SHARQSHUNOSLIK / ВОСТОКОВЕДЕНИЕ / ORIENTAL STUDIES 2019, № 1
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2
136
граждан
.
Поэтому
,
в
годы
независимости
,
эти
вопросы
находились
в
центре
внимания
государственной
политики
.
В
се
последние
преобразования
в
области
просвещения
и
религиозной
толерантности
в
стране
служат
развитию
общественного
сознания
,
росту
жизни
,
морали
,
межкультурной
гармонии
,
уважения
,
чистоты
отношений
между
различными
группами
индивидов
с
разным
происхождением
и
,
в
конечном
итоге
,
повышению
патриотизма
у
граждан
нашей
страны
.
Необходимо
,
чтобы
каждая
семья
,
в
ее
своеобразии
и
разнообразии
,
поднималась
до
высоких
общественных
идеалов
,
интересов
и
требований
в
гражданском
,
правовом
,
нравственном
,
эстетическом
толерантном
отноше
-
иях
через
воспитания
молодежи
в
духе
толерантного
мышления
,
чтобы
семья
во
многом
чувствовала
себя
частью
общества
,
гражданской
ячейкой
,
участвующей
в
активном
обновлении
жизни
.
MAKHMASOBIROVA YULDUZ
Researcher, University of World Economy and Diplomacy
Quantitative analysis of main vectors
of uzbek-french cooperation
Abstract.
The article is devoted to the quantitative analysis, i.e. learning statistical
data using computational techniques of the main dimensions of the cooperation between
the Republic of Uzbekistan and Fifth Republic of France. The author chose unusual for
social sciences quantitative method to clarify the modern conditions and both progressive
and regressive development dynamics, perspectives of Uzbek-French relations to
enlighten areas need to be developed, to realize the hidden potential of bilateral
cooperation and to answer to one of the main questions – is France the necessary partner
for Uzbekistan or the bilateral relations between two countries have a symbolic status
due to their regional importance. Analysis of the quantitative indicators will show the
real state of Uzbek-French cooperation better than other methods of scientific research.
In the article there is given introductory part about state and modern conditions of
Uzbek-French relations, clarified the main aim, functions and analysis methods of the
research, as well as complex analysis of political, economic and socio-cultural and
educational vectors of bilateral partnership. The author identifies two frames for analysis.
First one is the examination of the interests of the parts in multilateral dialogue and
cooperation. The second frame is the finding the dynamics of multi dimensional bilateral
relations, where the qualitative changes in Uzbek-French relations are disclosed by using
quantitative-comparative methods. The research results lead to the conclusion, that in the
near future terms, socio-economic issues will take the place of socio-humanitarian ones in the
cooperation between Uzbekistan and France, and the partnership will continue to develop in
bilateral frame rather than multilateral or regional one.
Keywords and expressions:
Uzbekistan, France, Central Asia, leading powers, Europe,
bilateral cooperation, multilateral partnership, strategic interests, quantitative methods.
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Аннотация
.
Мақола
Ўзбекистон
Республикаси
ва
Франция
Бешинчи
Республи
-
каси
ўртасидаги
ҳамкорликнинг
асосий
йўналишларининг
миқдорий
таҳлилига
,
яъни
ҳисоблаш
усуллари
ёрдамида
статистик
маълумотларни
ўрганишга
бағишланган
.
Ўзбек
-
француз
муносабатларининг
ҳозирги
ҳолати
,
ривожланиши
-
нинг
прогрессив
ва
регрессив
динамикаси
ҳамда
истиқболларини
аниқлаш
,
икки
томонлама
ҳамкорликнинг
яширин
салоҳиятини
рўёбга
чиқаришга
хизмат
қилувчи
соҳаларни
аниқлаш
ва
асосий
саволларнинг
бирига
–
Франция
Ўзбекистон
учун
зарур
ҳамкорми
ёҳуд
икки
мамлакат
ўртасидаги
муносабатлар
уларнинг
мин
-
тақавий
аҳамиятга
эга
бўлганлиги
сабабли
рамзий
мақомга
эгами
–
ушбу
масалага
жавоб
бериш
мақсадида
муаллиф
томонидан
ижтимоий
фанлар
учун
ноанъанавий
миқдорий
таҳлил
усули
танланди
.
Зеро
,
миқдорий
маълумотларни
таҳлил
қилиш
ўзбек
-
француз
ҳамкорлигининг
ҳақиқий
ҳолатини
бошқа
илмий
тадқиқот
усулларидан
кўра
яхшироқ
очиб
беради
.
Мақоланинг
кириш
қисмида
Ўзбекистон
-
Франция
муносабатларининг
бугунги
ҳолати
ва
уларга
таъсир
этувчи
замонавий
шарт
-
шароитлар
,
тадқиқотнинг
асо
-
сий
мақсади
,
вазифалари
ва
усуллари
,
шунингдек
,
асосий
қисмда
эса
,
ҳамкорликнинг
сиёсий
,
иқтисодий
ва
ижтимоий
-
маданий
йўналишлари
комплекс
ўрганиб
чиқилган
.
Муаллиф
миқдорий
таҳлил
учун
иккита
форматни
танлаган
.
Биринчиси
кўп
томонлама
мулоқот
ва
ҳамкорликда
томонларнинг
манфаатларини
таҳлил
қилиш
.
Иккинчи
формат
–
кўп
векторли
икки
томонлама
муносабатлар
,
бунда
ўзбек
-
француз
муносабатларидаги
сифат
ўзгаришлар
миқдорий
-
қиёсий
усуллар
ёрдамида
аниқланади
.
