International exhibitions in regions promote local development

GRODNO, 10 September (BelTA) – The holding of international exhibitions and forums in regions gives an impetus to their all-round development, Grodno Oblast Governor Semyon Shapiro said as he opened the regional exhibition-fair “Northern Vector of Grodno Oblast 2012” and the international economic forum “New opportunities and cooperation prospects” in Ostrovets on 8 September, BelTA has learnt.

Addressing the participants of the forum and local residents, the governor spoke about the rapid expansion of local business and creation of new jobs. The successful development of the economy helps enhance social security in the region by investing budgetary funds in education, healthcare and sport. These achievements are the result of targeted efforts to expand the economy of each district. Three major economic forums (Euroregion Neman, Lida Region and Northern Vector of Grodno Oblast) are held in different parts of Grodno Oblast. These forums aim to attract investors, boost the bilateral trade, forge new ties, and get access to new markets.

Semyon Shapiro underlined that the very conduct of such forums helps promote tourism. Taking part in them are foreign delegations who come back later with specific proposals. It is important to help businessmen get in touch with each other, the governor said.

Chairman of the Ostrovets District Executive Committee Adam Kovalko informed that since it was established three years ago, the forum “Northern Vector of Grodno Oblast” has proved efficient. This year the forum has gathered over 150 participants from Belarus, Poland, Lithuania, Russia, Slovakia. The exhibition and the forum give a serious impetus to the development of the northern regions of Grodno Oblast. These regions have very bright prospects in connection with the construction of the nuclear power plant, which attracts investors to Ostrovets District and the neighboring districts. Very soon these districts will enter a period of prosperity and local residents will be proud of working there, the official said.

The regional exhibition-fair “Northern Vector of Grodno Oblast” and the international economic forum have been held for the third time. In the previous years the exhibition was held in Oshmyany and Smorgon. Economic forums become a remarkable cultural event for local residents. This year, the international festival Pesni Pamezhzha is held within the framework of the exhibition.