The Penza Region Days in Minsk

As part of the official visit of Oleg Melnichenko, Governor of the Penza Region of the Russian Federation, to the Republic of Belarus, the Penza Region Days in Minsk were held on April 2 at the Palace of the Republic. The event was organized by the Government of the Penza Region and supported by the Minsk City Executive Committee. The business part was coordinated by the Minsk branch of BelCCI.

The event became a landmark occasion, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic and cultural ties between Belarus and the Penza Region of the Russian Federation.

As part of the Penza Region Days, a presentation of the Russian region's opportunities was held, featuring key speakers. Dmitry Mezentsev, State Secretary of the Union State, emphasised the importance of integration processes between Belarus and Russia, noting that such events contribute to strengthening cooperation at all levels. Oleg Melnichenko, Governor of the Penza Region, outlined the region’s economic priorities, shared achievements and key industries, and identified prospects for collaboration with Belarus. He also presented successful examples of ongoing joint projects. Nadezhda Lazarevich, First Deputy Chairperson of the Minsk City Executive Committee, thanked the leadership of the Penza Region for their visit to Minsk, and emphasized the value of established dialogue and the importance of such events for the relation development.

The parties discussed key areas for advancing relations, including import substitution and industrial partnership development in mechanical engineering, agro-industrial complexes, and energy; implementing innovative technologies in production processes; and expanding trade and economic ties.

The plenary part was followed by negotiations between Belarusian and

Penza enterprises.

The Penza Region delegation included representatives of 24 leading enterprises, who came with big plans and interesting proposals to the Belarusian business, including import substitution.

As part of the meetings, Belarusian enterprises explored collaboration in the textile industry, production of specialized vehicles for various purposes, medical technologies, industrial equipment, housing and utilities.

Equally promising is cooperation in supplying machinery and equipment for agriculture and forestry, furniture and construction materials, as well as confectionery products to Belarus.

Belarusian enterprises, in their turn, offered their Penza partners developments in light industry, tourism, and new IT technologies.

As part of the event, several agreements were signed: Motor Technologies OOO NPP – Mogilevliftmash OAO; Vanslad OOO – GrandBiTorg OOO; Trei OOO – BelTEI RUE.

An important part of the programme was an exhibition of the Penza Region's achievements, which showcased the region's innovative developments in industry, agriculture, science and culture.

Additionally, a fair was organized at another venue in Minsk, where residents and guests could purchase products from Penza enterprises, including handmade crafts, food items, and souvenirs.

The event ended with a festive concert dedicated to Unity Day between Belarus and Russia. Artists and creative groups from Belarus, as well as representatives of Russian regions, including Penza region, performed on the stage.

The concert served as a symbolic conclusion to the Penza Region Days in Minsk, highlighting the importance of cultural unity and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.