Wayland signs agreement with Ukrainian city during delegation visit
A Ukrainian city plans to collaborate with an area of Norfolk after signing an agreement that will encourage trade exchanges and knowledge-sharing across a wide range of sectors.
Wayland Partnership has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zhovkva, a city in the Lviv region which signed an agreement with Norfolk more than a year ago.
The MoU will aim to achieve knowledge transfer and educational and trade exchanges, explore supply chain opportunities and encourage inward investment opportunities between the two places.
Wayland Partnership comprises the market town of Watton, its hinterland of 13 parishes and key community groups such as Wayland Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Association. Its aim is to promote the area's economic, social, environmental and cultural prosperity.
Zhovkva is a dynamic community in Lviv Oblast, just 17 miles from Lviv and 24 miles from the Polish border and is home to more than 2,500 registered businesses.
Discussions about a possible partnership first began when the Mayor of Zhovkva Oleg Volskyi attended the 2024 Royal Norfolk Show as part of a delegation, and the signing of the agreement on Friday 27 June is largely due to the efforts of Norfolk County Councillors Fabian Eagle and Cllr Claire Bowes.
Ahead of the signing ceremony, the visitors were hosted by Watton-based electrical supplier Spartek. Demonstrating the latest digital technology, the business was able to virtually plot the roof of Zhovkva Castle and estimate the energy gain if it was covered in solar panels. This was of particular interest to Mr Volskyi as Ukraine wants to diversify its power supply and is looking to invest heavily in alternatives.
The itinerary also took the delegation to Su-Bridge Pet Supplies in Saham Toney to explore supply chain opportunities and Wayland Academy High School to look at potential academic collaboration.
