Business news

GRODNO, 14 September (BelTA) – Investment agreements worth of $100 million have been signed at the Euroregion Neman 2018 business forum in Grodno, BelTA has learned.

Furniture production is one of the most attractive areas for investors in Grodno Oblast. The Grodno Oblast Executive Committee and Poland’s Szynaka Furniture signed an agreement of intent to implement an investment project on furniture manufacturing. “Earlier, there have been set up both state-run and private enterprises to produce furniture raw stock. However, all added value and profit are in the final product. Today there is a group of companies interested in furniture production in Grodno Oblast," said Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Kravtsov.

Other investment projects include the construction of a cotton processing plant in Smorgon, a logistics terminal near Grodno, the development of a trading network, and others. Among the investors are businessmen from Russia, Uzbekistan, Lithuania.

A number of agreements on interregional cooperation were also signed during the forum. Grodno will now cooperate with Serbia’s Kraljevo, while Belarusian Shchuchin with Szczucin Gmina in Poland. Plans are in place to implement several cross-border projects. For example, the international technical assistance project, which partners are Grodno Oblast Executive Committee, Grodnooblstroi and Sejny County in Poland, envisages more than €4 million to repair major roads in the area of ​​ Augustow Canal.

Taking part in the international business forum Euroregion Neman 2018 are more than 450 people - representatives of business, diplomatic missions, heads of different regions from 15 countries.

“The forum is an annual event that has become a popular platform for meetings, discussions, exchange of ideas and conclusion of new agreements. We expect new contracts, partners, and investments from the current business forum. Everyone is interested in developing new industries, creating new jobs. It is important for the capital to come to Grodno Oblast,” Vladimir Kravtsov stressed. In his words, the region remains attractive for business primarily thanks to its favorable investment climate.

The forum has featured thematic sections on FEZ Grodnoinvest and its competitive advantages, interregional cooperation, ways to simplify business management and so on. The tourism potential of the region is also on display.