Uzbekistan’s trade with France hits $1.1 billion in 2024

In 2024, Uzbekistan’s exports to France nearly doubled, reaching $800 million. This was reported by the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan.

It was noted that on March 11, ahead of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to the French Republic, a France-Uzbekistan business forum was held in Paris. The event was attended by heads of relevant ministries and agencies from both countries, as well as leaders of around 100 prominent companies, financial institutions, and business organizations.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov highly praised the forum as a unique platform for strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for economic cooperation.

The forum highlighted the stable dynamics of trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Specifically, in 2024, the trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.1 billion, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Of this, Uzbekistan’s exports to France amounted to $800 million, nearly double the previous year’s figure, while imports stood at $330 million.

Currently, more than 50 French companies are successfully operating in Uzbekistan, contributing to the country’s growing business environment.

Globally renowned companies such as Orano, SUEZ, Veolia, Total Energies, Voltalia, EDF, Lactalis, Airbus, MND, and others are bringing their expertise to Uzbekistan in sectors like energy, infrastructure, environmental protection, aviation, food production, and tourism.

Laziz Kudratov emphasized the untapped potential for deepening relations and outlined several areas for further cooperation. These include enhancing transport and logistics connectivity, diversifying trade routes, conducting geological exploration, and introducing French technologies tailored to Uzbekistan’s needs to foster innovative development.

Additionally, readiness was expressed to support new joint initiatives aimed at meeting investor interests and transforming the country’s economy qualitatively while enhancing its sustainability.

In turn, MEDEF International Chairman and Orano Board Chairman Claude Imovon, who also spoke at the forum, praised the large-scale reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan and encouraged French businesses to actively enter the Uzbek market.

“The forum provided an excellent opportunity for B2B and G2B meetings, enabling business communities from both countries to engage in dialogue and explore new areas of cooperation,” the report said.

It was noted that over 20 agreements and contracts were signed during the forum. These agreements aim to further develop cooperation and implement projects in agriculture, energy, green economy, urban planning, water supply and transport, mining, healthcare, education, and other sectors.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Paris on a state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. At the airport, the leader of Uzbekistan was greeted by France’s Minister of National Education, Higher Education, and Research, former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, the commander of the Paris military district, General Loïc Mizon, and other officials. The main events of the visit are scheduled for March 12.