Uzbekistan - The Times Of Central Asia

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French Companies Eye Role in Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy Plants

Uzbekistan is exploring collaboration with French firms in the construction of a small-capacity nuclear power plant (SCNPP) in the Jizzakh region, according to Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, Director of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, in an interview with Le Figaro. Akhmadkhodjaev noted that France could offer some of the most effective solutions and support for the project. Ongoing discussions involve several French companies: Assystem for technical support, Bureau Veritas for specialist training, and Framatome for technical management of the facility. Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, emphasized that French companies view Uzbekistan not only as an investment opportunity but also as a technological partner. Talks have centered on training local personnel to meet the technical demands of the nuclear sector. Joanna Golas, president of the France-Uzbekistan Economic Chamber, underscored the importance of preparing skilled technical specialists for the project. Uzbekistan is also advancing its renewable energy agenda, aiming to raise the share of renewables in its energy mix from 16% to 54% by 2030. Cooperation with French companies could bolster the country's efforts to build a more sustainable and diversified energy system. Previously, Uzbekistan signed a protocol with Russia, appointing Rosatom as the main contractor for the SCNPP project in Jizzakh. The agreement includes the construction of six reactors with a combined capacity of 330 MW. A successful partnership with French firms would bring additional technological expertise to the table and complement the existing plan.

Claims Land Sale Uzbekistan China

Uzbekistan Denies Claims of Land Sales to China

Recent social media claims alleging that “China is taking over Uzbekistan” and that “most of the country’s land has been sold to the Chinese” have sparked widespread debate. In response, Ilzat Qosimov, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, issued a statement via the ministry’s official Facebook page, firmly rejecting these allegations. Economic Cooperation, Not Land Sales “Attracting foreign investment is a crucial factor for Uzbekistan’s sustainable economic growth. Global competition for capital is intensifying, and our country remains committed to maintaining an open and equal investment environment,” Qosimov stated. He emphasized that while China is one of Uzbekistan’s largest investors, all foreign investors operate under the same legal framework. Uzbekistan maintains investment partnerships with numerous countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Russia, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan. According to official figures, Chinese investment in Uzbekistan is primarily concentrated in industry (62%), the fuel and energy sector (11%), and agriculture (4%). The majority of investments are in manufacturing, not agriculture or land acquisition. One notable example is the textile industry, where Uzbekistan has over 7,600 textile enterprises, but only 57 involve Chinese capital. Additionally, Uzbekistan exports textile products to China through multiple trading houses. Legal Restrictions on Foreign Land Ownership Despite persistent rumors, only 4% of Chinese investment in Uzbekistan goes into agriculture. Foreign investors cannot purchase land, it can only be leased for a maximum of 25 years through open auctions. For example, the Lihua Group, a Chinese company engaged in cotton cultivation and seed production in the Kashkadarya and Tashkent regions, operates on non-irrigated, low-yield lands, applying modern technologies to boost productivity. Chinese investments have also played a role in Uzbekistan’s industrial and technological advancement. The BYD automobile plant in Jizzakh, a key project, has created 1,500 jobs, with most positions held by Uzbeks. In 2024, an additional 200 Uzbek specialists are set to receive training at BYD facilities in China. Meanwhile, over 20 energy projects worth $9 billion are being implemented with Chinese involvement, with the majority of workers being Uzbek specialists. Government Rebuttal and Legal Framework On March 6, 2024, Uzbekistan’s Cadastral Agency issued an official statement dismissing rumors of land sales. According to Article 17 of the Land Code, foreign individuals and entities can only lease land, not own it. Additionally, the Law on the Privatization of Non-Agricultural Land Plots explicitly prohibits foreign citizens and businesses from participating in privatization. The agency further clarified that even Uzbek citizens cannot privatize agricultural land, and it categorically rejected the claims of land sales to foreigners as false. Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information and to refrain from spreading misleading reports.

Trade Relations EU Uzbekistan

EU Monitors Uzbekistan’s Compliance with Trade Preferences Scheme

A European Union (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) monitoring mission has arrived in Uzbekistan to assess the country’s compliance with trade-related commitments. The delegation will hold discussions in Tashkent and Bukhara with the Uzbek government, social partners, civil society, and UN representatives on key issues such as human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, climate change, and good governance, the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan announced. Uzbekistan’s GSP+ Status and Trade Relations with the EU The GSP+ is a special EU trade incentive program that supports countries with vulnerable economies due to limited export diversification and insufficient integration into the global trading system. To qualify, countries must ratify and effectively implement 27 international conventions covering areas such as human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, climate change, anti-corruption, and drug control. Uzbekistan has been a GSP+ beneficiary since April 2021, joining a select group of just eight countries worldwide. As part of the program, the EU conducts regular dialogues and monitoring missions to ensure compliance with the required international UN and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. The current monitoring mission will remain in the country until March 20. Progress and Key Trade Figures Since the last monitoring mission in 2022, Uzbekistan has made notable progress in its trade relations with the EU. Currently, approximately 60% of EU imports from Uzbekistan benefit from GSP+ preferential market access, with chemical products, fertilizers, cotton, and plastics being the main export beneficiaries. Uzbekistan also ranks among the top GSP+ countries in terms of preference utilization, having used nearly 84% of all available trade preferences in 2023. For the 2024-2025 reporting period, the EU has identified nine priority areas for monitoring to ensure Uzbekistan continues to comply with GSP+ requirements.

