Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Acting khokim of Tashkent Shavkat Umurzakov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic Aurelia Bouchez.

Shavkat Umurzakov, who warmly welcomed the guest, expressed gratitude for the visit and said that in Uzbekistan, and especially in Tashkent, a favorable investment and business environment has been created for both local and foreign companies. He also said that the time has come to discuss promising projects along with large projects currently underway with French companies such as Veolia and Suez. He stressed the need to increase the participation of France in projects and enterprises in the field of architecture, infrastructure, design, construction, food industry, currently being implemented in Tashkent.

Aurelia Bouchez expressed her gratitude for the reception and openness to dialogue and supported Sh. Umurzakov's proposals. Stressing that following the results of the visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyeva to France in November last year, mutual cooperation is actively gaining momentum and expressed confidence that effective agreements will be reached in this direction.

Ms. Bouchez also addressed with organizational issues on projects currently being implemented jointly with French companies. In particular, she raised the issue of opening a branch of the French Culinary Academy Le Cordon Bleu in Tashkent.

Umurzakov expressed his willingness to help in all matters, and said that cooperation with the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy would be restored soon.