Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 20 February 2021, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov held a meeting with a delegation of SUEZ (France) headed by Senior Executive Vice President Eric Gebali. This was reported by the press service of the ministry.

During the meeting with Eric Gebali, which was also attended by the acting head of the diplomatic mission of the French Republic in the Republic of Uzbekistan, Brice Rockfeuil, issues of implementation of projects for the modernization and development of water supply systems in the cities of Tashkent and Samarkand were discussed. The parties noted the high activity and effectiveness of joint work on these projects, which made it possible to achieve significant progress, despite the limitations and difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

During the dialogue, the leadership of the French company announced that the Government of France had approved the allocation of financing in the amount of 145 million euros for the implementation of a project to improve the water supply system of the city of Tashkent. They also considered the existing issues and further steps to accelerate the preparation of project documentation and an early transition to the practical implementation of projects.

Eric Gebali spoke about plans to participate in the implementation of a number of socially oriented projects in Uzbekistan, one of which will be a project to ensure access to drinking water for secondary schools in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara and Kashkadarya regions. The project will be implemented with funds allocated by the company on a grant basis.

Also, the French side expressed its readiness to assist in the implementation of the program for the comprehensive development and modernization of the drinking water supply system for cities and settlements in rural areas by sending technical missions to Uzbekistan, the task of which will be to introduce effective innovative technologies aimed at promptly solving issues of ensuring the population's access to drinking water.

Following the meeting, the management of the French company was assured of the readiness of the Uzbek side to provide effective support in resolving all emerging issues related to the implementation of projects in Uzbekistan, as well as to close interaction to expand further cooperation in the designated areas.