Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and France have discussed opportunities for French companies to participate in the development of New Tashkent, including a tram line, modernisation of utility infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
The talks took place in New Tashkent on 28 October. Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev met Gerard Wolf, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ special representative for sustainable cities and transport, along with representatives of French businesses.
The meeting highlighted the expansion of economic ties between the two countries. Bilateral trade has increased fourfold over the past five years, and France became Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner among European Union member states in 2025.
The two sides identified increasing bilateral trade to US$2 billion as their next target, to be achieved by expanding trade and strengthening cooperation between companies.
The discussions focused primarily on projects aimed at improving the urban environment. These included developing tram connections to New Tashkent, constructing water treatment facilities, modernising district heating systems, expanding renewable energy and promoting tourism.
The parties also reviewed ongoing cooperation with French companies Alstom, SUEZ, Veolia, EDF and MND, as well as opportunities to expand engagement with the French Development Agency (AFD).
The development of New Tashkent offers additional opportunities to apply French technologies and expertise in sustainable urban planning.
Uzbekistan is interested in involving French partners in building modern transport and utility infrastructure for the capital.
