Representatives of ministries and departments, firms and companies from Uzbekistan and France, representing various sectors of economy, participated at the session.

Anne-Marie Idraque, the state secretary on external trade of France, said that France pays great attention for development of cooperation with Uzbekistan. She said Uzbekistan has great potential in many spheres, including tourism and mining. She said France is interested in establishing and broadening long-term partnership relations in these directions. She added that cooperation of businesses of two states will be more fruitful in the future.

During the session, the French side received detailed information on priority directions on attracting investments into Uzbekistan, potential of such sectors as fuel-energy, chemistry, automobile, tourism, pharmaceuticals, food industry and construction materials. They also familiarized with opportunities at the Navoi free industrial and economic zone.

At the same day, business circles of Uzbekistan and France participated at the Business Forum. The French side was briefed about privatization processes, economic reforms, development of private and small businesses in Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

The sides discussed issues of expanding bilateral trade, creating joint ventures, potential of two states, strengthening relations in finance sector, and others.

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and France made up US$189.6 million. About 15 joint ventures with French capital were created in Uzbekistan. Another 15 French companies opened their offices in the country.