VITEBSK, 18 October (BelTA) – The international economic forum Innovations. Investment. Prospects will take part in Vitebsk on 2-3 December in a mixed online and offline format, BelTA learned from the official website of the event.

The forum is a traditional platform for displaying the economic potential of enterprises and districts of Vitebsk Oblast. In 2021, the region's main business event will be the first large-scale event with international participation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The forum was set to take place for the ninth time in 2020, but it was cancelled due to the world epidemiological situation. At that time, the central theme was defined as Digital Transformation - the Driver behind the Region's Innovative Development. After a forced break, it has been decided to keep the theme this year to unite the forum's events, and to discuss the use of digital technologies, the development of infrastructure and the legal environment for the digital economy. The forum participants will also be able to share their opinions on the emerging opportunities for the development of economic cooperation, competitive advantages, and production and technological potential.

The business program of the forum will include thematic expositions “Clusters - Regional Development Drivers”, “Innovative Technology and Equipment in Agriculture”, “Integration of Education, Science, and Business”, “Vitebsk Export”, and also the exhibition “Tourism, Environment, Handicrafts, and Indigenous Culture”.

In 2019, the 8th International Economic Forum welcomed 85 delegations from 22 countries. Seventeen international cooperation agreements were signed. The organizers expect that in 2021, using a combined offline-online format, it will be possible to maintain the circle of partners established over the years of the forum.

Among the organizers of the forum are Vitebsk City Hall and Minsk Oblast Executive Committee, Vitebsk Oblast Marketing Center, FEZ Vitebsk Administration, Vitebsk Office of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vitebsk Oblast Union of Employers.