KHUJAND, April 19, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Ambassador of France to Tajikistan, Mr. Henry Zipper de Fabiani, and his spouse visited Khujand, the capital of Sughd province yesterday.

According to the Sughd regional administration press service, Mr. Henry Zipper de Fabiani arrived in Khujand from Tashkent and the main purpose of the visit was for him to get acquainted with social and political situation in the province.

During his stay in Khujand, French Ambassador hold talks with Jumaboy Sangov, the First Deputy Governor of Sughd.  The talks focused on economic life of the province, activities of joint ventures here, the Sughd Free Economic Zone (FEZ).  “French diplomat was also interested in export/import potential of the region,” the source said.

Mr. Henry Zipper de Fabiani also met with Khujand Mayor Sodiq Mirkholiqov.  During the meeting, the Khujand mayor offered the French side to participate in implementation of investment projects in Sughd province.  They also touched upon the issue of rehabilitation of Khujand International Airport.

The source noted that France currently did not sponsor investment projects in northern Tajikistan.  According to him, only the project to support French teachers is being funded in the area.