Grodno Oblast, Germany to advance cooperation in manufacturing, logistics

Grodno Oblast may attract interest of the German business in manufacturing and logistics, German Ambassador to Belarus Manfred Huterer said as he met with Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Kravtsov on 9 March, BelTA has learned.

“In recent years, our countries have successfully developed relations in politics, culture, and, of course, economy. It is important not simply to maintain this dynamics, but to intensify cooperation, especially between regions of the two countries. Grodno Oblast has a huge potential in this area. Several enterprises with German capital already operate in the region, but our task is to draw more German companies here, all the more so as there is skilled workforce in the region,” Manfred Huterer noted. He also highlighted the favorable geographic position of Grodno Oblast as it is located at the intersection of a lot of trade routes.

“Logistics is indeed one of the most dynamically developing areas in the region,” Vladimir Kravtsov noted. “It also attracts interest of foreign companies. A standard-gauge (European) railway line runs into the territory of Grodno Oblast, which is very convenient for those who supply goods in this direction. We have already implemented some projects in this field in Grodno District and Svisloch District,” he added.

Vladimir Kravtsov stressed that Germany is an important foreign trade partner of Grodno Oblast, but the parties still have an untapped potential in trade and investment cooperation. By the way, the international universal business forum, expo and fair Euroregion Neman, which is held in Grodno every autumn, can become a good venue to search for partners and present concrete projects. Other important areas of cooperation could be culture and tourism. The Festival of National Cultures, that will be held in Grodno for the 13th time in 2020, can be a great opportunity to get familiar with the region. Foreign tourists are also drawn to Grodno Oblast thanks to the visa waiver program.

The parties also discussed ways to enhance twinning relations. Grodno and Germany’s Minden signed a cooperation agreement more than 20 years ago, but it is time to update it. Moreover, Grodno has established close relations with Magdeburg, another Germany city.

Belarus news (BelTA)