Тадқиқот
натижалари
яқин
келажакда
Ўзбекистон
ва
Франция
ўрта
-
сидаги
ҳамкорликда
ижтимоий
-
иқтисодий
масалалар
ижтимоий
-
гуманитар
маса
-
лаларнинг
ўрнини
эгаллаши
ва
биринчи
ўринга
чиқиши
ҳамда
ўзаро
шерикчилик
кўп
томонлама
ёки
минтақавий
форматдаги
ҳамкорликка
қараганда
икки
томонлама
муносабатлар
асосида
ривожланиши
тўғрисидаги
хулосага
олиб
келади
.
Таянч
сўз
ва
иборалар
:
Ўзбекистон
,
Франция
,
Марказий
Осиё
,
етакчи
давлат
-
лар
,
Европа
,
икки
томонлама
ҳамкорлик
,
кўп
томонлама
ҳамкорлик
,
стратегик
манфаатлар
,
таҳлилнинг
миқдорий
усуллари
.
Аннотация
.
Статья
посвящена
количественному
анализу
,
то
есть
изучению
статистических
данных
с
использованием
вычислительных
методов
,
основных
направлений
сотрудничества
между
Республикой
Узбекистан
и
Пятой
Республи
-
кой
Франция
.
Автор
выбрал
нетрадиционный
для
социальных
наук
количественный
метод
,
чтобы
прояснить
современные
условия
и
как
прогрессивную
,
так
и
рег
-
рессивную
динамику
развития
,
перспективы
узбекско
-
французских
отношений
,
выявить
области
,
которые
необходимо
развивать
для
реализации
скрытого
по
-
тенциала
двустороннего
сотрудничества
и
ответить
на
один
из
главных
вопросов
–
является
ли
Франция
необходимым
партнером
для
Узбекистана
,
или
двусто
-
ронние
отношения
между
двумя
странами
имеют
символический
статус
в
силу
их
региональной
значимости
.
Анализ
количественных
данных
покажет
реальное
состояние
узбекско
-
французского
сотрудничества
лучше
,
чем
другие
методы
научного
исследования
.
В
статье
дается
вводная
часть
о
состоянии
и
современных
условиях
узбекско
-
французских
отношений
,
уточняются
основная
цель
,
функции
и
методы
анализа
исследования
,
а
также
комплексный
анализ
политических
,
экономических
и
со
-
циально
-
культурных
и
образовательных
векторов
двустороннего
партнерства
.
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Автор
выделяет
два
формата
для
анализа
.
Первый
–
это
изучение
интересов
государств
в
многостороннем
диалоге
и
сотрудничестве
.
Второй
формат
–
нахождение
динамики
многовекторных
двусторонних
отношений
,
где
качествен
-
ные
изменения
в
узбекско
-
французских
отношениях
раскрываются
с
помощью
количественно
-
сравнительных
методов
.
Результаты
исследования
позволяют
сделать
вывод
,
о
том
,
что
в
ближайшем
будущем
в
сотрудничестве
между
Узбе
-
кистаном
и
Францией
социально
-
экономические
вопросы
займут
место
социально
-
гуманитарных
и
выйдут
в
первый
план
,
и
партнерство
будет
продолжаться
развиваться
с
основным
упором
на
двусторонние
отношения
,
чем
на
многосторон
-
ние
или
региональные
.
Опорные
слова
и
выражения
:
Узбекистан
,
Франция
,
Центральная
Азия
,
ведущие
державы
,
Европа
,
двустороннее
сотрудничество
,
многостороннее
парт
-
нерство
,
стратегические
интересы
,
количественные
методы
анализа
.
Introduction.
France is one of the locomotives of European integration,
permanent member of UN Security Council, country with rich historical-cultural
heritage, socio-political traditions and innovations. It is the world’s seventh
largest economy
1
and the second largest economy by purchasing power parity
(PPP) in European Union
2
. France is to be considered as one of the first States
which established very rapidly formal diplomatic relations with all former soviet
countries of Central Asia and, nowadays it provides reasonable economic, tech-
nical and grant assistance to them under “Emerging Countries Fund” (R
é
serve
Pays Emergents, RPE), which supports development projects in fast developing
countries. In general meaning, there are not any major conflicts or fundamental
problems between France and Central Asian States, including Uzbekistan and
nothing prevents to build an active cooperation.
France is an important partner for Uzbekistan. For instance, among the
countries of European Union, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat
Mirziyoyev made the first official state visit to France on October 8–9, 2018.
