The 19th Edition Gomel Economic Forum will kick off on 18 September and will bring together around 500 participants from various countries, Mikhail Akunets, Chairman of the Economy Committee of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee, told the media in Gomel on 15 September, BelTA learned.
The forum is a large-scale event in the field of economy and development of Gomel Oblast. “To date, around 16 delegations from various countries have confirmed their participation. Within the framework of the forum, we plan to sign a number of investment proposals and documents on interregional cooperation," he noted.
The delegations include business people and representatives of enterprises. “They have already identified areas where we need to work together to implement joint business projects and promote trade and economic relations," Mikhail Akunets highlighted.“This year, the People's Republic of China will be represented on a large scale. Three delegations have already registered for the forum. We are placing significant emphasis on developing our trade, economic, and business relations with China," the official emphasized.
Traditionally, representatives of the Russian Federation will also actively participate in the Gomel Economic Forum. “We are looking forward to hosting guests from Bryansk Oblast, the neighboring region of Russia, and also delegations from Altai Territory, Chelyabinsk Oblast and Nizhny Novgorod Oblast,” Mikhail Akunets highlighted said.
The forum includes a plenary session on 18 September. "We will meet at a roundtable with business partners and partners from foreign countries. We will sign a number of cooperation documents, present our investment potential, and exchange views with colleagues on collaboration across various fields," Mikhail Akunets noted.
The forum will also feature four panel sessions on current issues. One of them will explore industrial development and digitalization. “About 100 participants are expected at this session. Here we will present the industrial, construction, agricultural, and other capabilities of our enterprises. More than 60 enterprises will participate in the exhibition,” the committee chairman noted.
The second session is devoted to tourism development, while the third one will address business development, including SMEs. “We have invited banks that will talk about possible resources and support for the development of this area,” Mikhail Akunets explained.
The fourth session will review the Sustainable Development Strategy of Gomel Oblast 2040. “We have prepared this document throughout 2025. We want to discuss it during the forum, make certain adjustments if necessary, and adopt this strategic document for our region,” he emphasized.
“We offer each delegation an individual program in addition to the main day. This includes visits to our enterprises that are of interest for cooperation to foreign partners. These include areas of our main exports like processing, manufacturing, and food industries. And today we supply our products to more than 70 countries. And we want to expand this potential,” Mikhail Akunets stressed.
Throughout its history, the Gomel Economic Forum has established itself as a respected venue for addressing pressing issues of international trade, economic and investment cooperation, and for forging lasting interregional and cooperation ties.
