The Uzbek company "Navoiuran" has signed an agreement with the French company Orano for the joint development of the Yuzhny Jengeldy deposit in the Navoi region. "Navoiuran" will serve as the project operator, integrating the deposit into its industrial base, reports Ritmeurasia.ru.
The Japanese corporation Itochu Corporation will also join the project by acquiring a minority stake in the joint venture Nurlikum Mining, which was established for the development of uranium deposits in Uzbekistan.
This agreement is part of the cooperation program between Uzbekistan and France, which includes investments and innovations worth €6.5 billion.
"Undoubtedly, attracting foreign partners can bring economic benefits, including new technologies, job creation, and infrastructure development," notes AsiaToday, which reported on the agreement. However, it also raises a valid question: to what extent is allowing foreign companies access to the country's strategic resources justified amid current geopolitical shifts?
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 17, 2025