A delegation from Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux, Degrémont and Safège, led by Mr. Jérôme Monod, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux, visited Uzbekistan between 5 and 11 September 1998 where they were received at length by President Karimov.

During the visit Degrémont and Safège signed a contract to supply water treatment equipment to Samarcande Waterworks, the second major city in the country with a population of 400,000. Also, Lyonnaise des Eaux signed an agreement planning the creation of a mixed economy company to be in charge of water and wastewater management for the city.

A memorandum of understanding, on the same subject, was signed with the local authority in the town of Boukhara (250,000 population). Further negotiations are underway with the town of Tachkent.