More than 20 countries send delegations to first Nizhny Novgorod Economic Forum
The main theme of the plenary session will be international cooperation between regions
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Photo source: Dragos Condrea / iStock
The first Nizhny Novgorod Economic Forum (NNEF) will take place in Nizhny Novgorod (Russia) on 22 October 2026. The city will welcome government officials, business leaders and diplomats from more than 20 countries, including China, India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Brazil, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Africa, and Europe.
Participants will discuss opportunities for entering foreign markets, attracting investment and launching joint projects. The TV BRICS International Media Network is the event’s international media partner.
The main event will be the plenary session entitled "Developing International Cooperation at the Confluence of the Oka and the Volga". Representatives from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nizhny Novgorod Region government and the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Russia are expected to attend. Experts will explain how regions can attract investors and raise the profile of their enterprises abroad.
"The Nizhny Novgorod Region trades with almost 100 countries worldwide. In 2025, the region’s exports grew by 5.8 per cent. We help enterprises enter new markets, organise business missions and facilitate contracts. The NNEF will be a continuation of this work – a meeting place for our companies to engage with Russian and foreign partners to discuss new projects," said Gleb Nikitin, Governor of the region.
Participants will discuss international cooperation within the CIS, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), including production links, international payments and logistics. Practical issues relating to foreign trade will be addressed at a dedicated session of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation (CCI).
Separate sessions will be devoted to medical tourism, cooperation in education, staff training and youth initiatives. Experts will examine inter-regional projects and the promotion of creative industries abroad.
"International cooperation should not be the preserve of capital cities. [...] We are organising the NEF so that every region can showcase its potential, present projects and meet directly with representatives of foreign businesses," emphasised Dmitry Starostin, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region and Chairman of the NNEF Organising Committee.
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