During his vited the President of Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M.Mirziyoyev noted
“Uzbekistan attaches to the development of cooperation with France as a reliable
and long-term partner”
3
. Cooperation between Uzbekistan and France is defined
not only by about twenty-seven years of partnership on basis of mutual
understanding but from ancient times. Commercial and cultural relations between
nations of nowadays Uzbekistan and France had been established in an epoch of
1
International monetary fund, World Economic Outlook Database, October 2018, Report for
Selected Countries and Subjects, https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2018/02/weodata/
index.aspx
2
France Economic Outlook, February 29, 2019, https://www.focus-economics.com /countries/
france
3
Urozov A. Uzbekistan - Fransiya: na puti rasshireniya i ukrepleniya dolgosrochnogo
vzaimovigodnogo partnerstva [Uzbekistan-France: on the path of expanding and strengthening
long-term mutually beneficial partnership]. Available at: http://www.uza.uz/ru/politics/uzbekistan-
frantsiy a-na-puti-rasshirengsaiya-i-uk repleniya-dolg-10-10-2018. (accessed 27.02.2019)
SHARQSHUNOSLIK / ВОСТОКОВЕДЕНИЕ / ORIENTAL STUDIES 2019, № 1
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Great Silk Road, and were especially developed during the reign of Amir Temur and
Temurids in Central Asia. In the 14th century, when the Ottoman Empire smashed
the united coalition of European Crusaders near Nikopolis, Amir Temur formed a
unique alliance with the emperor of Byzantium, the Venetians, the Genoese and the
French against the aggression of Sultan Bayezid of Lightning. In this context,
representatives of European countries and Amir Temur organized about twenty
diplomatic meetings
1
. After the victory of Amir Temur’s troops over Sultan Bayazid
in July 1402, the French king Charles VI celebrated in his palace in Paris the envoy of
Amir Temur Archbishop Sultania John III. In the message of Amir Temur to Charles
VI, it was noted that the world “thrives thanks to the activities of merchants” and that
the different religions of Muslims and Christians do not in the least promote
cooperation and trade between the people of Turan and France
2
.
The main aim and functions of the article.
In the context of global actions
of France in the world arena, and more active and fruitful economic relations of
Uzbekistan with such countries as the Russian Federation, People’s Republic of
China, the USA, the Republic of Korea, Germany, Japan, the role of Uzbek-
French cooperation may not seem so predominant and relevant not only for
France, but also for Uzbekistan. Nevertheless, in fact it is not. What is the state
and dynamics of Uzbek-French relations, what perspectives awaits both partners,
is France the needed partner for Uzbekistan, what areas need to be addressed to
realize the hidden and untapped potential, to answer all these questions, we need
to first analyze the quantitative indicators of partnership of Uzbekistan with the
French Fifth Republic. So, we are now turning to the main question of article, to
the quantitative analysis of Uzbek-French cooperation’s aspects. Foremost, what
is notable that despite the importance of France for Uzbekistan, in our and in
French national scientific communities the state of bilateral cooperation has not
been analyzed complexly and conceptually on the basis of quantitative methods of
research. The main attention of many scholars is mostly paid to the questions of
political systems of France and Uzbekistan, their similarities and differences,
historical context of cooperation, cultural interconnection. So, in this view, this
article is one of the first steps to open a modern state Uzbek-French partnership in
political, economic, cultural-humanitarian and educational dimensions.
The article is aimed to disclose the dynamics of Uzbek-French cooperation by
using quantitative-comparative methods of analysis. To obtain this goal the
research has the following functions/tasks:
–
learning the motives – national interest of both sides in cooperating;
–
examining the background, state and perspectives of the Uzbek-French
partnership in political vector in bilateral and multilateral frames by
analyzing quatitative indicators;
1
Istoriya mejdunarodnix otnosheniy Respubliki Uzbekistan [History of international relations of the
Republic of Uzbekistan]. Pod redaksiey Farmonova R.F. Tashkent, UMED, 2017 (In Russian). - P.98
2
Amir Temur jahon tarixida [Amir Temur in world’s history]. Ma’sul muharrir Qosimov R.S. -
Toshkent: “Sharq”, 2006 (In Uzbek).- P.140
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–
clarifying the full image of economic partnership between Uzbekistan
and France by studying bilateral trade indexes, intergovernmental and
interdepartmental agreements, comparing the the direct French
investment to Uzbekistan;
–
analyzing the state of Uzbek-French ties in cultural-humanitarian and
educational dimensions;
–
summing up the contemporary condition and modeling in general way
the perspectives of multi dimensional cooperation between Uzbekistan
and France.
Methods of analysis.
Quantitative method of analysis –
the main method of
the research. It emphasizes objective measurement and the statistical, mathe-
matical or numerical analysis. This method may us two submethods: (1) analyzing
data collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys or (2) by manipulating
pre-existing statistical data using computational techniques. The article is based
on the second submethod.
Comparative method of analysis
analyzes objects in comparing their new state with
the old one or compares the state of one object with another, with which a comparison
may be appropriate. M
а
y be used in both qualitative and quantitative researches.
System analysis
is a scinetific method of knowledge, which is a sequance of
actions to establish structural links between variables or permanent elements of
the studied system.
Historical and chronological method
involves the reproduction of phenomena
in their chronological development with their inherent features.
Method of “predicting (modeling) the perspectives” or trend analysis
is used in the
conclusion part of the article. It is a method based on historical data and observations, in
collecting and comparing the facts, an ongoing change. The point of trend analysis is to
identify the trend early, while it is still likely to continue in the future.
The results of research.
Political vector.
In international relations, France
and Uzbekistan have analogous or close views to global issues, notably in
international and regional security problems. But, in general Uzbek-French
cooperation in political dimension
is much more about the political dialogue
between the different State bodies both republics. The dynamics (see diagram
no.1) of official meetings in high rank (heads of States) and interdepartmental
level from 1993 to 2018 shows that the most fruitful period for official visits and
sure for political dialogue in bilateral frame was in 90s (1993–1997), and this
situation may be explained by the need of elaborating framework and rules for
bilateral cooperation between the countries. The highest index of the frequancy of
official visits in one year is 6 (in 2003), which has a medium significance in
quatnitative-comparative frames.
Economic vector of partnership has
unfully tapped potential and
opportunities. About 30 French companies function in Uzbekistan through their
representative offices and since the 1999 this number is not significantly changed.
