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Representatives of 18 countries participating in twin towns and partners forum in Brest

Photo courtesy of Brest City Hall

BREST, 5 September (BelTA) - Representatives of 18 countries are taking part in the 2nd economic forum of twin towns and partners of Brest which kicked off on 5 September, Brest Mayor Aleksandr Rogachuk told journalists, BelTA has learned.

“We launched the forum of twin towns last year and this idea has paid off. This year’s forum has drawn around 40 delegations from 18 countries. We intend to sign 21 cooperation agreements. This will make a good start to the Brest millennium anniversary celebrations,” Aleksandr Rogachuk said.

Taking part in the forum are representatives of government authorities and business communities of Russia, Poland, Latvia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, China, and other countries.

Participants of the forum intend to sign cooperation agreements in such fields as manufacturing, transport, high technology, education, culture, and tourism (including medical tourism). For example, partners will conclude agreements on setting up an IT cluster in Brest, Pushkin Brest State University will establish relations with a new partner from Bulgaria. The Brest Office of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will enter into a cooperation agreement with the Presov Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Slovakia).

“Brest successfully attracts investment and develops industry. Moreover, we are discussing developing new areas, like IT sector and tourism. We should step up economic cooperation keeping in mind modern challenges,” Aleksandr Rogachuk said. He pointed out that at the 1st economic forum of twin towns and partners Brest companies signed contracts worth around $2 million. By now, contracts worth over $3 million have been confirmed.

Brest City Hall and district administrations will enter into cooperation agreements with regions of Poland, Latvia, and Bulgaria. “We use interregional cooperation as a means to diversify export and reduce risks of mono export. We are gradually expanding export geography and at present trade with over 80 countries,” Aleksandr Rogachuk said.

The program of the economic forum comprises four sections: social, construction, trade and industry, and transport and logistics. Participants are also invited to hold B2B talks and visit enterprises and organizations.

The event is taking place ahead of the official celebrations of the millennium anniversary of Brest.

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