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“The green economy sector is very important and is an innovative branch for Belarus and Italy. Its importance is proved by the fact that the forum will be attended by more than 200 organizations, a half of them are Italian companies. Italian investors have been focused on the sectors of the economy that are traditional for the Italian business so far. The forum aims to expand their horizons and prioritize green economy sectors that are also important for Belarus. The forum has brought together the representatives of the leading Italian enterprises specializing in such industries as alternative energy, efficient use of resources, waste processing and environmental protection. I hope that Belarusian and Italian partners will establish investment cooperation and discuss promising projects during the forum,” Stefano Bianchi said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Yevgeny Shestakov thanked the organizers of the forum for the attention to the green economy topic. “Belarus is committed to the green economy principles. The national plan of action for the development of the green economy in Belarus designed to run till 2020 was approved in Belarus in December 2016. Taking into account the national and global challenges, our state views the green economy as a strategic priority. Italy is one of the suppliers of cutting-edge equipment and new technologies for us. Belarusian products also sell well on the Italian market. These include potash fertilizers, products of the light industry, metallurgy, wood processing and petrochemistry. All that convinces us that in the future Italian companies will be able to find reliable partners for the implementation of investment projects in Belarus, including in the green economy. Belarus is open for the Italian business and always takes this position in building the mutually beneficial dialogue,” he remarked.

Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Ulakhovich reminded that this year Belarus and Italy mark the 25^th anniversary of diplomatic relations. “We have always maintained rather dynamic interaction with our Italian partners in business and trade. Italy has always been one of Belarus’ crucial partners in Europe,” he said.

The next Belarusian-Italian forum will take place in Milan (Italy) in May 2017. “The forum in Milan will focus on such topics as industrial, investment, and regional cooperation,” Vladimir Ulakhovich said.

The 1^st Belarusian-Italian Forum on Green Economy is held in Minsk on 24 March. A group of experts, representatives of government bodies and major organizations involved in this field will discuss the economic situation in the energy sector of the country, pay special attention to the investment opportunities for Italian investors. There will also be B2B and b2G meeting between Italian enterprises and Belarusian organizations and companies. The forum is organized by the Embassy of Italy in Belarus in cooperation with the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the assistance of the Italian Government Agency for the Promotion Abroad and the Internationalization of the Italian Companies, the Italian Export Credit Agency and the Belarus-Italy Chamber of Commerce and Industry.