No Barriers Exist: Minsk Launches ‘Partnership Chamber’ for Business Cooperation

To celebrate Minsk's 958th anniversary, the first "Partnership Chamber" event took place on September 12 at the China-Belarus Industrial Park "Great Stone." This initiative was launched by the Minsk Branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI).

The event kicked off with a coordinated transfer for guests, creating a comfortable environment for productive networking fr om the very beginning.

At 10:00 AM, Sergei Nabeshko, Director General of the Minsk Branch of BelCCI, officially opened the event. In his address, he provided an overview of the Chamber's diverse activities, highlighting its essential role in fostering business cooperation and supporting enterprises in the capital region. He emphasized Belarus's interest in attracting foreign investments and discussed the opportunities available in the Minsk Free Economic Zone (FEZ), the High-Tech Park (HTP), and the Minsk City Technopark. He added that the delegation would have the opportunity to explore modern infrastructure and initiatives aimed at supporting innovative businesses. An exhibition showcased a variety of products from the technopark's residents, including promising developments in IT, engineering, biotech, and other high-tech sectors. "I am confident that this visual introduction to Belarusian innovations will generate genuine interest and serve as a strong foundation for discussing specific avenues for future cooperation," he remarked.

To ensure maximum comfort for international participants, the event provided simultaneous translation in Russian and English.

A key component of the program was an "Open Dialogue" focusing on the conditions of CCI membership and the services available for businesses. This expert discussion featured presidents and heads of leading chambers of commerce and industry from various Russian regions, including:

- Svetlana Kovaleva, Director of the Oryol Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry

- Vyacheslav Belov, President of the Perm Chamber of Commerce and Industry

- Vladimir Arkhipenkov, President of the Smolensk Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry

- Valentin Usov, President of the Domodedovo Urban District Chamber of Commerce and Industry

- Alexander Pushkin, Acting Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry

- Roman Zheltov, Deputy Chairman of the Ulyanovsk Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The dialogue extended beyond formal presentations and developed into a lively discussion addressing present economic challenges and opportunities for businesses.

During the meeting, Dmitry Bashko, Commercial Director of the international logistics group "RTL ALLIANCE," presented key logistics solutions, asserting that there are no barriers to exporting Belarusian products.

A traditional group photo captured the representatives of the business community gathered to strengthen partnership ties.

The highlight of the visit was a detailed presentation on the "Great Stone" Industrial Park, delivered by Artur Detkov, Deputy Director General of CJSC "Industrial Park Development Company." Participants received firsthand information about the park’s unique advantages, business conditions, and investment prospects. Artur emphasized that the country has additional FEZs with similar conditions, allowing investors to choose the optimal location based on the products they manufacture.

After the official proceedings, guests were invited to a business lunch, wh ere they continued discussions on potential projects and cooperation in a more informal setting.

The event concluded with the transfer of participants to the venue of the International Forum on Economic Cooperation, ensuring a seamless connection to the day's business program.

The initial "Partnership Chamber" event successfully achieved its goal of creating a unique platform for direct dialogue between Belarusian and international business circles, showcasing best practices, investment opportunities, and the innovative potential of Belarus.