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Uzbekistan receives grants of France for research, social-economic development
projects from the Foundation for Research and Assistance to the Private Sector
(FASEP), the Reserve Market Emerging Countries (RPE) and the French Development
Agency (AFD). But in the projects realized by French grantsthe social sector prevails
than economic one. In classic indicators of Uzbek-French economic cooperation one
may observe slow, but dynamics and progressive and regressive. E.g. a significant
decrease in the indicators of commodity turnover may be mentioned – 354 mln. US
dollars in 2011 mln. US dollars, 287 mln. US dollars in 2014 and 251,6 mln US dollars
in 2017. But goods turnover between two States increases, and year by year the balance
of trade in goods positively changes towards Uzbekistan. However, France lost its
positions in Uzbek market (see the table no.1).
The comparative analysis of the bilateral agreements and direct French
investment dimensions in two periodical overview, 1993–2016 and 2017–2018,
lead to conclude that social and humanitarian sphere that was the main issue in
bilateral agreements and French investment, is nowadays step by step replaced by
economic and industrial projects, for example developing the cooperation in space
exploring. But, the social orientation of Uzbek-French partnership is still
predominant (see the diagrams 2 and 3).
Cultural – humanitarian vector
is based on 27 years cooperation traditions
.
The main directions of the Uzbek-French partnership are science, studying
cultural and historical heritage and education programs. Since nowadays, 10
agreements from 45 total bilateral agreements between Uzbekistan and France are
about science, education and cultural cooperation (see the diagrams no. 2 and 3).
But France is not the biggest investor to Uzbek education system. Since
nowadays, the main efforts of French government was paid to the preservationa
and development of French language status in Uzbekistan. However, the amount
of Uzbek citizens studied in France is very little even for the standards of
Uzbekistan (see diagram no.6), and it brings us to the thought that in contest with
such languages as Korean, Japanese and Chinese, and even with German, French
loses its positions, because in practice, mostly the people who know French go to
study to France. In addition, education in France, where higher education is gratis,
is not necesserly promoted among the youth of Uzbekistan. Only the efforts of the
cultural and educational mission of the French Embassy in Uzbekistan, the
increase of participation of the private sector and the realization of the signed
agreements about the cooperation in education sector betweenthe heads of two
States during the state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Sh.Mirziyoyev may change the situation.
Re-thinking the national interests of Uzbekistan and France in coope-
rating
. Before analyzing the quantitative indicators of Uzbek-French cooperation,
it would be reasonable to define the motives of such kind of partnership. First of
all, a few words concerning to the interests of France in Uzbekistan. On the
whole, after the end of bipolar system, Central Asia was completely new direction
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in foreign policy of France. For instance, the French government initially
announced an ambitious program to develop links with the region of Central Asia.
Central Asia was to be considered as an important region for the issues of
qualitative modifications of France’s role and status in international arena. At the
same time, according to many political scholars and analysts in the field of foreign
policy, in the initial stage of regional policy formation, and the perspectives too,
France was not consistent in its actions, which adversely affected the results of
politics and undermined the position of Paris in the region. Plans for the
development of relations within the regional context with all the Central Asian
countries were revised downwards and, starting in 1993, a course was formed
towards strengthening relations with the most promising from an economic point
of view and the most important countries in the region in political terms:
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
1
. France has strategic and economic
interests in Uzbekistan, our resource potential, transcontinental transport
communications, geopolitical location is very beneficial for this country.
Interests of Uzbekistan are more diverse and multi-vector than the French
ones in Uzbekistan. We are interested in cooperation with France on the basis of
some political, economic-financial, commercial and social (mostly issue
ы
of
modernization) motifs. The cooperation in fields of regional security (for examp-
le, in issue of Afghanistan and in frames of International
о
rganisations,
strengthening contacts with European Union), tourism, education, in spheres of
innovations, technologies are also very important for our Republic.
Political vector.
France recognized Uzbekistan’s independence on January 3, 1992.
The Embassy of France in Uzbekistan has been operating since June, 1992. Embassy of
Uzbekistan in France – since March 1995. The first official state visit of Islam
Karimov, the first President of Uzbekistan, to France was held in October, 1993. This
state visit contributed to the reachment of a new qualitative level in bilateral
partnership. In April 1994, French President Fran
з
ois Mitterrand paid an official state
visit to Uzbekistan. In 1996, the first president of Uzbekistan visited France and,
together with French President Jacques Chirac, he took part in celebrations marking the
660th anniversary of Amir Temur under the auspices of UNESCO.
Since nowadays, there were 4 official visits of head of States: in 1993 and
1996 Islam Karimov, in 2018 Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited France, in 1994 the
Fran
з
ois Mitterrand was with State visit in Uzbekistan. Nowadays, the contacts
and meetings of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and France have
permanent character and they organize regular political consultations to summa-
rize obtained results, solve together obstacles which did not permit to reveal
completely all potential of bilateral relations and determine future directions of
partnership. So far, 10 rounds of political consultations have taken place. More
1
Yun S.M. Sravnitelniy analiz politiki Germanii, Velikobritanii I Fransii v Sentralnoy Azii
[Comparative analysis of the politics of Germany, Great Britain and France]. Sravnitel’naya
politika, 2011, no.4 (In Russian),P.104
SHARQSHUNOSLIK / ВОСТОКОВЕДЕНИЕ / ORIENTAL STUDIES 2019, № 1
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than 35 documents were signed between the two countries that form the basis of
interstate relations, including 23 interstate and intergovernmental documents, 12
interdepartmental agreements
1
.
