Uzbekistan, France's AFD agree on projects worth 1.125 bln euros to be implemented through 2031
TASHKENT. Sept 28 (Interfax) - The government of Uzbekistan and the French Development Agency (AFD) have agreed on key areas of cooperation for 2027-2030, and plan to implement projects totaling 1.125 billion euros, Uzbekistan's Investment, Industry and Trade Ministry said.
The relevant parties reached the agreements during the seventh annual consultations between the government of Uzbekistan and the AFD in Tashkent.
"Energy transition and decarbonization, water supply, agriculture, sustainable urban development, private sector support, and public finance management have been identified as priorities for 2027-2030," according to the statement.
The indicative portfolio for the new phase comprises 11 projects totaling an estimated 1.125 billion euros, including initiatives focused on upgrading energy and transport infrastructure, urban development, irrigation and agriculture, the green economy, and expanding non-sovereign financing. Major initiatives include modernizing the Tashkent-Samarkand railway line and developing public transport in the capital. The parties also plan to accelerate the preparation of projects to upgrade drinking water supply systems in the Kashkadarya Region, reconstruct the Suenli Canal in Karakalpakstan, develop the Aral Sea region, and modernize heating networks.
The ministry said that the AFD has approved 17 projects in Uzbekistan totaling around 1.6 billion euros over the past 11 years. The current portfolio comprises 13 projects in the energy, water supply, livestock, digitalization, and financial sectors, with a combined value of 1.29 billion euros. Funds utilized total around 1 billion euros, or 78% of the overall value of the signed agreements.
The relevant parties currently intend to accelerate implementing ongoing projects and preparing new initiatives, as well as transitioning from concepts to actual financing. Nine projects totaling 604.2 million euros are currently in preparation.
