In this episode of Focus, we examine the growing economic ties between Uzbekistan and France, as new trade agreements and business partnerships shape the future of cooperation between the two countries.
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00:00I think we have an amazing diplomatic relationship between Uzbekistan and France
00:05and this kind of event today shows this importance of this relationship
00:11and this helps a lot the companies of doing business
00:15and I think this is why a lot of French companies have an interest in entering this market
00:21because you have a lot of kind of incentives and interest to come into a new business.
00:30Uzbekistan and France, over 3,000 miles apart but closer than ever when it comes to business relations.
00:41President Shavkat Merzioyev was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris
00:47as the leaders met to discuss Uzbek-French relations with an emphasis on trade and the economy.
00:53This is President Merzioyev's third visit to France.
00:57After his second visit, contracts worth 6.1 billion euros were signed.
01:02Never before the relations between our two countries were on this high point.
01:08Over the years we witnessed how the French-Uzbek relations transformed from a very low point in 2016
01:19and up to this strategic stage of the partnership which was declared today by the presidents of Uzbekistan and France
01:29thanks to the trust of the French government to the broad reform agenda of the president of Uzbekistan,
01:34His Excellency Mr. Shavkat Merzioyev, which has effect not only on Uzbek people but I would say on the whole region as well.
01:42France is an important economic and investment partner for Uzbekistan with 50 French companies currently active in Uzbekistan.
01:50Today the portfolio of projects that are in active phase, in phase of construction, financing is 6 billion dollars.
02:00In addition to this, we have agreed during this visit to implement new projects worth 6.5 billion.
02:10So the overall portfolio of projects with France today, we are talking about the figure 11-12 billion dollars.
02:17This is a solid portfolio of projects that justify and that prove that the relations of Uzbekistan and France have been elevated to new strategic partnership.
02:31And French companies are contributing a lot into infrastructure development, securing the energy sustainability of Uzbekistan.
02:42Suez is a global leader in water and waste management and a strategic partner of the Uzbek authorities,
02:48supporting the modernization of the water sector in the country.
02:52Clearly water is one of the strategic targets of Uzbekistan because of economic growth,
02:59because of demographic growth but also because of climate change.
03:03Uzbekistan, like many other countries, must invest in their assets but also must make the best of this investment to bring the best service to the population and to the industry.
03:14That's what Suez, as an international company, very old company as well, can bring to Uzbekistan I guess.
03:21As a utility we target long-term contracts, so we sign long-term contracts with Uzbekistan,
03:27which means that we have confidence in the country, in its stability and its outlook.
03:31French nuclear fuels firm Urano is a leading world producer of uranium and is developing its mining projects in Uzbekistan.
03:39Uzbekistan has a very special position in this region of the world, a key place I would say.
03:46It's very important for us to diversify the origin of the uranium and the development of this uranium exploitation is key in the independence of the sovereignty energy of France.
04:02In April last year, the Uzbekistan-France Economic Chamber was launched in Tashkent.
04:08The chamber brings together more than 50 French companies and entrepreneurs, as well as their Uzbek partners.
04:14Well, I think the choice is pretty simple when you think about where to establish your business, your ties in Central Asia.
04:20There is such a good dynamic, as I already said, going between the two countries, strong support from the French government towards Uzbekistan development.
04:30And the companies are really incited to go into business in Uzbekistan.
04:35There is everything that you could wish for, political stability, socially it's very safe.
04:42You have schools, you have a good standard of living.
04:45The state visit also saw President Macron present President Medvedev with the Legion of Honor, France's highest award, further paving the way for future and stronger relations between the countries.