Famalicão has signed two memorandums of understanding with the municipal administrations of Penang Island and Seberang Perai, in Malaysia. The signature took place during the working visit of the municipal committee, between the 10th and 17th of September, within the scope of the IURC - International Urban and Regional Cooperation project, financed by the European Commission, through DG Regio (Directorate General of Regional Policy), in which the Vila Nova de Famalicão City Hall is a partner.
The municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão was represented by a delegation chaired by the town councillor for the Environment, Hélder Pereira, which was also accompanied by senior representatives of the European Commission for the IURC Asia and Australasia Programme.
The cross-border visit included institutional contacts with the Minister of Environment and Social Affairs of Penang State, Phee Boon Poh, and the Mayors of Penang Island and Seberang Perai, Yew Tung Seang and Azhar bin Haji Arshad, respectively.
These agreements open doors for effective cooperation between these territories in the fields of circular economy, waste and water management, sustainable urban development and innovation, through the organisation and promotion of joint events, technical visits, knowledge sharing, involvement of experts and key stakeholders, discussion and design of local policies in the fields of climate transition and Green Deal.
The trip to Malaysia is part of the Urban Diplomacy Strategy "Famalicão Alliance" and contributes to widen the map of international relations of the city of Famalicão and to strengthen cooperation ties and knowledge exchange with other cities in the world.
The immediate results of this working visit include the participation of a delegation, representing the Municipality of Seberang Perai, in the International Week of Famalicão, next October, as well as the structuring of a project for knowledge sharing and exchange of information and good practices between eco-schools in Seberang Perai and Famalicão.