On the way to Europe

Richness of reforms

The distinctive feature of Grodno Region is its rich history. The roots of Belarusian polity are here, in the ancient Novogrudok. The city saw numerous meetings with the leaders, whose actions defined the fates of many European countries. Napoleon Bonaparte’s involvement with such Belarusian cities as Oshmyany and Smorgon, many towns and village is one of not-so-distant examples. The oftener you visit Grodno Region, the better you realise that its residents have learned one life truth: the time of changes and reforms necessitates building and multiplying, relentless efforts and labour… The current economic potential of Grodno Region testifies that the region residents know how to move on. Though urbanisation has hit the region and peasants migrate to Grodno and other cities, among which are Lida, Slonim, Volkovyssk, Novogrudok and Smorgon, the countryside still makes an integral part of the economic potential. Such agronomic societies as Progress, Prinemansky, Oktyabr and other leaders of the agricultural sector surprise the whole country with production volumes.

The industrial potential of Grodno Region is rather diverse, rich in enterprises of a various calibre. The region is responsible for producing 100% of nitrogen fertilisers and potato-harvesters as well as for the lion’s part of Belarusian-made paints and varnishes, electronics equipment, cement, roof tile, lime…

Grodno chemists export their goods to different countries, including Italy, India, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka… Rice, sugar cane and other exotic plants feed on nitrogen fertilisers. Potato-harvesters, which are manufactured in Lida, are well-known both in Belarus and abroad. Lida and near Berezovka can be regarded as an industrial centre of the region. Not far from the farm-machinery plant a whole machine-building complex, including Neman bus-making plant, electric goods factory, stands, while Lida varnish-and-paint plant is a chemical giant of Belarus.

Grodno free economic zone designed to attract investments is a bridge between Belarusian goods and foreign customers. Situated near the border, the region is in active economic cooperation with Kaliningrad Region (Russia), Lithuania and Poland. Euroregion Neman plays a special role in the development of international economic ties.

Travelling is life

Let’s re-formulate the ancient maxim that says movement is life and let’s have a trip around Grodno Region. In warmer days there are crowds of visitors in Novogrudok and Mir, Golshany and Smorgon’s Zaosje… The places connected with symbolic names are especially popular. It happened so that the residents of the region have been making a tremendous contribution to the culture and history of Poland, Lithuania, Russia and the whole Europe as well as far-reaching America, Australia, Asia and Africa.

Medieval knight contests are the best time to visit the town. At that time Novogrudok, which history is linked with such names as Witowt, Iokhim Khreptowich and Adam Mickiewicz, draw modern knights in stylised adornments from all over Europe. The action that takes place on Castle Mountain, collective assaults and one-to-one fights are rather impressive. Drop in Mir on the way from Novogrudok. Mir Castle, a monument of world culture, is breathtaking in its magnificence. A music festival has become a tradition. When the sounds of music touch your heart, you are sure to believe like Adam Mickiewicz did that “the castle is… inhabited,” that like four centuries ago it is full of people’s voices echoed by horns on the walls. A journey to Slonim and Synkovichy, Zhirovichy and Schorsy, Schuchin and Svisloch, Ostrovets and Zelva can be an interesting undertaking… Grodno Region is rich in architectural monuments, mansions and old parks. Avgustovski channel is likely to become another magnet for sightseers. The state decided to bring it back to life. The channel has already turned into the river that connects peoples and countries. It also reminds Grodno dwellers about their ancestors. By the way, the contemporaries are as much intent on creating.

Ales Karlyukevich