The XI International Economic Forum "Innovations. Investments. Prospects" was discussed at the Vitebsk Region Media Center
As noted by the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Anzhelika Nikitina, the forum is a unique platform for presenting the potential of enterprises and districts of the region, establishing effective communication for finding solutions in import substitution, expanding international economic integration, contributing to the organization of new production facilities and the development of high industrial technologies in modern international realities. It is symbolic that it is held at the site of the Summer Amphitheater. And just as the "Slavianski Bazaar" is a cultural brand, the forum can undoubtedly be called the economic brand of the Vitebsk region.
The meeting of long-standing partners and potential investors in our regional center will be held for the eleventh time. While maintaining some tradition, this year's forum will also have a number of differences.
– First of all, we will hold it on a larger scale. This time, the focus is on import substitution, cooperation of our enterprises with residents of the Russian Federation, and Asian countries. This is relevant today. One of the innovations is the presentation of the innovative potential of educational institutions in the region in conjunction with enterprises that actively interact with the education system or can become potential platforms for implementing developments created there. In particular, Vitebsk State Technological University will be represented with light industry production, Polotsk State University – with the construction industry, petrochemicals, and so on, – said Anzhelika Nikitina.
The format of the event will also be changed. Initially, there will be sections on various areas: industry, construction, food industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, IT sector, education, tourism, and others. Then, an opening ceremony is planned at the Summer Amphitheater venue, followed by an exhibition presentation. This year, the exposition will be open for two days – May 18 and 19. The event will conclude with a summary of results and an award ceremony for the best enterprises, their managers, as well as educational institutions and youth leaders.
Two regions of the PRC will definitely participate in the eleventh international economic forum, and a third one may also be present. Six Russian regions have already confirmed their attendance, as well as India and Iran. Negotiations are underway with Pakistan.
The theme of this year's forum is "Creative Economy – A Bet on the Future".
– If previously a number of our enterprises could count on purchasing raw materials and components in Europe, then today they must either produce them independently or cooperate with our friends in Russia, China, and Asian countries. Therefore, import substitution for the positions that the economy needs comes to the forefront. We are attracting not only the potential of enterprises but also higher education institutions and scientists who have interesting developments in demand in the industrial, agricultural, and medical sectors. That is, we are trying to use what we have more мобильно. Today, human potential is one of the fundamental factors for the further development of the economy. We saw scientific competencies at the republican forum "Belarus Intellectual," where the Vitebsk region was достойно represented, – emphasized Anzhelika Nikitina.
Anzhelika Alexandrovna specifically highlighted IT technologies and scientific potential in the creation of a digital economy. This is the future. Within the framework of the forum, an IT section is planned to operate separately.
Veronika Zaboluyeva, Chairperson of the Regional Executive Committee's Economy Committee, spoke about the innovative potential of the Vitebsk region in oil refining, machine and tool building, light industry, the agricultural sector, and pharmaceuticals. The region hosts the largest number of pharmaceutical enterprises in Belarus.
– In recent years, our export of products has significantly increased, primarily to the Russian Federation. We have increased sales to far-abroad countries: Asia, China. Our economic forum can be characterized by three words: cooperation, innovation, and investment. The Vitebsk region has a large number of enterprises with Russian-Belarusian capital. We hope that our enterprises, within the framework of the forum, will find new business partners and implement joint projects of both investment and innovation orientation, – expressed Veronika Zaboluyeva.
Konstantin Chyorny, First Deputy Chairperson of the Regional Executive Committee's Economy Committee, spoke about the history of the economic forum in Vitebsk and its distinctions from similar events in Belarus.
– Each time, we have tried to showcase something new. If not a new product, then trends, competencies, or developments. Today, one of the key issues is employment. Therefore, the forum aims to bring together scientific and production potential, youth, and employers on one platform and show points of contact, – shared Konstantin Chyorny.
The project is considered unique by Irina Makarenko, Director of the Regional Marketing Center, who focused on the forum's program.
– This will be the third forum that we are holding as an interactive platform that brings together a range of digital technologies. This includes a virtual exhibition that operates year-round, online project presentations that expand the geography and scale of the event, and a YouTube channel. The Vitebsk region is the only regional area that has developed and successfully uses such a tool as the Subcontracting Exchange, – emphasized Irina Makarenko.
Forum participants, both offline and online, will be able to present their projects, discuss problematic issues, and exchange opinions within the framework of international conferences on scientific and technical achievements concerning innovative import substitution, clusters and technoparks, special economic zones, and the integration interaction of education and business. The program includes b2b negotiations, subcontracting exchanges, and much more.