The Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation and “Vitebsk” FEZ signed a cooperation agreement

Igor Ishchenko, Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation, and Mikhail Skurat, head of the “Vitebsk” free economic zone (FEZ) administration, signed a cooperation agreement. The document was signed during the 12th Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions held in Nizhny Novgorod on June 26-27. This agreement marks the Development Corporation's first partnership with foreign special economic zones.

The agreement establishes a framework for promoting joint investment projects in both the Republic of Belarus and the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

“Belarus remains one of Nizhny Novgorod Region's key economic partners, with numerous collaborative projects already underway in our region. Today's agreement will formalize these relations while expanding our cooperative potential in investment attraction,” stated Igor Ishchenko.

The Development Corporation and “Vitebsk” FEZ will also coordinate joint events to familiarize potential investors with business conditions and economic opportunities in both territories.

“For our residents, the Russian Federation represents the primary business partner. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, “Vitebsk” FEZ enterprises recorded $250 million in trade turnover with Russian partners, demonstrating 115.7% growth. The Nizhny Novgorod Region leads multiple sectors of Russia's economy and naturally generates substantial interest among “Vitebsk” FEZ resident organizations. We must actively pursue import substitution and industrial cooperation – priorities in today's rapidly evolving global landscape,” emphasized Mikhail Skurat.

Previously, the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation signed cooperation agreements with the development agencies of Saratov and Murmansk Regions.

JSC “Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation” was established by Governor Gleb Nikitin. The organization supports projects through all implementation phases – from providing regional information and potential support measures to site inspections and commissioning – while coordinating with executive authorities, local governments, natural monopolies, and other entities. Currently, the Corporation oversees 300+ projects totaling over 320 billion rubles in investments.