Foreign Affairs Bilateral Cooperation France Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan and France Sign €6.5 Billion Partnership Agreements

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Paris on March 12 for a state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit focused on strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries. Expanding Cooperation with UNESCO As part of his visit, President Mirziyoyev met with Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, to discuss Uzbekistan’s growing collaboration with the organization. The talks also covered preparations for the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, set to take place in Samarkand this autumn, the first time the event will be held outside UNESCO’s Paris headquarters in 40 years. Uzbekistan has been actively engaged with UNESCO on various cultural and educational projects. The country has joined the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, and Bukhara has been added to the Network of Creative Cities. Several Uzbek traditions and artifacts, such as sericulture, pottery, and the archives of the Emir of Bukhara, have also been recognized by UNESCO. Bilateral Talks and Strengthened Economic Ties During his meeting with President Macron at the Élysée Palace, Mirziyoyev discussed ways to enhance Uzbek-French relations. Both leaders noted that agreements made during their 2023 meeting in Samarkand were already being implemented. Trade between the two nations has grown significantly, surpassing €1 billion last year. The number of joint ventures has quadrupled, with French businesses increasing their presence in Uzbekistan. A series of business forums and cultural events were held in Paris, Toulouse, Lyon, and Nice, covering key areas such as medicine, science, and education. Notably, a bust of Abu Rayhan Beruni, the renowned Uzbek scholar, was unveiled in the French town of Grez-Armainville. €6.5 Billion Innovation and Industrial Partnership One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the launch of a new Innovation and Industrial Partnership Program, which includes €6.5 billion worth of joint projects in energy, infrastructure, mining, and transport. With this, the total value of Uzbek-French projects now exceeds €12 billion. In education, an agreement was signed to establish the Uzbek-French University in Tashkent, with experienced French specialists expected to teach there. Additionally, cooperation will continue in training French language teachers in Uzbekistan. To further boost business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, both sides discussed increasing the number of direct flights between Uzbekistan and France. Signed Agreements and Strategic Partnership Following the talks, Mirziyoyev and Macron adopted a joint declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership. Key agreements signed include: An intergovernmental agreement on the establishment of the Uzbek-French University A mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders A cooperation program for investment and innovation covering €6.5 billion in projects Agreements on healthcare, music, cinema, and theater collaboration A protocol to strengthen French language education A partnership agreement between the cities of Tashkent and Paris

UN Tourism Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Joins International Code for the Protection of Tourists

Uzbekistan has officially joined the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), becoming the 26th country to do so. The announcement was made by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the agency responsible for promoting responsible and sustainable tourism worldwide. The ICPT aims to safeguard tourists' rights and ensure their safety while traveling. UN Tourism works to position tourism as a driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The organization supports its 160 member states by providing policy guidance, educational resources, and crisis management strategies. It also helps countries enhance their tourism competitiveness through knowledge-sharing and training programs. Uzbekistan has been actively expanding its tourism sector, drawing visitors with its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, emphasized the significance of joining the ICPT, stating: "The International Code for the Protection of Tourists not only enhances the rights and protections of travelers but also strengthens trust in Uzbekistan as a welcoming and reliable destination." Uzbekistan’s efforts in tourism development have been widely recognized. According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, the country was named the "World’s Most Active Country in Tourism Development" in 2024. Additionally, at a ceremony in London, Uzbekistan won the "Best Emerging Destination" award at the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024. To facilitate travel for foreign visitors, Uzbekistan has implemented key policy changes. Citizens of more than 90 countries can now enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, and an electronic visa system has been introduced to simplify the application process. As a result, in 2024, Uzbekistan welcomed 8.6 million foreign tourists, generating $2.7 billion in tourism revenue.

Uzbekistan Gold Gold buyer leader

Uzbekistan Leads Global Gold Purchases in January

Uzbekistan was the world’s largest gold buyer in January 2025, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). Global central banks continued their gold-buying spree at the start of the year, with net purchases totaling 18 tons for the month. The WGC notes that this sustained demand highlights gold’s strategic importance in central bank reserves, as many countries view it as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty. Uzbekistan Tops the List The Central Bank of Uzbekistan purchased 8 tons of gold in January, increasing the country’s gold reserves to 391 tons. Gold now accounts for 82% of Uzbekistan’s total international reserves. China was the second-largest buyer, adding 5 tons to its holdings. By the end of January, China’s total gold reserves had reached 2,285 tons, representing 6% of its total assets. Kazakhstan ranked third, purchasing 4 tons, followed by Poland and India with 3 tons each. The Czech Republic added 2 tons, while Qatar increased its reserves by 1 ton. Gold Sales and Market Trends While several countries increased their gold holdings, others reduced their reserves. Russia and Jordan each sold 3 tons, while Kyrgyzstan offloaded 2 tons in January. In 2023, Uzbekistan was the world’s second-largest gold seller, offloading over 25 tons, according to the WGC. Kazakhstan led global sales that year, selling nearly twice as much as Uzbekistan. Despite these sales, Uzbekistan’s gold exports generated $8.15 billion in 2023, nearly double the revenue from 2022. Meanwhile, China was the world’s top gold buyer last year, purchasing almost 230 tons. Other major buyers included Poland, Singapore, Libya, and the Czech Republic.