The CIS, in geopolitical terms (Commonwealth of Independent States), is undergoing a rapid reconfiguration of trade and technological flows. For French companies, the period 2025-2026 marks a turning point: moving from a logic of traditional exchanges to a logic of technological co-production and diversification of dependencies. The cross-sanctions with Russia have reshuffled the cards, and it is the other member states, particularly in Central Asia, that are now capturing the attention of French investors and operators.
France 2030 and deeptech cooperation with Central Asia
The France 2030 program, led by the ANR, has been funding collaborative projects focused on innovation, deeptech, and energy transition with partners from Eastern Europe and Central Asia since 2024. The model goes beyond traditional bilateral trade.
Read also : The best tips and tech news for all technology enthusiasts
We are witnessing a multiplication of mixed consortiums on themes such as energy storage, green chemistry, or precision agriculture. For French companies, the challenge is to access critical resources (rare earths, lithium, uranium) through structured partnerships, not through simple spot purchases.
The other objective is to position French technological bricks in Eurasian value chains that are structuring themselves outside of corridors dominated by China. The ANR calls for projects planned for 2026, which explicitly target cooperation with third countries outside the European Union, deserve close attention.
Recommended read : The best alternatives for easily downloading movies and series in 2024
The detailed analysis on opportunities between France and the CIS confirms this underlying trend towards more integrated cooperation formats than simple trading.
Eurasian corridors: Chinese pressure and French positioning
France is positioned as a challenger in the logistics corridors of Central Asia, not as a leader. China is accelerating the locking down of these routes, with unilateral tariff initiatives aimed at securing resources for its own energy transition. This pressure is exerted directly on the CIS space.
French companies lack the financial depth and political risk tolerance of Chinese operators. Their advantage lies in high value-added segments: health, processed agri-food, information systems, environmental engineering.
The viable niche for 2026 is where China invests little: mid-sized projects, vocational training integrated into industrial contracts, and especially the export of standards (quality, traceability, cybersecurity). This normative lever remains underutilized by French players in the CIS area.
European regulatory framework and mobility operators towards the CIS
Operators organizing educational or professional mobility between France and CIS countries are facing a gradual tightening of the European regulatory framework on package travel. The requirements focus on pre-contractual information, consideration of unstable geopolitical contexts, and refund modalities in case of cancellation, including for destinations outside the European Union.
Mobility operators towards the CIS need to anticipate these developments in their contracts. Language stay organizations as well as consulting firms organizing business missions in Kazakhstan or Georgia are equally affected.
Promising sectors for French companies in the CIS by 2026
Agritech concentrates direct potential. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan show a willingness to modernize their agricultural operations, with a marked interest in water management technologies and rational fertilization approaches. French companies positioned in these segments have recognized expertise.
The digital sector offers a second axis. Several CIS countries are investing in the development of their digital ecosystems, opening up prospects for French players in software development and cloud solutions.
Health constitutes the third promising area. The health systems of Central Asia present significant needs for diagnostic equipment and specialized medical training. French groups positioned in medical imaging, telemedicine, or e-health training find real demand in these markets.
- Agritech: water management, precision agriculture, traceability of grain supply chains
- Digital: software development, applied AI, cybersecurity, sovereign cloud
- Health: medical imaging, telemedicine, training for healthcare professionals
- Energy: storage, green hydrogen, smart grids
Country risk and over-compliance: a concrete barrier to viable projects
European sanctions against Russia have indirect effects across the entire CIS area. French banks apply enhanced compliance procedures for any transaction involving a member country, even if not sanctioned. The risk of over-compliance hinders viable projects in Kazakhstan or Georgia, two countries that are nonetheless on a pro-European trajectory.
We recommend that companies map in advance, with their compliance departments, the restrictions applicable on a country-by-country basis. The confusion between “CIS” and “Russia” in internal risk grids remains an obstacle that many exporters have not overcome.
Investors capable of distinguishing the dynamics specific to each state, rather than treating the area as a homogeneous block inherited from the Cold War, will position themselves on the most structuring projects of the coming decade.