Inter-parliamentary ties are also consistently developing. Since June 2010, the
Uzbekistan-France friendship group has been functioning in the Legislative
Chamber of our country. In turn, the France-Uzbekistan inter-parliamentary
friendship group was set up in the French National Assembly. A significant
contribution to the expansion and strengthening of inter-parliamentary relations is
made by mutual visits of delegations, which help to maintain close and mutually
beneficial contacts between representatives of the legislative power of the parties.
Diagram no.1 Dynamics of bilateral official meetings
2
:
According to this diagram the most fruitful period for official visits in bilateral
frame was from 1993 to 1997. The period of 2005 to 2008 is with the most low
indexes. This is due to the temporary cooling of relations between the EU
countries and Uzbekistan and the global financial crisis. Since 2008, the regular
dialogue between France and Uzbekistan has resumed at the governmental level
1
Urozov A. Uzbekistan - Fransiya: na puti rasshireniya i ukrepleniya dolgosrochnogo
vzaimovigodnogo partnerstva [Uzbekistan-France: on the path of expanding and strengthening
long-term mutually beneficial partnership]. Available at: http://www.uza.uz/ru/politics/uzbekistan-
frantsiy a-na-puti-rasshirengsaiya-i-uk repleniya-dolg-10-10-2018. (accessed 27.02.2019)
2
The diagram was designed based on analysis of official sites of Press-service of the President of
Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of foreign affairs of Uzbekistan and France, and using the
information of French Embassy in Tashkent (http://www.press-service.uz/ru/search /?q=
Франция
+
визит
&s=
поиск
; http://www.mfa.uz/ru/cooperation/ countries/58/; https://mfa.uz /ru/?search/?q=
Франция
узбекистан
-
франция
-2/; https://uz.ambafrance.org / Istoriya; )
SHARQSHUNOSLIK / ВОСТОКОВЕДЕНИЕ / ORIENTAL STUDIES 2019, № 1
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in order to restore trust.As can be seen from the diagram, but not to the level of
starting indicators. Perhaps the activity of mutual visits in the 90s is due to the
recent independence of Uzbekistan and the need to develop a framework and
conditions for cooperation between the countries.
In world policy, France has similar or close views to international problems
with Uzbekistan. They interact closely to find a solution to different international
tasks and issues. For example, Uzbekistan is very important partner of France in
international organizations, such as United Nations. France always emphasizes the
regionally significant and very important role of Uzbekistan. In 1990s taking into
account the strengthening of the radical Taliban regime in Afghanistan and the
exacerbation of the military-political situation in Central Asia, France recognized
the special importance of Uzbekistan in terms of regional security. Since that
time, bilateral military ties began to develop, relations between internal affairs
agencies strengthened. For example, the President of France E.Macron during a
meeting with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.Mirziyoyev in the
Elys
й
e Palace noted that “wise policies and large-scale reforms implemented in
Uzbekistan contribute not only to improving the well-being of the population, but
also peace and sustainable development in Central Asia”
1
.
It should be emphasized that, in contrast to the partnership of Uzbekistan with
Germany, Japan, the United States or South Korea with which there is a “Central
Asia +” relationship format, cooperation with France is not so developed in the
Central Asian regional context, but not vice versa. France is important for
Uzbekistan in the European Union. It pays more attention to the real problems of
the countries of the region and using for this purpose especially the institutions of
the European Union. France, together with Germany, has been the coordinator of
the European Union Rule of Law Initiative for Central Asia since 2008
2
. This
means that France also, like Germany, uses the EU platform for the development
of regional cooperation with the Central Asian countries.
At regional level, France mainly operates within the framework of the EU
strategy for Central Asia, which focuses on “security and stability” and
determines them as the EU’s strategic interests in Central Asia. The further
sections of the document Strategy point to particular areas for engagement that
would contribute to the strategic goals. These are seven priority areas
3
:
1. Human rights, rule of law, good governance and democratization,
1
Urozov A. Uzbekistan - Fransiya: na puti rasshireniya i ukrepleniya dolgosrochnogo
vzaimovigodnogo partnerstva [Uzbekistan-France: on the path of expanding and strengthening
long-term mutually beneficial partnership]. Available at: http://www.uza.uz/ru/politics/uzbekistan-
frantsiy a-na-puti-rasshirengsaiya-i-uk repleniya-dolg-10-10-2018. (accessed 27.02.2019
2
Yun S.M. Sravnitelniy analiz politiki Germanii, Velikobritanii I Fransii v Sentralnoy Azii
[Comparative analysis of the politics of Germany, Great Britain and France]. Sravnitel’naya
politika, 2011, no.4 (In Russian), P.106
3
Juraev Sh.Comparing the EU and Russia engagements in Central Asia. Dans L' Europe en
Formation 2014, no.4.
№
374. - P.81
SHARQSHUNOSLIK / ВОСТОКОВЕДЕНИЕ / ORIENTAL STUDIES 2019, № 1
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2. Youth and education,
3. Promotion of economic development, trade and investment,
4. Strengthening energy and transport links,
5. Environmental sustainability and water,
6. Combating common threats and challenges, and
7. Inter-cultural dialogue.
The ready-made platform and the long-developed mechanisms and procedures
of the EU help France not to spend most of its time on developing the conditions
and procedures for cooperation, it is also reasonable to spend its national finances
and to attract actual problems in Central Asia and other EU countries, especially
developing ones.
