Orsha was first mentioned in the chronicle "The Tale of Bygone Years" as the location of princely negotiations "in the summer of 6575" (or 1067), "on the Rsha River near Smolensk". The city's history dates back to July 10, 1067.
To a large extent, the further fate and development of the city on the Dnieper River were predetermined by its strategically advantageous geopolitical location – on the route "from the Varangians to the Greeks" and at the intersection of overland trade routes. The city developed as a political, commercial and crafts center.
Today, Orsha is the administrative center of the largest multifunctional industrialized district in Vitebsk region, a strategically important transport and logistics hub of the country.
The district is represented by the enterprises engaged in engineering, metalworking, construction materials production, as well as light, meat and dairy, food industries. The range of products is diverse and includes linen fabrics, metal-cutting machines, metal processing tools, knitwear and sewing products, foodstuffs, and other positions.
In modern history, a new impetus for the district development was given by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 506 "On the Development of Orsha District of Vitebsk Region", establishing the exemplary status of Orsha district for other districts in the country.
As part of the program, new agricultural and industrial facilities were built, and existing production sites of a number of enterprises were modernized. In the social sphere, significant work was carried out on construction, repair and improvement of health care, education institutions and public utilities.
Another significant document was the Decree of the Head of State No. 106 dated March 21, 2019 "On the Establishment of the Special Economic Zone "Bremino-Orsha". It is aimed to develop a multimodal industrial and logistics complex in Orsha district, providing special conditions and preferences for companies that open businesses and invest in the project implementation.
An industrially developed district with immense potential, rich manufacturing traditions and accessible transport infrastructure continues to attract attention, being one of the largest centers of business activity in Vitebsk region.
Among all business events held there, the Orsha International Economic Forum and the Republican Universal Exhibition-Fair "Orsha Traditions" are of particular interest, annually offering a meeting place for potential partners from different countries and regions. The forum is organized by the Orsha District Executive Committee and the Vitebsk Branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Permanent participants include representatives of businesses, sister cities' administrations, chambers of commerce and industry, free economic zones, business associations and unions, educational institutions, healthcare and cultural establishments. The program traditionally features business meetings, round tables, seminars, business matchmaking sessions, presentations of investment projects, visits to enterprises and organizations in the city and across the district.
In April 2024, Orsha hosted the forum for the twelfth time. Over three days, the forum venue was a center of attraction for business opportunities and cultural exchange, a place for discussing investment prospects, innovations and international cooperation.
The key theme of the forum, "Economic Integration: New Opportunities for Investment Activity", emphasized the desire to strengthen business ties between Orsha and its partner regions and cities in Russia and China, based on experience and competencies, enhancing each other's capabilities.
The forum provided a platform for discussing a wide range of topics, from investments and innovation to product quality issues. All events were available for online viewing. Various panel discussions and presentations allowed participants to share experience and ideas in the fields of economy, education, tourism, healthcare, youth entrepreneurship, e-commerce, digital services, expanding product presence in foreign markets.
Participants had the opportunity to exchange views not only during plenary sessions but also at dialogue platforms that focused on international cooperation in various areas.
As part of the practical content of the sessions, participants visited local enterprises, where they had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the production process and discuss collaboration potential.
The industrial exhibition of the Orsha district enterprises and the fair "Orsha Traditions" also became focal points of the forum, showcasing the district's industrial potential.
The signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vitebsk Branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the business consulting institution Huahe International (Beijing, China) at the platform of the forum was an important step towards deepening international relations. This agreement undoubtedly opens up new prospects for the development of bilateral business relations.
All the business events not only emphasized Orsha's potential in the fields of economy, education, healthcare and culture but also confirmed the district's readiness for further development and cooperation.
Regional forums are among the most effective and in-demand tools for strengthening business connections, exchanging experience and best practices, as well as creating favorable conditions for business development. Such events allow participants not only to stay up-to-date about the current trends and innovations but also establish direct contacts with potential partners, investors and clients. Furthermore, forums serve as a platform for discussing the key issues and problems enterprises and organizations face, contributing to the development of joint strategies and solutions.
The Vitebsk Branch of the BelCCI invites all interested parties to participate and plunge into the business atmosphere of the upcoming 13th International Economic Forum in 2025 in any convenient format. We are open to dialogue and cooperation.
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