VIDEO REPORTS
III Free Belarus Business Award ceremony
On September 20, 2024, the awarding ceremony of the III Free Belarus Business Award contest for Belarusian businesses abroad took place in Warsaw. At the gala evening, the best representatives of business were recognized in the nominations: Eco Business and Business Lady. The winner in the Eco Business category was GlaBus, which develops environmentally friendly technologies and materials for road construction. In the Business Lady nomination, the SHESAIDLYN company, which specializes in the production of natural body cosmetics based on oils and perfumes, received the award.
VII Belarusian Business Forum in Europe
VII Belarusian Business Forum in Europe, held on September 20, 2024 in Warsaw, became a day of new ideas, useful contacts and discussion of topical topics for business abroad. Speakers and experts from various fields shared knowledge about financial opportunities for entrepreneurs, the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for sales and promotion. The forum also marked the 3rd anniversary of ABBA, which supports Belarusian business abroad. The main topics were cooperation with the state structures of European countries and the USA, digital transformation and expansion of international partnership. The forum emphasized that ABVA remains a reliable partner for business, offering Belarusian entrepreneurs financial support and tools for growth.
35th Congress of Belarusians of North America
At the 35th Congress of Belarusians of North America, a business panel was held for the first time with the support of ABBA, which brought together Belarusian entrepreneurs from Europe and Canada. The main topics of the discussion were how Belarusians, being abroad, were able to build their business, overcome their fears and find a direction for development. Special attention was paid to the idea of creating a solid institution of united Belarusian business and expanding cooperation at the international level. During the meeting, the role of business in the strategic dialogue between the USA, Canada and Belarus was discussed. The convention was held in Toronto in the hall of GVA Lighting, a company founded by Belarusian businessman Uladzimir Grigoryk.
Meeting with the leadership of the Polish Chamber of Commerce
During a working visit to Poland, Sviatlana Tsikhanowska held a meeting with the leadership of the Polish Chamber of Commerce, the largest business organization in the country, which unites about 300,000 enterprises. The Polish Chamber already cooperates with ABBA and will continue to support Belarusian business in Poland. The following agreements were reached at the meeting: Combating discrimination against Belarusians and businesses with Belarusian roots in Poland, including the banking sector. Signing of a tripartite letter by Sviatlana Tsikhanowska, ABBA and the Polish Chamber of Commerce to the Polish financial authorities. Organization of a meeting to solve the problems of Belarusians with opening and maintaining bank accounts. Protection of the interests of Belarusian business through cooperation with the Polish authorities and the media. Assistance in joining ABBA to the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry instead of the pro-Lukashenka Chamber of Commerce.
III Belarusian Business Forum in Vilnius
ABBA held the III Belarusian Business Forum in Vilnius, which gathered more than 100 participants, including Lithuanian parliamentarians, representatives of ministries, lawyers and financing experts. The main topics of the forum covered migration policy, business development in Lithuania, the search for financing, as well as the place of Belarus in regional trade blocs. At the forum, an agreement on cooperation between ABBA and the Lithuanian Confederation of Employers was signed. The participants discussed the importance of adapting Belarusians to the requirements of Lithuanian legislation and alternative sources of financing, such as fintech platforms. Lithuania also expressed its readiness to cooperate with Belarus within the framework of regional initiatives after holding democratic elections.
Great Christmas Networking
On December 21, 2023, the Great Christmas Meeting of ABBA friends and partners took place in Warsaw, where the results of the year for the Belarusian business diaspora abroad were summarized and plans for the next year were laid out. For the first time, Belarusian initiatives, including ABBA, BYSOL Solidarity Fund, the Council of Culture and the House of Creators, gathered at one place. The event included a charity auction to support children of political prisoners and repressed cultural figures, during which about 4,000 euros were collected. In addition, the participants made donations worth more than 2,000 euros in support of political prisoners.
