and instructed the heads of relevant ministries and agencies to ensure oversight of the implementation of agreements based on “roadmaps” approved by the government of Uzbekistan.