Serhii Morhunov Discussed with Etienne de Poncins Areas of Cooperation with France

Acquaintance and cooperation between Vinnytsia and the French city of Dijon began in 2019. Then, at the initiative of Mayor Serhii Morhunov, the delegation from Vinnytsia paid an official visit to Dijon, France. As a result, directions for possible further cooperation between the two cities were worked out.

"Thank you for visiting our city, we are very pleased. We have managed to establish cooperation with BETEN and have close cooperation with its President Jean Roche. We are establishing a process of decentralized cooperation between cities in four areas. The first is the creation and operation of an agro-hub on the basis of Vinnytsia National Agrarian University and French institutes that are part of the VITAGORA cluster: namely, AGRONOV and Agrosup. The second area of cooperation is the creation of an agricultural cluster with the participation of industrial companies and agricultural producers of Vinnytsia and Vinnytsia region. The third direction is water supply, drainage and network reconstruction. This is a rather serious challenge for us, because the infrastructure of the Soviet times needs serious modernization. Thanks to Jean Roche, we were able to see what principles and technologies are used in France. The fourth direction is irrigation systems of agricultural lands to increase productivity. We also understand all the global challenges of climate change and the experience of the French side in this direction is important for us," said Mayor Serhii Morhunov.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins was also told about the current stages of implementation of all components of the project. In particular, regarding the creation of an innovative agricultural hub on the basis of Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, for the arrangement of which a subvention from the city budget is provided. "I am pleased to be in Vinnytsia today. Your results of the collaboration are impressive and inspiring, and I see an interest in continuing this collaboration with Dijon. You are satisfied with the first results of cooperation, you have good partnerships, and it is inspiring," said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins.

During the working visit to Vinnytsia, the French diplomat also met with representatives of the regional authorities, Vinnytsia National Agrarian University and Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University.