Economic vector.
The economic sphere is one of the developed sectors of
Uzbek-French relations, with not fully revealed potential and opportunities. About
30 French companies operate in Uzbekistan through their representative offices.
Since 1996, an investment protection agreement has been in effect between the
two countries and in 2003 an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and
tax evasion entered into force. An intergovernmental commission on trade and
economic cooperation between France and Uzbekistan has been established. The
seventh meeting of this commission was held on July 20, 2018 in Paris. Uzbe-
kistan has the right to receive grants for research from the Foundation for Re-
search and Assistance to the Private Sector (FASEP), as well as from the Reserve
Market Emerging Countries (RPE). France provided Uzbekistan with a preferential
loan under the RPE in the amount of 15 million Euros for the reconstruction of
pumping stations in Navoi and Uchkar, the implementation of which began in 2015.
The French Development Agency (AFD) opened a representative office in
Uzbekistan and signed in December 2016 the first financing agreement for a project
on waste management in Samarkand
1
. But in terms of business cooperation, France
lags far behind Russia, China, South Korea or Germany and the United States. This is
clearly seen in the dynamics of the development of the trade turnover between
Uzbekistan and France. 2011, the trade turnover between the countries amounted to $
354 million. In 2014, the trade turnover of the Republic of Uzbekistan and France
amounted to 287 million dollars, in 2016 $ – 257.5 million and in 2017 mutual trade
turnover amounted to 251.6 million. Here we can observe not an increase, but a
significant decrease in the indicators of commodity turnover, which was not even
large by the standards of Uzbekistan from the beginning. An interesting situation
could be mentioned in goods trade indexes dynamics
2
:
1
Relations bilat
é
rales, site oficielle du Minist
è
re de l’Europe et des Affaires
é
trang
è
reshttps://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ouzbekistan/la-france-et-l-ouzbekistan
2
O’zbekiston Respublikasi Markaziy banki. O’zbekiston Respublikasining to’lov balansi, xalqaro
investitsion pozitsiyasi va tashqi qarzi (2018 yil uchun) [Central Bank of the Republic of
Uzbekistan. Balance of payments, international investment position and external debt of the
Republic of Uzbekistan in 2018]. - Tashkent.: 2019, P. 73-81.
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Table no.1 The share of France in goods trade’s geographic structure of
Uzbekistan (2016–2018)
mln. US $
2016
2017
2018
exp
%
imp
% exp
%
imp
%
exp
% imp
%
Total 8 444 100 11 483 100 9 922 100 12 935 100 10 646 100 18 901 100
France 93
1,1 102
0,9 123
1,2
81
0,6 164
1,5 103
0,5
In the period from 2016 to 2018, indicators of import and export in foreign
trade in goods of Uzbekistan are growing dynamically, and their ratio in favor of
increasing the share of imports, since the jump in the amount of imports is
7,418 million US dollars, and the difference in exports of 2016 and 2018 plus
2 202 million dollars. The share of France in the geographical structure of exports
of goods in Uzbekistan is constantly growing, but imports from France as a
percentage from 2016 to 2018 decrease from the total indicators of Uzbekistan’s
imports decrease in arithmetic progress, and the amount fluctuates. This table
shows that in 2016–2018 the goods turnover between Uzbekistan and France is
growing, especially quantitatively, than in percentages, and the positive balance of
trade in goods is changing towards Uzbekistan, and the country gradually, though
with small steps, enters the real market of France. France, on the contrary, is
losing its position in the market of Uzbekistan at the background of growing
imports in Uzbekistan.
In addition, here is given an overview of agreements between Uzbekistan and
France from 1993 to 2016
1
, regarding to which we may observe that the main aspects
of Uzbek-French cooperation is economic one. In the period taken, about 35
documents were signed between the two countries, including 23 interstate and
intergovernmental documents, 12 interdepartmental agreements. The main share of
agreements comes to cooperation in science, education and culture – 7 agreements,
financing of socially significant programs and facilities (civil society development,
healthcare, etc.) – 6 agreements, EU development assistance program - 5 agreements,
chemical industry-4 agreements. As can be seen in the diagram
№
2, in the
development of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and France, the main place
was taken by social and humanitarian issues, rather than direct investment or
economic projects. But in the same way, relations between France and Uzbekistan
could retain their importance namely by the originality and social orientation of the
areas of cooperation, despite the low indexes in economic and trade relations.
1
The diagram is elaborated on basis of official information and model of searching on the
following resources: Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France : www.diplomatie.gouv.fr;
Press-service of the President of Republic of Uzbekistan http://www.press-service.uz/; the
Ministry of foreign affairs of Uzbekistan http://www.mfa.uz/ru/cooperation/countries/58/; Japan-
French relations www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ouzbekistan/la-france-et-l-ouzbekistan;
Electron Bulletins of Government portal of Uzbekistan (from 2012 to 2015)
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Diagram no. 2 Quantitative analysis of agreements between Uzbekistan and
France (1993-2016)
Concerning the analysis of bilateral agreements signed in the period 2017–
2018, here the main part is made up of documents signed during the visit of
President of Uzbekistan Sh. M. Mirziyoyev to France in October 2018, following
which were signed
т
10 bilateral documents and were reached agreements on in-
vestment projects worth 5 billion Euros: intergovernmental agreements on inter-
national passenger and freight transport by road, on cooperation in the field of
tourism, an agreement of intent with the French a Development Agency on the
implementation of the Cooperation Program for 2018–2020 etc. The Program of
Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2019–2020, documents
between the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and
Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development
and Energy of France on cooperation in the field of environmental protection and
sustainable development, the Ministries of the Interior, Ministries of culture,
between the Foundation for the Development of Culture and Art under the
Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Louvre Museum were
also signed and adopted.
