subscribe to news Sergey Selivanov spoke at Investment Congress in Suzdal

The 6^th Vladimir Investment Congress has opened in the city of Suzdal, Vladimir region. This year's topic is Industry 4.0. Tourism, International Partnership.

The two-day forum brings together representatives of federal and regional authorities, development institutions, foreign delegations, and entrepreneurs. There are plenary sessions, meetings, panels, and B2B exchange. In addition, there is a trade show that represents various sectors of the economy of the Vladimir region: industry, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food industry, tourism, folk and artistic crafts, and gastronomy.

Sergey Selivanov, Deputy General Director at EXPOCENTRE, took part in the Plenary Session on Industry 4.0: Key Factors of Regional Competitiveness. His presentation was titled ‘The role of B2B trade shows in promoting regional business.’

“Despite today's rapid growth of e-commerce, both retail and wholesale, the traditional form of product demonstration through trade shows remains relevant and in demand, as customers increasingly prefer to familiarise themselves with the product in its natural form, want to feel it and see it in action. Therefore, trade shows are a time-tested effective marketing tool that facilitates the promotion of goods and services on the Russian and foreign markets,” said Sergey Selivanov.

“As for the formats of participation in trade shows, we believe that the most effective for SMEs is a regional group stand or pavilion organised with the financial support of the region,” continued Sergey Selivanov. “Participation in trade shows is not a cost, but an investment in business development and increasing the competitiveness of the region. Every ruble invested by the company and the region in participation is returned many times in the form of new contracts, new market knowledge, new partnerships, and new investments in the region. We want to ensure that as many Russian enterprises as possible, especially small and medium-sized businesses, use this tool. The potential is huge. Currently, only one in five companies participates in trade shows, and many more could participate with proper motivation and support.”

Sergey Selivanov also had a working meeting with Aleksandr Avdeev, Governor of the Vladimir Region. The parties discussed the implementation of the four-party cooperation agreement between the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Government of the Vladimir Region, EXPOCENTRE, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Vladimir Region, and the prospects for the participation of the Vladimir region companies in trade shows of EXPOCENTRE in 2026.

Press Service, EXPOCENTRE AO