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The forum opened on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus as part of the Penza Oblast Days.
"Today is truly a special day that affirms the unity of the longstanding history shared by the Belarusian and Russian peoples," said Dmitry Mezentsev, State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. "Much has been accomplished in the development of our cooperation. The exhibition presented today by Penza Oblast Governor Oleg Vladimirovich Melnichenko and his team is a vital part of the extensive interregional work, including the work within the Union State."
"It is symbolic that on the Day of Unity, the Penza Oblast has the opportunity to present itself," emphasized Oleg Melnichenko. "We are grateful to our Belarusian colleagues for this. It is especially meaningful that all of this is taking place on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War — a victory that brought peace, happiness, and prosperity to our countries and all of Europe."
The forum is being held at the Palace of the Republic. Over 65 Penza enterprises are participating, alongside around 100 companies from Belarus. B2B meetings are planned as part of the program.
"The conditions provided for our delegation are simply outstanding. We have the opportunity to work productively, hold meetings, exchange valuable information for business, and, as we say in Russia, ‘put our best foot forward.’ We can present the Penza Oblast in all its brilliance," said Oleg Melnichenko.
"This kind of work doesn't always start easily, but with a systematic approach, it brings strong results," he added.
The forum includes an exhibition component. At the Palace of the Republic, Penza representatives showcased to their Belarusian colleagues the region’s achievements in heavy and light industry, furniture and biomedical clusters, construction, food production, electronics, and artisanal crafts.
"The Penza Oblast Days in Minsk are a demonstration of the unity of our intentions," said Nadezhda Lazarevich, First Deputy Chair of the Minsk City Executive Committee. "It’s especially heartening to hear the governor personally speak about each part of the Republic of Belarus, showing familiarity with their challenges and achievements."
Speaking at the forum's plenary session, Oleg Melnichenko emphasized that the Penza Oblast is an industrial-agricultural region. Industry accounts for 22% of the gross regional product, while agriculture contributes around 20%. Visitors could sample and purchase Penza-made products at a fair held on Minsk’s Town Hall Square. Featured items included goods that have already gained popularity both in Penza and beyond.
Products included turkey meat, dairy and cheese, sausages and confections, beverages, maple and raspberry syrups, and nuts.