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Diagram no. 3 Quantitative analysis of agreements between Uzbekistan and
France (2017-2018)
An important and innovative part of the signed agreements is
а
document on
cooperation in the field of space. According to the agreements, Thales Alenia
Space – one of the leading international space and defense companies in Europe
with an annual turnover of about US $ 18.5 billion will create an industrial base
for the space industry in Uzbekistan, and this with the involvement and training of
local personnel. Analyzing the components of the sphere of mutual cooperation,
we can conclude that for Uzbekistan the emergence of new areas of cooperation
with France is not of quantitative, but of qualitative importance, especially in the
areas of transport, art and technology development in the field of space.
Some words about investment vector of economic cooperation. In following
two graphics
1
are given the dynamics in this field.
1
The graphics were elaborated on basis of official information and model of searching of the
following
resources:
Ministry
of
Europe
and
Foreign
Affairs
of
France:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/; Press-service of the President of Republic of Uzbekistan
http://www.press-service.uz/;
the
Ministry
of
foreign
affairs
of
Uzbekistan
http://www.mfa.uz/ru/cooperation/countries/58/;
French-Uzbek
relations
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ouzbekistan/la-france-et-l-ouzbekistan/; Electron
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Diagram no. 4 Dynamics of direct French investment (1993-2016)
As we can see the volume of direct French investment to Uzbekistan in period
of 1993–2016 was 3,1 billion US dollars and the main dimension of investment
was energy sector and communications. However, the difference in investment
volume among the spheres is not so big, and it may be explained by a small
amount of direct French investment for 23 years of cooperation. But after the
official visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France in 2018 the situation is planned to
be changed. First of all, bilateral and national frame was chosen is preferable one,
secondly, the volume of direct French investment raised for more than 62% in one
year: e.g. a cooperation program for the implementation of infrastructure projects
worth about 600 million Euros has been signed with the French Development
Agency; projects with such French companies as Airbus, Total, Vinci, Orano,
Total Eren, Veolia, Fevs Stein, Bouygues, Rangis and many others are also
scheduled for implementation.
Bulletins of Government portal of Uzbekistan (from 2012 to 2015); the base of the official
treatments of France :Trait
é
s bilat
é
raux http://bas edoc.diplomatie.gouv.fr /Traites /pays
_TRAITES_ bilater al.php?pays=Ouzbekistan
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Diagram no. 5 Dynamics of direct French investment (2018)
*2018: 5,63 billion $
Investment by sectors
13%
16%
13%
10%
15%
10%
10%
13%
energy sector
communica ons
development assistance program
social moderniza on
science and educa on
tourism
automobile industry
others
But there are also a number of problems in the field of economic cooperation.
France is one of the largest grantors in the world. However, the economic ties of
Uzbekistan and France are repelled by the geographical remoteness of these
countries. In this regard, from a geographical point of view for Europe, Central Asia
is still a periphery that does not have convenient logistics routes and short sea roads.
For France, Uzbekistan is important on energy issues, but in this area, its main
partners from the post-Soviet countries are Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and
Azerbaijan. Until 2018, France mainly cooperated with Uzbekistan in separate EU
projects. However, after the signing of a number of bilateral agreements between the
heads of state in 2018, it is expected that economic relations will develop, at least in
the field of transportation and space technology. But for this, Uzbekistan needs to
continue the system approach in the future to improve the country’s image and
address the issues of protecting investment security in Uzbekistan.
Cultural vector.
Cooperation in cultural and humanitarian spheres is also
intensively developing. The organization of bilateral cultural events with participation
of Uzbek and French masters became a regular tradition. In October 1993,
Uzbekistan joined UNESCO, whose headquarters are in Paris. Since then, there has
been close cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO in the field of education,
science and culture. Since October 4, 2018, there is a “visa-free” system for French
citizens for a period of 30 days. The history and culture of Uzbekistan are of great
interest in the world, including in French scientific circles. Taking into account the
huge interest in the historical and cultural heritage of our country, an exhibition on the
history of Uzbekistan in the Louvre is planned to be held in 2021.
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In addition, France is supporting five major projects in the field of archa-
eological excavations and restoration of cultural heritage (Timurid paving of the
White Palace (Ak-Saray) in Shahrisabz, which was solemnly opened in 2014). In
2015, the Alliance Francais branch opened in Tashkent.
As for bilateral technical cooperation, it is mainly aimed at promoting legal and
institutional development, in particular, at strengthening the institutions of civil society.
Uzbekistan also pays special attention to the support and propaganda of Uzbek
culture in France by supporting associations of compatriots in France. For example,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in France, as well as
other relevant structures of the country, as the Committee on Interethnic Relations
and Friendly Relations with Foreign Countries under the Cabinet of Ministers,
maintains constant contact with the Association of Compatriots Meros in Paris, which
was established in 2018 in Paris. In near future, on the basis of this association, it is
planned to open free Uzbek language courses for children of Uzbek compatriots in
France, also for those who wish, and also a library, for which the government of
Uzbekistan transferred over 500 books in Uzbek language written by more than 100
Uzbek authors
1
. As it is known, the ethnic diaspora and minorities are the main actors
of public and informal diplomacy, and in this context the Uzbek community abroad is
a carrier of national culture, values, language, a kind of conductor of humanitarian
ties between Uzbekistan and the countries of the world.
