On March 11, Paris hosted the Uzbekistan – France Business Forum, bringing representatives from both countries’ business communities and government agencies. During the event, participants discussed promising areas of cooperation and identified new growth opportunities.

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of an agreement between the JSC National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NBU) and Natixis for a €200 million credit line.

It should be noted that, according to the State Investment Program for 2025, NBU has been tasked with attracting credit lines from international financial institutions totaling $1.2 billion. 

The funds raised will be directed towards financing priority investment and infrastructure projects, including developing tourism, transport, housing construction, services, alternative energy, modern medical clinics, airport modernization, and support for small and medium-sized businesses. These initiatives, in turn, will contribute to fulfilling the directives of the President of Uzbekistan from December 16, 2024, aimed at ensuring employment and increasing household incomes in mahallas. 

The credit line is provided under the insurance coverage of European export credit agencies and without a state guarantee from the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The agreement is expected to serve as an additional impetus for further expanding trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and France.

UzA