BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Talks between Uzbek and French officials have opened a potential corridor linking Central Asian startups with European markets.
Delegates from both nations convened in Paris during the International Space Summit, where digital economy leaders examined pathways for cross-border collaboration. Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov led the Uzbek contingent alongside Bobur Khodjayev, who heads financial technology, digitalization, and artificial intelligence initiatives within the Presidential Administration.
Their agenda centered on startup ecosystem integration. The pair met with Julie Huguet, director of La French Tech headquarters, to map out how French ventures might enter Uzbekistan while Uzbek technology firms gain footholds in France and the broader European landscape.
La French Tech operates as France’s launchpad for high-growth startups, helping domestic companies scale internationally, secure investors, and plug into global technology networks.
As a result, both sides examined La French Tech’s existing programming and considered whether a more formal cooperation structure could emerge. A memorandum of understanding between IT Park Uzbekistan and La French Tech entered the discussion. So did the prospect of establishing La French Tech operations and a representative office on Uzbek soil.
The Uzbek delegation showcased IT Park’s Soft Landing and Startup Exchange programs during the talks. These initiatives give international technology businesses a structured path to test the Uzbek market and set up local operations, while simultaneously exposing Uzbek startups to global connections.
Meanwhile, Uzbek officials extended an invitation for La French Tech representatives to attend ICT WEEK Uzbekistan, an international gathering where companies, startups, and industry players forge business and technology partnerships.
The ministries characterized stronger institutional bonds between the two startup ecosystems as a pathway toward new market access, investment flows, and joint technology ventures.
The discussions signal growing momentum in technology diplomacy between Tashkent and Paris. Both governments continue exploring mechanisms to bridge their respective innovation hubs and unlock commercial opportunities for companies operating in either market.
