Belarusian Economy Ministry Highlights Digital Transformation Benefits at Industrial Forum

Ministry Emphasizes Digital Development at Key Forum

The Belarusian Economy Ministry has highlighted the substantial benefits of integrating digital development elements within enterprises. This crucial message was delivered by Ivan Vezhnovets, Belarusian First Deputy Economy Minister, on the sidelines of the Belarusian Industrial and Innovation Forum, which is taking place from September 23 to September 25, 2025, at the Football Manege Sports Complex in Minsk, Belarus.

Vezhnovets stated that the introduction of digital development elements by organizations is 'exceedingly beneficial'. He elaborated that companies that have embraced these digital advancements have 'recouped their investments with interest'. The First Deputy Minister pointed to the tangible outcomes, including the 'optimization of business processes' and the introduction of 'new directions being introduced in management'. He also stressed the growing importance of 'artificial intelligence' in manufacturing, particularly for establishing business chains and processing large volumes of data, which he noted would be impossible without automated and computer-aided systems.

Forum Gathers International Participants for Innovation Dialogue

The Belarusian Industrial and Innovation Forum, an event with a history dating back to 1997, serves as an international platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration. This year's forum is particularly focused on the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector, a topic Vezhnovets described as central to today's agenda. The event has attracted a diverse range of participants, with over 103 companies taking part. Notably, one-third of these companies are from Russia, and four are from China, indicating a strong international interest in Belarus's industrial and innovation landscape.

Belarus's Broader Digital Ambitions

The Ministry's emphasis on digital development aligns with Belarus's broader national strategy for technological advancement. The country has implemented the State Program 'Digital Development of Belarus' for 2021-2025, aiming to integrate advanced information technologies across its economy and society. Earlier statements from Economy Minister Yuri Chebotar at a different forum underscored the potential of digitalization to add '50-60% to economic growth'. Furthermore, Belarus has set ambitious goals in automation, aiming to increase the number of industrial robots from the current 4-6 per 10,000 workers to 150 robots per 10,000 workers within the next decade. The nation has also been a pioneer in creating conditions for the development of cryptocurrencies and the use of digital tokens in the civilian sector, legalizing smart contracts in 2017.

Driving Economic Growth Through Technology

The discussions at the Belarusian Industrial and Innovation Forum reinforce the government's commitment to leveraging digital technologies as a primary driver for economic growth and industrial modernization. By promoting the adoption of digital elements, artificial intelligence, and advanced automation, Belarus aims to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of its enterprises on both national and international stages. The forum serves as a critical venue for exchanging expertise and forging partnerships to achieve these strategic objectives.