By Lidia Novikova
Ministries and departments, as well as diplomatic missions and business circles from Belarus, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and elsewhere have sent representatives to three important events: the 13th International Euroregion Neman-2011 Multi-Trade Exhibition-Fair, the 2nd Regional Belarusian-Latvian Business Forum and the 3rd International Grodno — a Town at the Borders Investment Forum.
“The economy of the Grodno Region is demonstrating stable development,” noted Semen Shapiro, Chairman of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee, at the opening ceremony. “This is proven by growing foreign trade turnover, which exceeded $2bn this year; against the same period of last year, it has risen by almost a third. Our region trades with almost 100 states. Russia, Poland and Lithuania are our key trade partners while the Grodno Region is a large market in itself, boasting one of the highest retail turnovers per capita countrywide.”
The events attracted over a hundred participants, keen to develop mutually beneficial co-operation and to find new markets. Investment and business forums were organised for those from across Belarus and neighbouring states, allowing them to present their businesses, attend ‘matchmaking’ meetings and take part in open discussions.
After touring the trade fair, businessmen were able to discuss proposals in detail at the business ‘matchmaking’ session, entitled Promising Areas of Investment and Innovative Co-operation between the Grodno Region and Regions of Neighbouring States. The Belarusian-Latvian Business Forum and Grodno — a Town at the Borders Investment Forum also proved a success.
