Belarus' Grodno Oblast, Chinese Hainan sign twinning agreement

Grodno Oblast of Belarus and the Chinese province of Hainan have signed an agreement to establish twinning relations. The signing ceremony was held online on 21 December, BelTA has learned.

The document was signed by Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Karanik and Acting Governor of the People's Government of Hainan Province Feng Fei. The agreement provides for increased cooperation in economic, trade and other areas.

"The economy of Grodno Oblast has been open to international trade for many years. We have established trade and economic relations with 120 countries. China is our strategic partner, and we should promote cooperation min all areas," said Vladimir Karanik. In January-October of 2020, the Belarusian region exported more than $160 million worth of goods to China. High technology and electrical engineering might become a mutually beneficial avenue of cooperation.

"More ambitious projects are in the pipeline. Among them, for example, are the project to build a logistics center at the Grodno airport and launch direct flights between Grodno and Hainan Province. This will, firstly, contribute to the development of tourism and humanitarian cooperation and, secondly, to the mutual supply of goods," Vladimir Karanik said. He stressed that the logistics center can become a transport hub and a gateway to promote Chinese goods not only to Belarus but also to the neighboring EU countries.

Plans are in place to develop close cooperation in science and technology, education and culture. Tourism is also in the focus of attention as both Grodno Oblast and Hainan Province have a lot to offer to visitors. This year has also shown the relevance of cooperation in the medical sector.

The establishment of twinning relations will promote cooperation between the cities of Grodno Oblast and Hainan Province. Work is underway on the agreements between Lida and Sanya, Ostrovets and Qionghai. The administrative centers of the regions - Grodno and Haikou - will also twin.