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Participants of the Polish-Ukrainian Forum could draw from a wealth of experience and find prospective partners to implement future projects. The meeting was opened by Czesław Roll, President of the Management Board of the Centre for Ecology and Economic Promotion.

- Our guests, a delegation from Ukrainian cities, are here to share what the cities have to offer, their expectations and what they would like to do. These are the silent heroes on whose shoulders the fate of the inhabitants rests,  they care for their webeing, life, food and housing amid the noise the bombs and drones generate - emphasised Czesław Roll.

Representatives of Ukrainian cities participating in the expo also included people from towns such as Boyarka, Poltava, Uman, Zviahel, Korosten and Zhytomyr. Each of these cities had the opportunity to present their potential and development opportunities -  they talked about innovative projects, urban plans and investments that are intended to contribute to improving the living conditions of residents and the economic growth of regions.

The deputy mayor of Bojarka, Tatiana Koczkowa, was the first to contact the city of Puławy with the intention to organise the Polish-Ukrainian Forum in Bojarka. This gave rise to cooperation that later included other cities and other European countries.  The Polish-Ukrainian Forum at the Ekotech Expo witnessed Tatiana mentioning this cooperation, as well as the problems they face as Ukrainian cities.

- The biggest problem is the damage to municipal equipment as a result of the war;  we had a problem with waste collection. The problem continued for two months. We received large garbage trucks from our partner from Puławy, thus we have solved the problem. However, we would like to become a partner at par and be able to offer something in return – Tatiana emphasized.

The Polish-Ukrainian Forum was also attended by representatives of Polish institutions and companies who shared their experiences in the modernization of cities and ways of using funding from the European Union.  Tomasz Szymajda, President of the Eastern Business Accelerator at PPNT Puławy, shared practical tips on the effective use of EU funds, which triggered great interest of the participants.

The discussion included information on cooperation arrangements and information exchange between Poland and Ukraine and plans to prepare Ukrainian cities to use EU funds.  Ideas and strategies for the development of joint projects and support for entrepreneurs from both countries were exchanged.

Issues related to the development of local and national roads, business support centers, modernisation of municipal and technical facilities and construction were discussed, too.  Representatives of Ukrainian cities find the expo meeting an opportunity to present current needs in the field of rebuilding municipal infrastructure after war damage. They also to discuss ambitious development plans.   

The Ekotech fair lasts at Targi Kielce until Thursday, April 11, until 5 p.m.

/MSi/