Hainan ties sister regions bond with Grodno Oblast in Belarus

South China's island province of Hainan signed a letter of intent to establish sister regions relationship with Grodno Oblast in Belarus on July 23.

The two regions will jointly promote friendly exchanges, as well as economic and trade cooperation between the people of the two places. They will also actively carry out exchanges and cooperation in tourism, science and technology, innovation, culture, education as well as other fields, to enhance the friendly relations between China and Belarus and make contributions to the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union.

The contract-signing ceremony. [Photo/hainan.gov.cn] 

Belarus is located in the eastern part of Europe and Grodno is in the western part of the country. The oblast covers an area of 25,000 square kilometers and has a population of about 1.04 million. It boasts the booming industries of commerce, agriculture, medical healthcare, and tourism.

During communication with Hainan officials, Grodno Oblast Vice Governor Viktor Liskovich said that he felt the openness and enthusiasm of Hainan. After learning about Hainan's rich medical industry and tourism resources, he said that he believes that Hainan has many projects worth investing in. He expressed hope that direct flights will be opened between the two places as soon as possible to facilitate closer contact and exchanges.

The bond marks Hainan's first sister region in Belarus. It will function as a platform for Hainan, as well as countries and regions along the Belt and Road to communicate and seek out cooperation opportunities, according to officials from the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province.

Belarus has been very interested about the construction of the Hainan Pilot Free Trade Zone and the Free Trade Port with Chinese characteristics. The Belarusian Consulate General in Guangzhou has communicated with Hainan's foreign affairs department and offered to help cement the bond between Grodno and Hainan. 

In the near future, Hainan will send a delegation led by provincial leaders to Grodno to further consolidate pragmatic cooperation projects between the two sides.

A beautiful castle surrounded by flowers in Grodno Oblast, Belarus. [Photo/Xinhua]