Gomel economic forum brings together over 1,000 participants from 16 countries

The 20th Gomel economic forum has brought together representatives of 16 countries, more than 1,000 participants in total, BelTA has learned.

Over two days, forum participants are getting acquainted with the region’s economic potential. On the first day, 21 May, government officials, business leaders and industry experts discussed key matters at strategic sessions covering the agro-industrial sector, science and technology, artificial intelligence, tourism and women’s entrepreneurship.

The second day began with a meeting between Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko and heads of foreign diplomatic missions as well as leaders of delegations from partner regions. The governor noted that over 20 years the forum has evolved from a regional business platform into a respected international venue where ideas are born, strategic decisions are made, and partnerships and human connections are strengthened.

Ivan Krupko emphasized that Belarus and its Russian partners have built a strong Union State. “Cooperation with the regions of the Russian Federation is a special priority for Gomel Oblast. We are united by a shared history, spiritual closeness, strong economic ties and constant human contact,” he said.

According to him, cooperation with Bryansk Oblast is gaining momentum. “Behind every joint project we see practical results: the operation of the Bryanskselmash enterprise, cooperation in mechanical engineering, housing construction, and joint humanitarian initiatives,” Ivan Krupko noted.

“Cooperation with Kursk Oblast is steadily expanding: Gomel Oblast enterprises are involved in housing and infrastructure construction there. Relations with Nizhny Novgorod Oblast have been given a new impetus from interregional agreements to cooperation in sports, manufacturing and the humanitarian area. Interaction is also developing with Smolensk Oblast, Oryol Oblast, Belgorod Oblast and Chelyabinsk Oblast, the Republic of Bashkortostan, Primorsky Territory and other regions of the Russian Federation. And these are no longer isolated contacts but full-fledged cooperation among enterprises, free economic zones, cultural and educational institutions, and youth organizations,” the governor said.

“We attach special importance to cooperation with the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Preparations are underway to unveil a monument to Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Popov in Loyev District: a symbol of shared historical memory, respect for the feat of the victorious generation, and the spiritual unity of our peoples,” he added.

As an example of mutual trust and effective cooperation, Ivan Krupko cited relations between Belarus and China. “It is important that these relations are actively developing at the regional level as well. Delegations from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have become regular participants in events in Gomel Oblast, business and humanitarian contacts are strengthening, and new interregional agreements are being prepared,” he noted.

Ivan Krupko also emphasized the sincere, open and brotherly relations between Belarus and Uzbekistan. “The active cooperation of Gomel Oblast with Fergana Oblast, Navoi Oblast and Tashkent Oblast clearly confirms this. In a short time, we have managed to launch significant joint projects in manufacturing, agriculture, investment and humanitarian areas,” he said.

Interregional cooperation also plays an important role in relations with Kazakhstan, the governor added. Strong ties based on mutual respect and trust connect the south-eastern region of Belarus with Azerbaijan. Cooperation with Tajikistan is developing substantively and dynamically.

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

Photos by Marina Vasilyeva/ BelTA