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.