Vector of education.
A special agreement about cooperation in education between
France and Uzbekistan is not signed since nowadays, this sector is developing very
effectively in the frames of interdepartmental agreements of educational institutions –
universities, research institutes, academies etc and ministries.
In Uzbekistan, the French language is one of the classically popular
languages, notably it chosen as one of the 3 main foreign languages (English,
German and French) in entry exams list to State higher education establishments.
The modern condition of the Francophony in Uzbekistan is also stable: in
Tashkent the Center of the French Language and Culture functions since 2015; the
governments of both countries have been reached agreements on opening
branches of leading French universities in Uzbekistan, where Uzbek students will
study in such areas as economics, engineering, agriculture, tourism and fashion
etc; more than 24% of Uzbek students, who study abroad, acquire their knowledge
in European Union, including France, which is the first destination for Uzbek
young people
2
. Nowadays, prestigious French Universities such as Toulouse
University, Paris-Sorbonne III, SciencesPo, University of Strasbourg cooperate
1
Sootechesvenniki vo Fransii aktivno prodvigayut imidj strani [Compatriots in France are actively
promoting the country’s image]. Available at: https://ouzbekistan.fr/ru/
соотечественники
-
во
-
франции
-
активно
/. (accessed 24.03.2019)
2
International academic platform. World’s academic mobility report 2017. Available at:
www.students.flatworldknowledge.com/student_textbook/reports/2017_01/region/EU.html.
(accessed 17.03.2019)
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actively with Tashkent Juridical University, University of World Economy and
Diplomacy, regional Universities of Samarkand, Jizzakh, Ferghana, Karshi etc.
Uzbek and French universities have a good tradition of regular exchanging of
professors, staff and students. For example, in October 2012, the French National
School of Administration signed a cooperation protocol with the Academy of
Public Administration of Uzbekistan, and in March 2013, it hosted a delegation of
the Academy on a welcoming visit. But the state of academic mobility and
exchanges between two parts are not so close and high as for example with South
Korea, Japan, China or Germany.
Diagram no. 6 Dynamics: Students from Uzbekistan in France (both genders)
Changes in the number of students from Uzbekistan in France are
characterized with little dynamics since 2000 and fluctuate in the number 130 per
year in average
1
. The highest rate falls in 2009–2011 when 160 Uzbek students
studied in French universities. Today, this indictor varies in the range 125–135.
Analysis of this diagram brings us to the suggestion, that at first, the number of
Uzbek students in France is very little, at second, education in France, where
higher study is free, is not widely promoted among the youth of Uzbekistan.
Keeping in mind that mostly students who know French language go to study
France, it can be assumed that in competition with such oriental languages as
Korean, Japanese and Chinese, and even with German, French loses its positions.
1
UNESCO institute for statistics. Statistics of the foreign students in France. Asia: Students from
Uzbekistan, both sexes (number). Available at: https://knoema.ru/UNESCOISD2018/unesco-
institute-for-statistics-data?tsld=1524160/ (accessed 01.04.2019)
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The situation can be only improved by the efforts of the cultural and educational
mission of the French Embassy in Uzbekistan and the increased participation of
the private sector in the provision of academic legal services according to the
education in France for students from Uzbekistan.
For instance, France is not the biggest investor to Uzbekistan educative system.
But, bearing in mind the free education in the universities of France and the latest
agreements between the heads of state, it can be assumed that in the near future the
participation of French universities in the national education system of Uzbekistan
will increase significantly. For Uzbekistan, the French system of education is
important for its originality and social orientation in contrast to the Anglo-Saxon
model, and also with high quality, especially in such areas as humanities, art and
fashion, high technology, energy, medicine, and political science. Participation of
France in educational projects and processes in Uzbekistan will allow our country to
diversify the academic services market and enhance its academic image for foreign
students, especially from neighboring countries.
C
о
nclusion.
The interaction of France with Uzbekistan is really loaded and
multiple, and analyzing all specter of Uzbek-French relations in one article is not
possible. The fact is that potential of development of partnership relations with
one of the economic leaders, increases year by year, by virtue of which
Uzbekistan strengthens and modernizes its social sector and economy. As con-
clusion, we could note that partnership of France and Uzbekistan is based on
mutual understanding and respect, on centuries-old traditions of cooperation and
disposes unfully discovered potential.
Both States despite the geographical distance, a different way of the economy
and life in general, are somehow similar. They are seeking to strengthen their
position in the region and are active in foreign policy. At the present stage,
cooperation between Uzbekistan and France develops more smoothly, with some
nuances, but constructively more qualitative than quantitative, not very dynami-
cally in the last 10 years, but covers more and more new areas such as cooperation
in space, automobile industry, telecommunications, higher education. Even the
last visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France in October 2018, which defined new
vectors of cooperation such as energy sector, science, healthcare, modernization
of transport infrastructure, launching and processing of sources of raw and
mineral resources, automobile industry, oil and gas, chemical industry, telecom-
munications and etc., indicates the importance of progressive development of
bilateral relations for both states. If at the beginning of cooperation, France has
given more attention in bilateral cooperation to the development of political
institutions in Uzbekistan, then over time, especially in recent years, it also
highlights economic interests. The dynamics of the main vectors of cooperation
between Uzbekistan and France suggests that in the near future socio-economic
issues will take the place of socio-political ones.
