Published Date: Oct 14th, 2022
A new co-operation agreement with Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, Poland, is set to be considered by Fife Council to forge closer ties with the region and open up trade, investment and supply chain opportunities.
The report ‘Economic Co-Operation Agreement - Fife And Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland’ will seek approval to enter into a Co-operation Agreement between Fife Council and the region of Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland, at a Cabinet Committee meeting on Thursday, 20 October, 2022.
The region of Kujawsko-Pomorskie has requested to formalise co-operation with Fife, building on previous contacts, existing heritage and cultural ties. The co-operation agreement would set out areas of mutual interest for development of stronger links, and Fife Council would work with Scotland’s national agencies in promoting international links.
The co-operation agreement looks to continue collaboration with European partner region following the UK’s exit from the European Union and exit from EU-funded programmes, including the creation of a network of business links to benefit from learning and trade opportunities, as well as creating supply chain collaboration.
Options for the agreement will be considered on entering into a formal co-operation agreement. There is potential to develop an agreed action plan focused on areas of mutual interest including further opportunities to promote tourism, including a visiting friends and relatives market, golf tourism and business visitors.
Cllr. Altany Craik, Spokesperson - Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning, said: “There are opportunities to develop existing collaboration arrangements in place between the council and the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, and create a new, stronger, and mutually beneficial co-operation agreement to boost investment.”
“Councils have long played a significant role supporting economic relationships, trade development and trading goods across borders. This agreement has the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to economic cooperation with other regions. Scotland and Poland have a number of historic links and Polish communities are long settled across Fife. We remain committed to opening up our region, increasing investment and fair economic growth and sharing our business expertise.”
The initial focus will be an action plan covering trade fairs and exhibitions, business events and supply chain opportunities, led by the council’s Economic Development team. Opportunities for educational or cultural activities may also be explored.
A formal signing ceremony for the agreement would be held in early 2023.
The Fife-Kujawsko-Pomorskie co-operation agreement would be evaluated after 12 months, and has the potential to be extended to other regions, including those with existing links to Poland as well as Fife.