Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  During a roundtable in Paris, Emmanuel Dupuy, Director of the Institute for European Prospective and Security (IPSE), noted that under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has been actively transitioning towards multilateralism. This approach strengthens the country’s international standing and contributes to attracting investments and technologies, which leads to sustainable economic growth and social development.

On 9 December 2024, an Uzbek delegation of analytical centers participated in a roundtable on the topic: “Current Issues of Integration Processes in Central Asia and Expanding Dialogue Between Uzbekistan and the European Union,” also holding several meetings with European partners.

The event was organized with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in France and in collaboration with the Institute for European Prospective and Security.

Around 40 international experts from the Institute for European Security and Forecasting participated in the roundtable.

Uzbekistan’s expert community was represented by leading analysts from the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies, the Information and Analytical Center for International Relations, the Center for Development Strategy, the Center for Foreign Policy Studies, and International Initiatives.

In his opening speech, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to France, Nodir Ganiev, emphasized the importance of the large-scale reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan since 2017 and the priority areas of the country’s foreign policy.

Obid Hakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), provided a report on the current state and prospects of relations between Uzbekistan and France, as well as cooperation within the “Uzbekistan-EU” framework. He also discussed key issues related to the Central Asian region.

According to CERR analysis, key directions for further development of cooperation were identified. Specifically, Uzbekistan can expand the supply of products that France imports in large volumes globally.

Key sectors of interest for cooperation include high-tech areas such as metallurgical products, chemical and textile goods, fruits and vegetables (including processed), polymers, and certain types of electrical products.

There are also prospects for investment cooperation in the food and pharmaceutical industries, agriculture — particularly in winemaking — and in the development of Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure.

According to CERR’s estimates, mutual trade between the two countries is carried out under the most favored nation regime. Over the past seven years, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and France has significantly increased — by 3.8 times. In 2023, the trade turnover reached US$985 million, with exports amounting to US$392 million and imports at US$593 million.

The total portfolio of active and prospective investment projects stood at over US$11 billion from 2018 to 2023. Currently, there are 42 enterprises with French capital in Uzbekistan, as well as over 1,000 companies from EU countries in total.

The French side expressed significant interest in the reforms taking place in Uzbekistan, emphasizing the importance of cooperation for European economic circles.

Emmanuel Dupuy, Director of the Institute for European Prospective and Security (IPSE), highlighted Uzbekistan’s role as a key partner of France in Central Asia and the development of bilateral political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation.

According to Dupuy, in recent years, Uzbekistan has demonstrated substantial changes, conducting an open and balanced foreign policy and playing a significant role in ensuring security and stability in Central Asia.

He further emphasized that the country has actively developed multilateral relations and cooperation with various international partners, rather than relying solely on bilateral ties.

“Since 2017, under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan has demonstrated a transition from unilateralism to multilateralism. This approach allows Uzbekistan not only to strengthen its position on the international stage but also to attract investments, technologies, and expertise, contributing to more sustainable economic growth and social development,” stated Dupuy.

Dupuy also noted that the stability and prosperity of Uzbekistan, as the most strategically important state in Central Asia, is of great significance for the entire region.

Professor Catherine Pujol from the National Institute for Eastern Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) emphasized her experience working at the Institute for Central Asian Studies (IFEAC) and her thorough knowledge of Uzbekistan.

According to Pujol, Uzbekistan’s primary wealth lies in its human capital. She emphasized that the country’s large youthful population creates unique opportunities for growth and progress.

Pujol noted that the Central Asian states have realized the importance of joint actions.

“Today, the most promising countries in Central Asia — Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan — resemble the tandem of France and Germany in EU integration. These two countries strive to put competition aside and focus on cooperation, involving other regional states in the process,” said Pujol.

In her opinion, the consultative meetings of the leaders of Central Asian states clearly confirm this. She also drew attention to the initiatives of Uzbekistan’s President, presented at the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders in August this year in Astana, addressing climate change, regional environmental issues, and the development of a regional strategy for the rational use of transboundary water resources.

Expert M. Levinson from the Institute of International Relations of France (IFRI) emphasized Uzbekistan’s potential in Central Asia and pointed to the rapid development of bilateral cooperation.

Levinson highlighted Uzbekistan’s active support for regional cooperation and its commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the region through economic collaboration.

Amid the liberalization of Uzbekistan’s economy, there is growing interest from French businesses. According to him, "major French companies are showing great interest in implementing projects in Uzbekistan." He also noted the creation of all necessary conditions for the protection of foreign investors’ rights and the significant potential for developing renewable energy.

The Secretary-General of the Assembly of Francophonie, D. Cesselin, expressed interest in establishing cooperation with the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The roundtable concluded with a high assessment of Uzbekistan’s socio-economic modernization process, as well as its pragmatic and constructive foreign policy, which contributes to regional stability.

At the end of the event, representatives of French political and economic circles expressed interest in developing cooperation with Uzbekistan’s research and educational institutions.