With a view to imbibing technological advancement in infrastructure development, waste management, healthcare and other crucial sectors from developed countries, the corporation is planning to team up with the Pyathigorsk City Corporation, a small city in western Russia.
The project is part of the twinning programme called ‘sister city’ partnership agreement between various local bodies across the world.
It is learnt that the corporation will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Pyathigorsk for technology sharing, cultural exchange and business partnerships.
As per the invitation of Pyathigorsk City Corporation, a seven-member delegation including opposition members will go there for a visit from June 23.
“The twinning programme will definitely help the corporation in utilising the sister city’s know-how in waste management and other critical areas. The pact will also help to foster business prospects,” said sources at the corporation.
The delegation includes mayor Tony Chammany, corporation secretary Ajith Patil, health committee chairman T.K.Ashraf, development committee chairman T.J. Vinod, education standing committee chairman R. Thyagarajan, opposition councillor Anil Kumar and health officer C. Santha.
“The twinning programme between local bodies across the world is very beneficial as it helps in sharing technology and experience in various sectors.
When cities keep growing exponentially, it is necessary to have cooperative agreements between city corporations situated in geographically and politically different areas.
This will help in boosting cultural and commercial ties,” said K.J. Sohan, chairman, town planning standing committee.
The delegation will invite members of the Pyathigorsk City Corporation to visit Kochi.
During the LDF regime, the corporation had signed a sister city pact with Norfolk, Virginia, USA. Kochi was Norfolks’ eighth ‘sister city’.
The then mayor Mercy Williams and representatives of the Norfolk Sister City Association signed the twinning programme agreement, but it failed to take off successfully.