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GOMEL, 6 May (BelTA) - Italy’s Parma shows interest in developing joint agricultural projects with Gomel, Parma Mayor Federico Pizzarotti told reporters ahead of the ceremony to sign an agreement on trade, economic, sci-tech and humanitarian cooperation between Parma and Gomel on 6 May, BelTA has learned.

Federico Pizzarotti noted that the Italian side is ready to offer social and humanitarian projects to its counterparts in Gomel. He expressed hope that the signed agreement would add impetus to the bilateral relations in the economic sector. “While in Gomel Oblast, we visited a number of companies, including agricultural firms, and were happy with what we saw. I think we should place an emphasis on the agricultural sector in the future,” the Parma Mayor said.

Gomel Oblast Governor Vladimir Dvornik stressed that Gomel Oblast and Italy have been developing interregional cooperation since 2002. Parma Province and Gomel Oblast have been enjoying good relations since 2014. The agreement between Gomel and Parma is a new step in interregional cooperation development. “International partnership promoted by personal participation of the heads of the regions opens up new cooperation opportunities, securing sustainable development of the two areas,” Vladimir Dvornik said.

The agreement on trade, economic, sci-tech and humanitarian cooperation was signed by Gomel Mayor Piotr Kirichenko and Parma Mayor Federico Pizzarotti. The Gomel Mayor expressed confidence in fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation. In his words, the trade between Gomel and Italy has soared 5 times over the past year. The potential, however, is still greatly untapped.