About 500 representatives from different countries have become participants of the 19th Gomel Economic Forum, which is taking place in Gomel on 18-19 September, BelTA has learned.

Welcoming the participants (representatives of 16 delegations) at the plenary session, Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko called the forum a large-scale platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the search for new opportunities.

“More than 20 years ago, a progressive decision was made in Gomel to hold a presentation of innovative and investment proposals with the participation of potential investors. Today, we can say with confidence that the Gomel Economic Forum has the status of the region's main business event. The facts speak for themselves. Over the years, 117 documents worth over $2.7 billion have been signed at the forum. Thanks to these agreements, more than 3,000 jobs have been created, and not only in large cities like Gomel, Zhlobin, Mozyr, Rechitsa, or Svetlogorsk, but also in the remote districts of Lelchitsy and Zhitkovichi, as well as in areas affected by the Chernobyl accident,” the governor reported on the results of the major economic event.

He cited the examples of a modern diagnostic and treatment center in Gomel, new production facilities, and trade infrastructure in various districts of the region. “All of this is direct proof that the forum works for the benefit of people,” Ivan Krupko said.

According to him, the participation of delegations from many countries in the forum is a sign of trust and interest in the south-eastern region. “We are open to everyone who wants to work honestly, constructively, and with perspective,” the governor emphasized.

The governor specified: this year's investment catalogue presents about 70 investment proposals, 95 real estate properties, and more than 110 land plots for the participants' consideration.

“Gomel Oblast is an area with rich natural and human potential, strong industry, and a developed agricultural sector. Our main wealth is our people, who know how to work and achieve results. I am confident that the current forum will become another bright page in the chronicle of our cooperation. May it bring us all new projects, new ideas, and new horizons for joint movement forward,” Ivan Krupko said.

The forum's program includes a plenary session, a presentation of the economic and investment potential of Gomel Oblast, the Industry. Science. Technologies exhibition, strategic sessions, B2B bilateral negotiations, and visits to enterprises and sites in the region.

Over the years, the Gomel Economic Forum has become a recognized and authoritative platform for discussing current issues of international trade, economic and investment interaction, and for establishing reliable long-term interregional and cooperation ties.