On 10 November 2011 in Kovel, at an international conference on “Ukrainian-Polish Cooperation for Economic Development”, a declaration was signed creating a cooperative platform to increase cross-border ties and collaboration in three participating districts (Kovel, Turiysk and Shatsk). 

The platform is a culmination of the idea that together we can accomplish more. Smaller, potentially isolated areas may not be able to solve all problems that require significant funding and professional experts. By establishing a collaborative platform, we can strengthen the position of the Polish-Ukrainian border region and together we can support a number of joint projects to attract external funding. This cooperation will help to prepare Ukrainians to effectively work with countries of the European Union.

This initiative is a cooperative effort of the Volyn Investment Promotion Agency and the Warsaw chapter of the Polish National Economic Chamber. Poland has ample experience in bringing together local authorities to promote economic development, as demonstrated by efforts like the Kalisko Ostrog organization, which has brought together 22 local authorities.

Zenon Kichka, Chairman of the Warsaw chapter, presented the achievements and progress of the Polish Association of Polycentrics at the conference. To date the Association is implementing three projects with a combined budget of over €1.4 million. The conference further discussed possible operational areas of cooperation in Ukraine between the Polish National Economic Chamber and the local authorities. Mikhail Tyhonyuk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Volyn Investment Promotion Agency proposed that possible areas included waste management, housing, heating, water and sewage management and local telecommunications.

The key moment of the conference was the signing of a letter of intent to create the partnership platform between the three border districts. The signatories were Ivan Smityuha, Chairman of the Kovel District Administration, Alexander Naida, Chairman of the Shatsk District Administration and Alexander Dyshlyuka, Chairman of the Turiysk District Administration. In addition, the conference resulted in the signing of letter of intent to cooperate on economic development, local economies and human capital between the Volyn Investment Promotion Agency, the three border districts and the Polish National Economic Chamber.

After the signing ceremony, the Polish Consul General in Lutsk, Marek Martinek wished the participants effective cooperation and positive results for their efforts at international collaboration.

The conference was organized by the Kovel District Administration, the Volyn Investment Promotion Agency and the Warsaw chapter of the Polish National Economic Chamber.

Natalia Oksenyuk

Volyn Investment Promotion Agency