GRODNO, 13 November (BelTA) – Finland is looking into possibilities of expanding cooperation with the regions of Belarus, Finnish Ambassador to Lithuania with concurrent accreditation to Belarus Christer Michelsson said at a meeting with Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Kravtsov on 13 November, BelTA has learned.
The ambassador got familiar with the potential of the free economic zone Grodnoinvest. “We need to develop cooperation not only between the capitals but also between regions. This is the main goal of my visit: to study the situation and help business find areas of common interest,” Christer Michelsson said. He added that there are positive examples, including the implementation of the investment project by Finland's Olvi to upgrade and re-equip OAO Lidskoye Pivo. The total investment made up more than $70 million.
At the meeting in the oblast executive committee the parties discussed promising areas of cooperation. Vladimir Kravtsov stated that Grodno Oblast has a well-developed woodworking industry. Finnish companies are also very strong in the area. Cooperation could be mutually beneficial here.
Grodno Oblast is also attractive from the logistic point of view. There are several popular transport corridors, big checkpoints at the border with Poland and Lithuania.
The parties also stressed the importance of cooperation in tourism, education, culture and other areas.
