Business news

GRODNO, 7 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian city of Grodno and Poland’s Augustow have signed an agreement on the development of cross-border cooperation in tourism, culture and economy, BelTA has learned.

The agreement was inked by Grodno Mayor Mechislav Goi and Augustow Mayor Wojciech Walulik. The document provides for more active implementation of joint projects, including those in the field of cross-border cooperation.

One of the projects that envisages the construction of bicycle and pedestrian bridges in Grodno and Augustow is almost ready to be submitted for funding within a program of international technical assistance.

“Besides, we are currently discussing a project to build an intercity bike trail. Grodno and Augustow are separated by just some 60 kilometers, so why not build another connection,” Mechislav Goi noted. He emphasized that the two cities have something to discuss in healthcare, culture and education. There are also opportunities for cooperation in water sports. Augustow, for instance, has vast experience in the development of rowing.

The Polish guests were invited to attend the international fair and expo Euroregion Neman that will be held in Grodno on 23 and 24 September.

“Soon foreign tourists will be allowed visa-free entry to the Belarusian part of the Augustow Canal and Grodno, which, I am confident, will give a new impetus to our cooperation and implementation of joint projects. I can say that there is interest in your city and country, and the tourist flow from Poland will increase,” Wojciech Walulik said.

The Polish delegation arrived on an official visit to Grodno in an unusual manner. They traveled all the way from Augustow to Grodno by canoe. Lithuania’s Druskininkai is the next stop on their itinerary.