A free economic zone will be set up at the Augustow Canal in , Viktor Yankovenko, Director of the Tourism Department of the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry, told a seminar during the National Expo of Belarus on June 25. 

Viktor Yankovenko remarked that the tourism project at the Augustow Canal is one of the priorities in cooperation with . “A decision has been made to set up a free economic zone with tourism and recreation in mind at the Augustow Canal and adjacent areas. A relevant decree of the President of Belarus is being prepared,” he said. The free economic zone will offer preferences that will allow attracting investments into the development of the canal infrastructure. 

Among major joint projects Viktor Yankovenko named the celebration of the 600th anniversary of the reserve status of Belovezhskaya Pushcha in 2009. The event is an international one and is on the list of UNESCO commemorative events to be held in 2009. The celebration will begin in September to last till the end of the year, said Viktor Yankovenko. and have set up organizing committees. Last year the sides presented a project about Belovezhskaya Pushcha at the investment forum in London .

Viktor Yankovenko remarked that Belovezhskaya Pushcha is running for the title of one of the seven nature wonders of the universe. July 7 will see the end of the second stage of the contest. At present Belovezhskaya Pushcha stays at the fourth position out of seven. Actions are being held in and to encourage the public to vote for Belovezhskaya Pushcha.

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