The Minsk Days in Ekaterinburg: Business and Culture Strengthen Partnership

Sergey Nabeshko, General Director of the Minsk Branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, participated in the large-scale event "The Minsk Days in Ekaterinburg" organized by the Minsk City Executive Committee with support fr om the Sverdlovsk Region administration. This event marked an important stage in the long-standing cooperation between the twin cities.

The Minsk Days began with a business forum wh ere the representatives of 11 Belarusian companies including Minsk Dairy Plant, Kommunarka Confectionery Factory, and Minsk Watch Plant discussed collaboration prospects with Ural colleagues. Eight agreements were signed during the forum, aimed at expanding the trade ties and implementing the joint projects in engineering, food industry, and innovative technologies.

The Minsk Branch of BelCCI and the Ural Chamber of Commerce signed a cooperation agreement outlining the initiatives for bilateral collaboration. As part of the speech, Sergey Nabeshko highlighted the role of Chambers in fostering Belarus-Russia business ties. "We see how the forum platform is becoming a driver for specific contracts. Already at the preparation stage, the delegations discussed the projects that will yield results in the near future", emphasized the General Director of BelCCI.

The Minsk Watch Plant is of a particular interest as it is to create a limited edition watch collection dedicated to Ekaterinburg. Their production is to increase to 10,000 units per month which will strengthen the Plant’s position in the Russian market.

Along with the business programme, a Belarusian product Exhibition-Fair was held at the Mega shopping center where such national delicacies as ice cream, Kommunarka candies, meat, and dairy products were presented.

This is already the second Belarusian event held at this venue. In 2023, to present Belarus as a partner country in the INNOPROM Exhibition the Festival-Fair “From the Bottom of Our Hearts” was organized by the Minsk Branch of BelCCI as well.

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“From the Bottom of Our Hearts” is more than just a fair. It is a festival of Belarusian culture and products, presented through sections such as “Belarus TASTY,” “Belarus BEAUTIFUL,” “Belarus SPORTY,” “Belarus INTERESTING,” and “Belarus FOR CHILDREN.”

The participants presented food products (meat and dairy, confectionery, and baked goods), cosmetics, light industry goods, watches, and tableware. The “Bellegprom” Concern organized the sales of leather goods, footwear, and business attire.

The visitors could sample Belarusian cuisine, watch Belarusian films, and participate in the free workshops on dancing, as well as learn the basics of basket weaving and other traditional crafts.

The guests were delighted to see the performances of such creative groups as "Bely Ptakh", "Verbitsa", "Cantabile". The dance shows of BELARUS tractors from MTZ OAO were a particular highlight.

The tourism sector was also presented. The Ekaterinburg residents were offered the tours to Minsk, Brest and Gordon on a separate platform. Moreover, the folk ensemble "Kupalinka" and the Belarusian academic dance group provided a bright concert programme.

"The decades of partnership have proved that such forums are more than just meetings, it’s a start for real projects. I am sure that the signed agreements will give the new opportunities for our regions", noted Vladimir Kukharev, Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee.

Alexei Kuznetsov, Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region, added that the cooperation with Belarus covers the key economic sectors, and the success has been achieved thanks to the joint efforts of business and the state.

This collaboration will continue at the INNOPROM. Belarus exhibition in Minsk in autumn 2025. During this event the Ural companies will showcase their innovations. Before that, a Belarusian delegation will participate in the INNOPROM exhibition in Ekaterinburg in the period from July 7 – 10. 

"The Minsk Days in Ekaterinburg” not only strengthened the economic ties but also highlighted the cultural proximity of the two nations, proving that twinning is a dynamic process full of mutual interest and trust.