GRODNO, 23 July (BelTA) - On 8 and 9 October, Grodno will host the third Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine. Preparations for the large-scale event were discussed by Belarusian Ambassador to Ukraine Igor Sokol and Grodno Oblast Vice Governor Vitaly Nevera, BelTA has learned.
The central part of the city will be the venue of the forum. The biggest events will unfold in Sovietskaya Square, Tyzenhaus Square and in Sovietskaya Street. Plenary sessions will be hosted by the Grodno Regional Philharmonic and Yanka Kupala Grodno State University.
Vitaly Nevera noted that the preliminary concept of the forum has already been drawn up. A large-scale exhibition and a fair will feature the goods made by enterprises and organizations of the regions of the two countries. The downtown of the city will host an outdoor exhibition of all kinds of machines: farm machines, electric buses and cars. Each region will present its capabilities in industry, agriculture, tourism and historical heritage.
Traditionally, the forum will feature meetings of delegations, businessmen, signing of various documents and contracts.
“Ukrainian regions are showing a great interest in the forum. More and more regions confirm their intent to come to Grodno. They are interested in the city and the region. The region does have something to show. I have no doubt that the event will be organized well. Grodno is already ready to host the forum,” Igor Sokol said. He also drew attention to the economic impact. Thanks to the first two forums, which were held in Gomel and Zhitomir, the Belarusian regions have significantly boosted exports to Ukraine.
For Grodno Oblast Ukraine is one of the major trading partners ranking 2nd in terms of trade. In 2019, foreign trade amounted to more than $370 million. Exports rose by 15% to exceed $206 million. Grodno Oblast has concluded agreements on interregional cooperation with eight regions of Ukraine. Several similar agreements are in the pipeline.
