Channels bring work and attract investment

Novi Sad, 23 May – Predrag Novikov, Director of the Office for European Affairs and representative of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, has visited the institutions of the Netherlands and participated in the meetings in preparation of the implementation of “Waterways Forward” project, which gathers representatives from the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Britain, Germany, Ireland and Hungary. “Waterways Forward” aims to create a program on waterway reconstruction and modernization and its use for the promotion of economic development and substantial investment.

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“The canal network on the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina is certainly our country’s great economic potential. Dutch experience has shown that the improvement of this network, in addition to the protection of the environment, contributes to the creation of new workplaces, new investment, development of transport potential and tourism. The amount foreseen for this project is €4 million and our wish is to joint forces with the Public Water Management Company “Vode Vojvodine”, University and other institutions to do our best to exploit fully the potential”, said Predrag Novikov at the meeting. At the meetings with the representatives of Germany and the Netherlands, our initiative to host the International Conference on Natural Channel Systems in our country in 2009 was also discussed. In order for this important event to be realized, the support of relevant Ministries, Chamber of Economy, Tourist Organization and other necessary institutions has been gained. This year’s International Conference on Natural Channel Systems will be held in Canada.