Brest Oblast Governor Piotr Parkhomchik
BREST, 28 April (BelTA) – The international business contact forum “First region:Territory of success” kicked off in Brest on 28 April. Its goals are to strengthen relations with existing partners, find new ones, and build closer ties with distant countries and Africa, Brest Oblast Governor Piotr Parkhomchik told BelTA.
“We have high expectations for this forum. We are performing well in exports. We see growth both in distant countries and Africa. But we are not stopping there: we want to identify new reference points for future growth,” Piotr Parkhomchik said.
The forum’s business program covers key sectors of the economy and social development. More than 100 representatives from various countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe are taking part, including officials, business leaders, and diplomats.
“We have strong relations with Zimbabwe. A large delegation has arrived [at the forum]. We need to make our channels with African countries systematic. Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria: certain contracts are being worked out, and our products will be supplied. African countries are cautious; they do not make quick moves. With Africa, you need iron patience and a desire to become a permanent supplier,” the governor noted. Over the past five years, Brest Oblast’s exports to African countries have grown by 41.5%, and in 2025 alone by 34%. This year, growth rates have multiplied.
“We also have representatives of European countries with whom we will discuss our cooperation. It is a very important signal that they are coming to us, negotiating, and ready to accept our products,” Piotr Parkhomchik emphasized.
Tourism is one of the key focus areas of the forum. “We are ready to offer excellent conditions for recreation, and visitors can get to know the life, culture, and traditions of Brest Oblast. We have iconic sites such as Belovezhskaya Pushcha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the legendary Brest Hero Fortress memorial. We expect the number of tourists to grow. Although we see an increase every year, we aim to expand the flow from different countries,” he said.
The international business contact forum is taking place in Brest on 28-29 April. The program includes presentations, discussions on cooperation strategies, and the signing of agreements and contracts. Participants will be divided into groups to work in thematic sections. The first section focuses on industry, foreign trade, and logistics, including presentations on the potential of Brest, Baranovichi, Pinsk, the Brest Free Economic Zone, and the region’s logistics capabilities. The second section is dedicated to tourism, and the third to healthcare, education, science, and sports. A contact and cooperation exchange will allow participants to hold targeted bilateral meetings. Off-site events and visits to thematic exhibitions are also planned.
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