In a display of economic cooperation and diplomatic ties, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Samarkand as part of an official visit to Uzbekistan. The joint business forum, which took place during President Macron's visit, brought together the leaders of both nations to strengthen their economic and trade partnerships.
During his visit to France in November 2022, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan had met with prominent business representatives, leading to agreements on expanding their trade, economic, and investment collaboration. The recent business forum served as a continuation of the productive discussions held during President Mirziyoyev's visit to France.
France has been keen to foster foreign trade and economic attractiveness. The event saw the participation of several notable figures, including French Minister of Industrial Issue, MEDEF International Business Association Director General Claud Ismoven, and Director of France Development RemImi Rii.
Additionally, representatives from major French companies and banks, such as EDF, VICTAL ANERGIES, ORANOS, SANEFAGE, ATOLIS, SEMAIDA, Mobilitas, Thales, Aramine, Meridiame, Society General, and Natixis, joined the event to explore further collaboration opportunities.
The meeting in Samarkand began with a warm welcome from President Mirziyoyev, who expressed his delight at the high-level dialogue taking place in trade, economic, and investment cooperation. He highlighted the significant growth in bilateral trade and the number of joint ventures in recent years and emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen ties between the two countries.
"We intend to raise our relations to the level of strategic partnership in the future," President Mirziyoyev stated, highlighting the commitment to increasing sales and supporting the investment activities of French companies.
He also mentioned the introduction of new financing mechanisms and improved conditions for business initiatives.
The ongoing collaboration between Uzbekistan and France spans various sectors, including energy, mining, water supply, transport, agriculture, and banking, with an emphasis on future expansion. The leaders agreed to establish the Uzbek-French Chamber of Commerce and supported the opening of a Business France office in Tashkent.
President Macron expressed France's continued interest in supporting Uzbekistan's reform program and collaborating with leading companies and financial institutions.
"Our main goal is to build a democratic state with strong civil society institutions, modern infrastructure, and a powerful industry," President Mirziyoyev affirmed.
Four key priorities for expanding the Uzbek-French partnership were presented by President Mirziyoyev. These priorities include green energy initiatives in partnership with companies like EDF, Voltalia, and Total Energes, industrial product manufacturing with advanced technologies in cooperation with Orano, modernization of water supply and heating systems with "Suez," "EFFAGE," and "VEOLIA," and increasing competitiveness in agriculture and ensuring food security.
President Mirziyoyev expressed his willingness to work with French partners and initiate useful joint projects in Uzbekistan.
President Macron also addressed the business forum, highlighting President Mirziyoyev's support for ongoing reforms and the potential for bilateral investment cooperation. He stressed the mutual benefits that could be derived from this collaboration and expressed confidence in the positive impact on both nations' economies and people.
The forum concluded with the signing of significant agreements in crucial areas, including energy, metallurgy, water supply, agriculture, transportation, and other key sectors, marking a milestone in the Uzbek-French economic partnership.
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