EU and Central Asia: Which future ?

The EU, albeit not an historical partner of central Asia, is gaining weight in the area. France, a late starter, now takes these opportunities seriously.

The EU, and especially France, are not the first names to pop up when speaking of foreign investments and economic relations in Central Asia. However, when it comes to figures and projects, the picture is much more different.

EU countries always had a discreet but significative weight. The Netherlands have been by far, cumulated from 1993 to 2018, the first foreign investor in Kazakhstan.

The EU has understood the need to create platforms with Central Asia. For instance, a roundtable on Uzbekistan took place on February, in Brussels, with representatives of European Union institutions. This come along with similar private initiatives like the Europe-Uzbekistan Association for Economic Cooperation and other business hubs.

Investments, like the EBRD in Tajikistan, and business opportunities, are expected but it is more that, just economics: Germany offered its assistance against COVID.

France has a special place among its European partners. It is one of the rare countries to have important firms implemented in Turkmenistan where Bouygues is active, with success, since the 90’. A quick glance at the MEDEF’s activity, the largest employer federation in France, shows a renewed interest for the area.

Politically, after a long wait-and-see position, France is assisting this private economic interest with a political push which is well received by Central Asian authorities.

Interestingly, Uzbekistan President’s first trip to an EU country was … France in 2018.